Democratizing Building Automation: Unlocking the Power of Building Management Software for All

With growing awareness around sustainability and increasing energy costs on top, BMS is becoming essential for buildings of all sizes. Changing regulatory landscapes, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in the EU, are also driving owners towards mandatory usage of these systems, also in smaller commercial real estate.

While many large buildings – including airports, hospitals, university campuses, and office complexes—have already invested in BMS, most small and medium-sized assets lack such software. Despite buildings consuming a substantial 40% of global energy, it is surprising that smaller ones still lack fundamental software for building operations. BMS is a key driver for efficient building management and should not be restricted to large real estate only. Therefore, it is time to democratize BMS and make it accessible for all types.

Knowledge is Power: How BMS Increases Transparency

Imagine driving a car without a speedometer or fuel consumption display—you would need to fill up daily to ensure you have enough fuel to get home, without any indication of how much is actually being used. This lack of transparency is all too common in most commercial buildings today.

BMS provides crucial data on building performance, increasing transparency. For instance, building managers of HVAC can be notified of system faults before they escalate, allowing for timely maintenance and ensuring smoother operations.

Additionally, buildings without BMS are at risk of energy inefficiency, which results in high energy costs. For instance, in winter, a room temperature of 21.5 degrees C. might be comfortable but lowering it to 20 degrees could result in significant energy and cost savings. Such conscious decisions, however, require data transparency. In fact, the main drivers for energy inefficiency in buildings are obvious ones and easy to fix. For example, simultaneously running heating and cooling equipment, or leaving windows open while the heating is on. Here are the key advantages of democratizing BMS.

1. Increased Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

By monitoring, managing, and optimizing energy consumption in small and medium-sized buildings, BMS significantly reduces resource wastage and allows for better usage of renewable energy sources. This benefits the environment and leads to substantial energy cost savings. If more buildings can optimize their energy usage, there is immense potential for reducing overall carbon emissions, contributing to sustainability goals.

2. Lower Maintenance and Equipment Costs

Automated systems streamline building management, reducing the need for constant manual oversight. This translates to lower labor costs and fewer on-site visits. BMS also enables predictive maintenance by utilizing historical and real-time data and alerts about equipment performance. Identifying issues before they become major problems helps to avoid costly repairs, unexpected downtime, and may reduce maintenance cycles. All this can support owners and facility managers with their investment management.

3. Improved Building Performance and Compliance

Democratizing BMS ensures that buildings of all sizes can achieve higher performance standards. Optimized systems lead to better indoor air quality, consistent temperature regulation, and improved comfort for occupants. They also help small and medium-sized buildings comply with energy efficiency regulations and standards more easily. This not only reduces compliance costs but can also provide additional financial benefits.

BMS for Everyone

Implementing simplified BMS that is easy to engineer and operate in every building is a crucial step in reducing carbon emissions and minimizing resource consumption. Additionally, building owners benefit from lower operating costs and improved standards. Democratizing BMS ensures that the advantages of building automation are accessible to all, fostering a future where efficiency and sustainability are the norms across the real estate industry.