Educating users
Ian Ellis of Siemens explains how a new report from BRE can support those championing the use of building controls for energy efficiency.
The quest for greater energy efficiency in our buildings often comes up against two familiar barriers — a lack of understanding of the technology available and a perceived lack of resource. However, a new report aims to educate the market about the benefits of building controls, and to show just how cost-effective they can be.
The new information paper published by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), ‘Understanding the choices for building controls (IP1/14)’, sets out the case in a clear and concise way that tackles the perceived intricacies of building controls and BEMS.
The report aims to support ‘those working to identify energy waste and advise on energy-saving measures and programmes. It is specifically aimed at clients and building occupants so that they can specify systems that are fit-for-purpose’.
The 16-page document, produced with the support of the Energy Services Technology Association (ESTA) and Siemens Building Technologies, provides simple explanations of the different control systems available. It also offers guidance on where and why each system can, and should, be used along with advice on how to apply the technology to achieve an optimum solution.
The paper’s opening section introduces the type of controls in the marketplace. It also highlights the importance of BS EN 15232 ‘Energy performance of buildings – Impact of building automation, controls and building management’ in illustrating to clients and occupants how much energy and money can be saved with different types of building control technologies.
This point is one of the most important. BS EN 15232 is a powerful argument in the resourcing issue for building controls. By clearly establishing levels of control and showing how much energy can be saved at each level, the standard can be used to calculate payback periods for investment. Part L (2013) also includes this standard in its Non-Domestic Compliance Guide, recommending a minimum of level C for controls in today’s commercial buildings.
The cost-effectiveness of controls is further underlined in the BRE report with the use of a case study in which Cardiff Council achieved 28% energy savings in 2012, having installed a BEMS from Siemens across its 90 sites.
The second section of the information paper deals with the specification of BEMS and the relevant parts of the Building Regulations; there is also a guide on the basic requirements of Parts L2A and B. The section also highlights the advantages of installing energy-saving equipment under the Enhanced Capital Allowance, which provides a 100% first-year allowance for products on the Energy Technology List.
Part four of the document explains the importance of a good servicing strategy based on the operational characteristics of a building, with typical occupancy patterns again provided by BS EN 15232. It also covers the discussion on programmable versus pre-programmed BEMS, coming down on the side of a programmable system that enables a much higher degree of flexibility than its pre-programmed counterpart.
‘Ease of programming and recent reductions in cost have expanded applications into the market served by local pre-programmed controllers (e.g. small plant rooms), so these programmable BEMS can be applied to all applications regardless of size,’ says BRE.
This clearly expands the options for a client who may have harboured pre-conceived notions that certain control systems were only suited to large-scale applications. In fact, today’s leading BEMSs can be tailored to suit a wide range of projects, regardless of their size.
This report is an intelligent guide to commissioning, future-proofing and management reporting. Its recommendation for a programmable BEMS supports the case for manufacturers striving for flexible, all-encompassing systems that can work alongside other systems and provide the user with the information required to take full advantage of untapped savings in a building’s energy use.
Alan Aldridge, former executive director of ESTA says: ‘The control of energy in buildings is generally poor, despite the availability of a range of tried-and-tested systems incorporating both mature and innovative technologies. This paper will help clients and occupiers better understand controls solutions and help them select an appropriate controls strategy that will save energy.’
Copies of ‘IP 1/14 Understanding the Choices for Building Controls’ is available to order or download from the first link below.
Ian Ellis is UK marketing manager for Siemens Building Technologies.
