What are the most effective FM technology tools for energy management?

Smart meters, like smart thermostats, occupancy sensors or even smart lighting systems, they not only help in energy management but also the business bottom line.

Les outils FM les plus efficaces pour la gestion de l'énergie sont ceux qui permettent de collecter, analyser et visualiser les données énergétiques. Les compteurs d'énergie mesurent la consommation d'énergie des bâtiments et des installations. Les systèmes de gestion de l'énergie (SGE) collectent et analysent les données énergétiques des compteurs. Les outils d'analyse des données permettent de visualiser les données énergétiques et d'identifier les opportunités d'économies d'énergie. Ces outils permettent aux gestionnaires d'actifs de mieux comprendre leur consommation d'énergie, d'identifier les sources de gaspillage et de mettre en place des actions correctives.

Smart meters dont tell you anything about what influences demand for energy and the energy efficiency of buildings. They simply tell you what is being spent in real time. We spend most of our time advising domestic and commercial clients on the factors that cause demand increases including heating, ventilation and insulation inefficiencies. This highly specialised discipline is lost on the vast majority of Trade Contractors, FM firms, Specifiers, Consultants and Installers as it requires deep experience in successfully retrofitting a building to achieve these outcomes. Our solutions routinely reduce the carbon footprint in buildings whilst improving all IAQ/IEQ metrics resulting in improved productivity, health and wellbeing for occupants.

Smart meters represent a pivotal innovation in tracking real-time consumption of electricity, gas, or water within a premise. These devices facilitate seamless communication with central systems or cloud platforms, empowering property managers to scrutinize energy usage effectively. By analyzing data, managers can detect irregularities, enhance efficiency, and furnish precise bills for occupants. Furthermore, smart meters usher in the potential for dynamic pricing, demand response, and load balancing. Leveraging these capabilities not only curtails energy expenses but also fortifies grid stability, marking a significant stride toward sustainable and cost-effective energy management.

Some smart meters allow remote monitoring and control of energy usage. Users can access information and adjust settings via mobile apps or online platforms, providing greater control over energy use even when away from the property. meaning it is more cost effective for the property owner, guests don't always like this, but it is a start in educating them that they may be away from home and not directly paying for the usage but they need to use it efficiently. On the plus side for the guest, maintaining optimal energy conditions can contribute to a more comfortable and pleasant stay for guests. For example, adjusting heating or cooling settings remotely based on guest arrival times ensures a cosy environment upon their arrival.

Building automation systems are the latest trends. They are the perfect tool to control and give security to all the systems pertaining public offices and property buildings. As a facility manager always be updated with the recent technology but mostly take care of these instruments because never underestimate the power and the discrepancies that can lead to failure.

Mas nem sempre é um trabalho fácil! Os facility managers precisam de se manter atualizados sobre as últimas tendências do setor e sobre as melhores práticas e tecnologias, para garantir que tudo acontece sem problemas. É preciso estar atento a aspetos como manutenção, segurança, gestão de energia, planeamento do espaço e sustentabilidade. Com tudo isto sob a sua responsabilidade, é essencial que o facility manager se mantenha informado e disponha de ferramentas e estratégias corretas a seu favor.

Energy Management Systems (EMS) tools provide real-time monitoring, control, and analysis of energy consumption within a facility. Examples include Siemens Desigo CC and Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Building Operation. Building Automation Systems (BAS) integrates various building systems to enhance energy efficiency. Platforms like Johnson Controls' Metasys and Honeywell's Enterprise Buildings Integrator facilitate centralised control over HVAC, lighting, and other energy-consuming systems.

BAS systems or a more energy focused system like Aquicore. Also understanding how your building works. I think are some of the best tools you can have to manage building energy. A system like Aquicore that will compare data and show you where and what you can do to improve energy consumption are very helpful when it comes to manage your building.

Automation in building is the best approach to managing effective use of all components and to deliver optimal performance.

Mas nem sempre é um trabalho fácil! Os facility managers precisam de se manter atualizados sobre as últimas tendências do setor e sobre as melhores práticas e tecnologias, para garantir que tudo acontece sem problemas. É preciso estar atento a aspetos como manutenção, segurança, gestão de energia, planeamento do espaço e sustentabilidade. Com tudo isto sob a sua responsabilidade, é essencial que o facility manager se mantenha informado e disponha de ferramentas e estratégias corretas a seu favor.

Energy Analytics Software are analytical tools that help interpret data to identify patterns, trends, and inefficiencies. Software like C3 AI Energy Management and EnergyCAP provides insights into energy consumption and performance.

It is important to note that these software applications also consume energy resources. Therefore, I firmly believe that it is incumbent upon the facility manager to implement effective measures for managing energy consumption, rather than exacerbating the energy load through the adoption of additional software or applications.

IoT runs 24/7: coupled with automation, there is vast gains in productivity. Enables higher value work to be done by manhours & monitoring and controls done more efficiently.

Wireless sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices that collect data on occupancy, temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. They enable precise control and automation of energy-consuming systems.

IoT Sensors and Devices - Internet of Things (IoT) sensors collect data on equipment performance and environmental conditions. For instance, temperature and occupancy sensors from companies like Airthinx and EnOcean contribute to a more granular understanding of energy usage. Demand Response Systems enable organisations to adjust their electricity usage during peak demand periods, contributing to cost savings. EnerNOC and AutoGrid are examples of demand response platforms.

IOT deployment in buildings has ensured users and managers track real time use/needs in delivering tailor-made solutions that guarantees sustainability.

Energy management becomes very easy when property managers utilizes IoT. Data gathering comes in real-time and are very reliable. Thus reducing decision making time for the property managers while helping them to optimize energy management.

La IA es una herramienta que puede facilitar y hacer mucho más sencilla la gestión de procesos y la obtención de información. Como cualquier herramienta, debe ser adecuadamente utilizada. En la administración de condominios y el sector inmobiliario en general, puede generar eficiencias en distintos ámbitos y en especial en la gestión de energía.

Introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into real estate management presents a promising opportunity. However, as property managers, it remains paramount to comprehend the market dynamics and tenants' consumption behaviors within estates. Often, tenants develop inefficient usage habits when they perceive themselves shielded from the direct impact of excessive energy consumption through billing. While AI can analyze consumption patterns, it may overlook crucial factors such as the human behavioral tendencies that drive overconsumption. Therefore, adjustments must be implemented through meticulous monitoring of estate premises and proactive maintenance initiatives.

All of the things mentioned are fantastic technology tools but they are only that, tools. Without the ability and insight to interpret the information and act on the data supplied they will not aid in reducing energy consumption. They can help in identifying the largest areas of consumption and possible methods of reduction but without the ability of the FM to interpret and explain to their organisation and get the relevant buy in, they are just another box ticker. Too often we allow ourselves to be sold on the technology and not understand what to do with the information it is giving us. FMs need the education, support and foresight to act on the data.

The insights from Stewart resonate and are more important to me than any of the existing or emerging enablers for better building energy management. If owners, operators and occupiers dont understand their collective responsibilities or lack agency then why spend time or money on meters, BAS, EMS, IoT or AI? I see heat networks on auto pilot, flow rates dialled up so consumers don't complain but return temps killing off any chance of efficiency. Its essential to challenge stakeholders from the top, down and across making and then remaking the business case of 'why?' 'who' and 'what' before detailing the energy data or how to get it. My focus for is using good data wisely to make good operational & capital investments decisions.

Energy Management Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), energy-efficient lighting systems, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient HVAC systems are effective facility management technologies that can reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and enhance sustainability. These tools help monitor and control energy-consuming devices, optimize heating, ventilation, lighting, and other systems, and adjust temperature settings accordingly.By using these effective facility management technology tools, facility managers can optimize energy consumption, reduce energy costs, and improve the overall sustainability of their facilities.

From experience Smart Meters have a huge benefit in energy management. In practice meters to monitor the usage of energy in a property with multiple tenants makes it easier to allocate the cost of energy to specific tenants. It also makes the tenants become responsible and ensure effective use of the energy resources provided. This makes a big serving on both the Landlord and Tenant.

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems - Upgrading HVAC systems with energy-efficient technology, such as variable frequency drives (VFDs) and smart thermostats, can significantly reduce energy consumption. Trane and Carrier offer advanced HVAC solutions. Renewable Energy Integration i.e., Tools that facilitate the incorporation of renewable energy sources, like solar panels and wind turbines, into a facility's energy mix. SolarEdge and WindESCo are examples of companies providing solutions for renewable energy integration. Energy Monitoring and Metering Devices: Tools like Fluke Energy Analysers and Schneider Electric PowerLogic meters enable precise measurement and monitoring of energy usage, aiding in identifying areas for improvement.