Book Description

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.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Commissioning-Benefits-Settings – system/plant user
3 System risk management-Intelligent systems-Interaction with other software-Obsolescence-Supply chain
4 Preventative maintenance-Sensor drift – replacement/calibration
5 Staff awareness and training-Implementation-Reviewing and communicating-Maintaining awareness
6 Strategic issues-Change of use-Changes of occupancy density-Technology changes-Working patterns-Value of BEMS as a tool6 Conclusion
7 References

A4, 12pp, 1 photo, 6 line drawings