Revolutionary Impact of BMS on Smart Building Operations

A major driver of the revolutionising concept of smart buildings and communities can be traced back to the invention of the Building Management System (BMS) in the 1970s. During this period Commercial Real Estate (CRE) saw the introduction of analog systems to monitor and control HVAC systems, lighting and other building operations. 

By the late 80’s and early 90’s, BMS began to incorporate digital technology to centralise control and monitoring of multiple building systems. With the rise of Information Technology (IT), BMS began to seamlessly integrate with other building systems, improving data collection and analysis.

2000’s saw the advent of Smart BMS. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) which enabled communication between various sensors and devices, and Cloud Computing that helped building and facilities managers to access these control systems from anywhere, a big revolution had already begun in the world of CRE.

Until the late 2000s, BMS systems were primarily reactive in their modelling. However, modern Smart BMS has evolved, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to predict maintenance needs, optimise energy usage, and enhance overall building efficiency.

A BMS is an integrated technology that is used to monitor, manage and control various mechanical, electrical and electromechanical services within a building. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), lighting, power systems, fire systems and security are the major services managed by a BMS system. A typical BMS system comprises –

It is estimated that a whopping 40% of the world’s energy consumption comes from buildings. With the rising energy costs and some tough building regulations and climate targets imposed, the onus now lies on all the CRE owners to manage their building portfolios efficiently. Here lies the importance and relevance of modern BMS.

The primary goal of a BMS is to ensure the building operates efficiently, maintains a comfortable environment, reduces energy consumption, and improves overall building performance. BMS with its centralised control of all systems allows easy monitoring and management. With detailed reports on energy usage, system performance and other key metrics allows for informed decision-making to finetune efficiency and performance.

A BMS also plays a crucial role in enhancing building security by enabling access control, surveillance, alarm systems, intrusion detection etc. BMS often integrates with other security systems, like fire suppression and emergency lighting, ensuring coordinated responses during emergencies.

The foundation of an efficient modern smart BMS is Data. Data-driven decision-making using predictive modelling allows for proactive maintenance that prevents breakdown and extends equipment life. By using data from sensors, the BMS adjusts heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation in real-time to reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort. One such real-time example is Rensair’s Smart Demand Controlled Ventilation(SDCV) technology. While 40% of the world’s energy consumption comes from buildings, 40% of a building’s energy consumption is through ventilation.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are designed to control indoor temperature and humidity by supplying conditioned air to a building’s occupied spaces. While traditional HVAC systems can be effective at maintaining comfortable indoor conditions, they can be energy-intensive and inefficient if not properly maintained or designed. SDCV optimises the ventilation mix in a building by:

Mechanical ventilation consumes a large amount of energy to condition the air drawn into a room to the right temperature (heated or cooled) and to the correct humidity level. Rensair, on the other hand, simply cleans the air that is already in a room – no conditioning is required.

Rensair air purification delivers one cubic metre of air for 9 times less energy than what it costs through a traditional HVAC system. This means Rensair’s SDCV can deliver at least 40% savings on building ventilation energy costs.

BMS intelligently manages heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems based on real-time data from sensors. This reduces waste, lowers energy bills and decreases a building’s carbon footprint making the buildings more sustainable.

Various renewable energy sources like solar energy and wind turbines can be integrated to modern BMS. The BMS helps in the distribution of renewable energy thereby reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and other conventional energy sources.

BMS helps optimise a building’s energy efficiency and reduce their carbon emissions. By reducing building operational expenses, it helps an organisation decrease Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions paving the way for organisations to achieve their Net Zero targets.

Building Management Systems (BMS) have evolved from basic control systems to sophisticated, data-driven solutions that are integral to the efficiency and sustainability of modern buildings. By intelligently managing HVAC, lighting, and security, BMS not only enhances comfort and safety but also significantly reduces energy consumption and operational costs. As we face increasing energy demands and stricter climate regulations, BMS plays a crucial role in helping buildings achieve sustainability goals and support organisations in reaching their Net Zero targets.