Energy management for buildings: tips and best practices

What is energy management? 

Energy management means monitoring, analysing and optimising the energy consumption of a building. The goal is to reduce operating costs, eliminate energy waste and remain compliant with legislation. This process can be supported with energy audits: systematic assessments of how an organisation uses energy and where improvements can be made. Effective energy management involves continuously working towards more energy-efficient building operations, identifying and implementing opportunities for savings on an ongoing basis. 

Commonly used and highly effective energy management tools include smart meters, automated ventilation or lighting systems, and the analysis of consumption data through energy monitoring dashboards. These types of tools typically have a payback period of just one year and can deliver energy savings of 21 percent for schools and 33 percent for office buildings (source: RVO). 

Environmental management: ISO 14001 

Energy management can also form part of a broader environmental management system. Organisations use these systems to manage environmental risks, improve sustainability performance and optimise business processes. ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management. 

What is an energy management system? 

An energy management system (EMS) provides insight into your organisation’s energy use. It identifies trends and peaks in consumption and presents these in clear reports. This gives you visibility into current energy flows and highlights opportunities for energy savings. 

The first quick wins often include proper system set-up and behavioural measures to ensure lights or equipment are not left on unnecessarily. Your EMS can also be integrated with your building management system (BMS), enabling climate systems and other equipment to be aligned with building occupancy. This saves energy and maintains a comfortable indoor climate. 

Core elements of an energy audit 

Understanding when and where your organisation uses energy and where savings are possible begins with an energy audit. These core elements form the foundation of such an audit. 

1. ROI calculation 

A return on investment calculation is essential in any energy audit. You need to know how soon your investment will pay back. For example, installing solar panels may require an upfront investment but will generate long-term financial returns. Solar panels continue to improve in quality, have a long lifespan, increase building value and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

2. Identifying energy consumption patterns 

An audit gives insight into consumption patterns you may not have noticed before. Consider lighting in rarely used spaces, such as meeting rooms where lights are often left on. By monitoring and analysing this behaviour you can pinpoint opportunities to save energy on lighting. 

3. Setting realistic savings targets 

A robust audit also sets a realistic savings target. Measurement tells you how much energy your building currently uses, enabling you to determine how much you want to save and where. By defining concrete targets, such as achieving a 15 percent reduction through improved insulation, you gain clarity on where the biggest gains lie. It also guides your investment planning and allows you to evaluate progress afterwards. 

7 benefits of energy management 

Organisations that take energy management seriously see rapid benefits. With good energy monitoring you can identify patterns, detect anomalies and determine where savings can be achieved. Here are seven key advantages: 

1. Real-time insight into consumption 

Smart meters and building sensors provide real-time visibility, enabling you to take quick action where needed. For example, if lighting remains on after hours, even though the building is empty, you can intervene immediately and prevent waste. 

2. Energy savings 

Energy management helps reduce energy consumption in buildings and offices. Around 70 percent of buildings use too much energy. To use energy as efficiently as possible while maintaining a healthy indoor climate, HVAC-systems must be correctly configured. With proper settings and control, organisations can achieve energy savings of up to 30 percent. Typical annual savings average around 10 percent. 

3. Strategic energy purchasing and selling 

With effective energy management, energy purchasing and selling can be aligned with your business strategy. Analysing consumption patterns helps you understand risks and opportunities in a volatile energy market and make informed decisions. 

4. Compliance with legislation 

Good energy management also supports compliance with regulatory obligations. For example, in the UK, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) require landlords to implement energy-efficiency improvements to ensure rented properties meet minimum EPC ratings, directly driving reductions in energy consumption. 

5. Detecting patterns and anomalies 

When does your building use the most energy? And when are the low-load periods? Energy management provides the insight needed to anticipate peak loads and recurring inefficiencies. Knowing when, where and how much energy your building consumes makes it much easier to implement targeted savings measures. 

6. Improved comfort and wellbeing 

Occupants benefit significantly from energy management. By optimising and automating climate control systems and aligning them with actual usage, you create a healthy and comfortable indoor climate. This contributes to improved wellbeing and reduced absenteeism. 

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7. Predictive control 

Smart software can analyse data from your energy management and building management systems and predict future usage. By controlling your building based on expected occupancy and weather forecasts, you can save even more energy. 

Smart energy management tips for buildings 

The government is continually raising the performance requirements for new and existing buildings. Below are practical tips for optimising your building’s energy management. 

1. Smart thermostat 

A smart thermostat adjusts room temperature automatically. It can be controlled remotely and uses data from smart meters to adapt to real-time conditions. It learns building usage patterns and creates an optimal schedule. 

2. Zoning systems 

A zone control system groups areas with similar functions or occupancy into the same thermal zone. This enables targeted heating or cooling per space, increasing comfort and reducing energy consumption. 

3. Variable frequency drives for ventilation 

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) reduce energy consumption by adjusting ventilation rates based on demand. An office will require less ventilation at night than on a busy Monday morning. Demand-controlled ventilation integrates easily with building management systems and supports healthy air quality. 

4. Preventive maintenance for optimum performance 

Preventive maintenance of HVAC equipment ensures systems continue to operate efficiently. Regular checks maintain performance, extend the lifespan of equipment and avoid costly failures. Well-maintained systems deliver consistent and efficient climate control. 

5. Typical savings opportunities 

Some savings opportunities are simple but often overlooked. 

• Switch your building off. Match systems to building use. Many organisations are closed at night, weekends and holidays, yet three quarters of office buildings remain fully operational. 
• Use systems efficiently. Even when a building is occupied, sensors can ensure that systems run only when needed by detecting occupancy or air quality. 
• Spread energy loads throughout the day. Charging electric vehicles or running high-demand equipment during low-load periods reduces peak loads and lowers connection charges. 

6. LED lighting 

LED lighting not only complies with regulations but also requires less cooling, as it generates far less heat than traditional lighting. 

7. Automated control 

Automatic switching of heating, ventilation and lighting ensures optimal building performance with minimal energy consumption. 

8. Peak load management and equipment scheduling 

By managing peak loads and optimising when and how equipment operates, you can avoid unnecessary consumption. This helps reduce grid charges and improves system efficiency. Smart tools enable effective peak load control. 

9. Power factor correction (PFC) 

PFC measures the relationship between real and apparent power, showing how much unwanted energy is being used. An EMS continuously monitors both power consumption and power factor, revealing patterns and inefficiencies. 

10. Integration of building systems 

With a building management system, functions such as lighting, energy storage and ventilation can be integrated and controlled together. This improves building performance, reduces energy consumption and enhances user comfort. 

Energy savings through building automation 

Building automation is essential for effective energy management. It automatically controls the indoor climate, including temperature, humidity and ventilation, improving comfort and energy efficiency. One major advantage is that automation can integrate with existing systems without requiring full renovation. HVAC systems can be linked to occupancy sensors and shading controls, adjusting automatically to real-time conditions. 

If you are considering the investment, start with an ROI analysis to determine the payback period. This helps build the business case and enhances the value of your building. When selecting a building automation system, consider: 

• its compatibility with your existing systems 
• how innovative the supplier is, including AI-based developments 
• the system’s ease of use 

Energy monitoring: insight and optimisation 

Energy management software simplifies the monitoring of consumption. Real-time data provides actionable insights. KPIs can be tracked and analysed to support continuous improvement. A good system offers a clear dashboard showing comparisons with previous years, set targets or similar types of buildings. This helps identify where optimisation is possible. 

Data analysis also reveals inefficiencies. For instance, if heating and cooling are operating simultaneously in different zones, you can take corrective action to reduce waste and costs. 

Priva’s vision on energy management 

By monitoring and managing your organisation’s energy consumption, you save energy and money. Energy monitoring also helps you meet environmental objectives and maintain a healthy indoor climate. With Priva Energy Insight by ErbisOne, you always have visibility of your energy use and can avoid inefficient operation. The monitoring system presents data clearly in dashboards and reports, such as consumption per day or per year, highlighting where savings are possible. 

Priva has been a trusted partner in energy management and building control for over 40 years. We deliver building automation systems, operator interfaces and digital services, alongside solutions for energy management, climate control and HVAC regulation. 

Finance options for energy measures 

Financing is a key component of energy management. Alongside internal funding, several alternatives are available. One approach is to work with an Energy Services Company (ESCo). Under this model, the ESCo takes full responsibility for energy management over an agreed period. It implements energy-saving measures and provides maintenance, documented in an energy performance contract. As a building owner you pay a fixed monthly fee, avoiding large upfront capital costs. Another option is to make use of national subsidies.