Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)

A Building Energy Management System consists of one or more self-contained computer based 'outstations' which use software to control energy consuming plant and equipment, and which can monitor and report on the plant's performance. These outstations have the ability to be linked together in a modular fashion by a network, and can communicate with each other and with an optional central operator's terminal, which is often a conventional Personal Computer (PC). BEMS provide control by using software logic and are re-programmable, whereas older controllers of the electrical or electro-mechanical type relied on purpose built hardware which required hardware changes to change their characteristics or abilities.

Building Energy Management Systems are also referred to by various other names including:

• Energy Management System
• Building Management System

BEMS can be expected to save 20%, and occasionally more, of the energy consumption of the plant being controlled. Savings can be expected to recur year after year, leading to improved competitiveness in the market and therefore higher profits

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has produced two Building Energy Management case studies:
Case Study 1 - Building Energy Management Systems at Stratus Computers
Case Study 2 - Building Energy Management Systems at UCD Belfield