IHS BRE Press Operating Bems IP2/14

This Information Paper provides practical guidance for building users, facilities companies and engineering services providers on how to operate building energy management systems effectively and thereby realise potential energy savings. Author: Andy Lewry Publish Date: 2/7/2014 ISBN: 978-1-84806-360-0 Abstract: Building energy management systems (BEMS) are often an integral part of a wider building management system (BMS), their purpose being to optimise the building's energy use. These systems are commonplace in larger buildings and are rapidly becoming standard. This has also been recognised by the industry, culminating in the publication of BS EN 15232:2012 (Energy performance of buildings – Impact of building automation, controls and building management). This European Standard is aimed at the design of the system and not at how to maintain and operate it. The impact, in practical terms, is that the design of such systems is generally very good and commissioning is acceptable. However, the understanding and operation of such systems at the user level is generally poor. As a result, the need to maintain these systems to realise the ongoing saving potential is not generally recognised by the end-user and/or the engineering services provider, which often means the systems are not maintained to the level required. In addition, the settings are not reconsidered and revised when significant changes occur to either the building or how it is used. There is therefore a need to provide practical advice to building users on how to operate these systems effectively and thereby realise potential energy savings.