Building Management Systems (BMS) and energy saving

In this blog, we examine Building Management Systems (BMS), their benefits and how they work in conjunction with MEP systems.

What is a BMS?

A Building Management System (BMS), also known as a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), is a computer-based system that monitors, manages, and optimises a building's systems to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and operational performance, while minimising energy consumption and costs. A BMS is a centralised system that integrates with various building systems like heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security, allowing for remote monitoring and control using sensors and controllers to gather data on energy usage and environmental conditions. This data is analysed to make intelligent decisions about energy usage, such as adjusting temperatures, dimming lights, or scheduling power usage.

What are the Benefits of BMS?

The benefits of implementing a BMS are:

Reduced energy consumption: By automating systems, BMS can significantly reduce energy waste and lower energy costs. The built environment is thought to be responsible for 30% of energy consumption globally.
Improved comfort: BMS can maintain optimal temperature and lighting conditions, enhancing the comfort of building occupants.
Enhanced operational performance: By monitoring and controlling various systems, BMS can help ensure that buildings operate efficiently and reliably.
Data-driven insights: BMS provides real-time data on energy usage and system performance, allowing building managers to make informed decisions and optimise operations.
Remote control and monitoring: BMS allows building managers to monitor and control systems remotely, making it easier to manage buildings and respond to issues quickly.

BMS vs. BEMS

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a BEMS specifically focuses on managing energy consumption and optimising energy efficiency, whereas a BMS encompasses a broader range of building systems and functions.

BMS & MEP Design

Here's brief overview of how they work together:

Optimised System Operation: BMS can intelligently control and automate various building systems like HVAC, lighting, and security, ensuring they operate efficiently and only when necessary. MEP engineers identify and incorporate control points (sensors, actuators, etc.) into the MEP systems, which are then used by the BMS to regulate and optimise their operations.
Real-time Monitoring and Data Analysis: MEP design ensures that HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems are designed with BMS integration in mind, these systems continuously monitor energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and provide data-driven insights to optimize energy usage.
Automation and Scheduling: By leveraging data from MEP systems, BMS can optimize energy usage, maintain optimal environmental conditions, and ensure the efficient operation of building systems. This allows BMS to automate tasks like setting temperatures, turning lights on/off, and adjusting ventilation based on occupancy, time of day, or other factors, reducing energy waste.
Fault Detection and Diagnostics: BMS can detect and alert building managers to potential issues or inefficiencies in building systems, allowing for timely maintenance, and preventing energy waste.
Predictive Maintenance: MEP and BMS can monitor the performance of building systems and predict when maintenance is needed, preventing costly breakdowns and optimising energy usage.

BMS plays a vital role in energy saving by optimising building operations, automating systems, and providing real-time monitoring, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower costs. Design of MEP systems is a crucial factor in the implementation of a BMS, as it provides the foundation for the systems that it controls and allowing the BMS to effectively monitor energy consumption, detect faults, and control lighting and other electrical devices. By optimising energy consumption, a well-designed MEP system coupled with BMS can lead to significant cost savings on utility bills and reduce overall operational expenses and improving building performance allowing for a more sustainable building.