Control systems to combat climate change

ONE OF the biggest challenges UK businesses face in 2024 is the management and ongoing need to reduce their energy consumption. As the UK advances toward its ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the role of building management services is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses committed to combating climate change.

With buildings accounting for a significant portion of the nation's energy consumption, companies are continuing to recognise the importance of sustainable practices and the critical role their facilities play in reducing carbon emissions.

One key area where businesses can make a substantial impact is through the implementation or upgrade of advanced HVAC systems and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS).

HVAC systems account for around 40% of a building's total energy usage. If the performance of these systems is optimised, companies can reduce their energy consumption by up to 30%. This makes it an obvious choice for businesses to install the latest, most efficient control systems available. An optimal BEMS can integrate various building systems including HVAC, lighting, and security to create a centralised platform for real time monitoring, data analysis, and control. The integration can aid the efficiency of the systems for energy use, reducing waste, and can therefore create more sustainable and efficient environments.

Smart sensors

By leveraging and analysing key data collated by these systems, companies can optimise their energy usage and reduce their outputs. Using integrated smart sensors to monitor temperature and humidity levels, advanced algorithms to optimise energy usage based on occupancy patterns and weather data, and integrating building systems, companies can drastically reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

While the initial investment in advanced HVAC and BEMS technologies can be substantial, the long-term savings in energy costs are significant. By optimising building automation and control of HVAC services through BEM companies can decarbonise their buildings and begin to redirect wasted energy into usable energy.

The UK government is currently allocating funds for major works to allow public sector buildings to benefit from sustainable upgrades. For instance, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which received £13,719,342 as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, used the funding to upgrade various buildings with new BEMS units, as well as improve lighting, pipework insulation, fans, air handling units, and transformers, CL Electrical Controls engineers installed the new panels that must comply with strict regulations regarding air quality, temperature.

These upgraded BEMS can automatically adjust heating and cooling settings based on occupancy and weather conditions, ensuring that energy is only used when necessary. The new systems are not only crucial for reducing energy consumption as well managing the stringent control of temperature, humidity, and air pressure to maintain a sterile environment, but also for meeting proposed future regulatory requirements, such as performance-based energy ratings that provide insights into a building's energy use and trajectory toward becoming net zero compliant.

Fundamental steps

Businesses must now take an effective approach to energy management. By adopting advanced HVAC and BEMS controls, continuously optimising their performance and ensuring that they work alongside one another, companies can take the fundamental steps that become essential components in reducing energy consumption

In the journey to Net Zero, the integration of HVAC and BEMS systems is not just beneficial – it is essential. By continuously reviewing goals, monitoring performance, optimising control systems and communicating successes, businesses can achieve sustainable energy savings and operational efficiency. As the UK continues to push for sustainability, companies that adopt these advanced technologies will lead the way in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, ultimately contributing to greener and more sustainable future.

Leanne Woodruff is marketing and sales lead at CL Electrical Controls

www.clelec.group