Building and Energy Management System (BEMS)

DEFINITION: A computer-based system that controls and monitors a building's mechanical and electrical equipment such as heating, ventilation, lighting, and power systems. In offices and factories for example, a BMS can automate and take control of these operations in the most efficient way possible, saving energy.

Back to list of definitions

More detail

edie Explains: Building energy management systems (BEMS)

Related items

RBS to rebrand, plans for 'climate-positive' operations by 2025

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has unveiled plans to go beyond net-zero emissions for its operations by 2025 and to at least halve the climate impact of its financial decisions and activities by 2030, as part of the organisation's rebrand to the NatWest Group.

Heathrow commits to becoming zero-carbon airport by mid-2030s

Heathrow Airport has announced its intention to become a zero-carbon airport by the mid-2030s, after reaching carbon-neutral status for its buildings and infrastructure today (21 February).

Government focuses on hydrogen in £90m industrial decarbonisation funding

The UK Government has announced £90m in funding to help cut emissions from industrial processes and the built environment, including the backing of two low-carbon hydrogen production plants.

Cabinet reshuffle: Is the promised 'green budget' in doubt?

Earlier this week Chancellor Sajid Javid was said to be reviewing a string of new subsidies to assist with the UK's net-zero transition. With Javid today (13 February) resigning from the position, doubts have been caused as to whether the UK Government can prioritise the green economy in the March Budget.

edie launches business guide to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting

edie has launched a business guide into the important issue of Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) as the first full financial year since the scheme was introduced in April 2019 draws to an end.

Government opposes 'powerless' energy efficiency proposals

The government has rejected calls to beef up its target of getting all homes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C standard by 2035 - while signalling that its own heat policy road map will be published "very soon".

Travel Matters partners with JUMP sustainable behaviour change scheme

Travel agency Travel Matters has launched a new partnership with the sustainable behaviour change scheme JUMP, to engage with sector workers in order to respond to the climate emergency.

Government's plans for low-carbon homes are 'a step backwards' on climate, London Mayor warns

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged Ministers to improve plans for decarbonising the UK's built environment sector, claiming that the capital and other cities are already going further and faster in the face of the climate emergency.

Reports: Budget to include new energy efficiency and EV subsidies to spur net-zero progress

Chancellor Sajid Javid is mulling a string of new subsidies to reduce building and transport emissions from homeowners and public sector organisations for next month's Budget, it has been reported.

Energy UK calls for tax-funded energy efficiency scheme

Trade body Energy UK has proposed that general taxation is used to fund a national energy efficiency programme.

Brexit day: What (if anything) changes for the green economy?

At 11pm tonight (31 January) the UK will formally leave the European Union (EU), and while Big Ben won't be bonging and passports won't turn blue until Summer, the landmark day will usher in a period of intense trading negotiations that could impact green policy in the UK.

Greenwashing 2.0? Defining what it means to be a 'net-zero' business

Net-zero emissions has been scientifically heralded as a necessity to reverse the worst impacts of climate change. But a flurry of recent business commitments to become 'carbon-negative' and 'resource-positive' raises a critical question: does achieving 'net-zero' actually constitute business leadership?

Report: Stronger green policies for transport and homes would save NHS £3.7bn each year

By implementing stronger policies around walking, cycling, electric vehicles and energy efficiency in homes, the Government could save the NHS at least £3.7bn per year.

UK commercial properties wasting £60m in avoidable energy bills

UK businesses are wasting energy to the tune of £60m in unnecessary energy bills, according to a new Green Alliance report that is calling for better commercial energy management to help reach the UK's climate targets.

Net-zero cities: Oxford's mission to become carbon-neutral by 2030

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Oxford and its Citizens' Climate Assembly are aiming for net-zero by 2030.

UK SMEs aiming to ramp up sustainability actions

Almost two-thirds of UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have signalled their intentions to improve environmental sustainability practices due to heightened consumer awareness and new legislation, according to a new survey.

UK's first net-zero offices certified in Manchester and Liverpool

A portfolio of 11 office properties across Liverpool and Greater Manchester have been verified as net-zero carbon against the UK Green Building Council's (UKGBC) standard, in what the developer has described as a national first.

How has pop culture responded to the climate emergency in 2019?

From Coldplay cancelling their tour until they can find a carbon-neutral option, to James Bond producers debuting the spy's first fully electric car, all the signs point to sustainability shaping pop culture. But how deep does this impact run, and what's in store for 2020?

45-minute masterclass: Onsite energy storage and renewables

How, exactly, does energy storage work? What are the business benefits of deploying commercial battery systems? And how can they interact with other onsite technologies such as renewable energy systems to create a ‘decentralised’ business?

5 ways to maximise the impact of your energy data

Experts across energy management came together at edie’s SPARK! 2.0 event to discuss the role that energy data could play in the delivery of targets and overall strategy.

America's Pledge and Europe's Green Deal: What happened on days 8 & 9 of COP25?

COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - has entered its second week in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the last few days of the event.

New report reveals surge in employee engagement on energy issues

EXCLUSIVE: The UK's declaration of a climate emergency combined with the recent climate strikes and protests has fuelled a surge in awareness of energy issues among employees across the country, according to the latest Business Energy Barometer conducted by edie.

7 ideas for smart systems and flexibility

From battery storage and demand response to smart technologies and distributed generation, the roundtable discussion at SPARK! 2.0 assessed the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on the road to achieving a flexible energy future for businesses.

Europe's 'man on the moon moment': Green Deal to create world's first climate-neutral continent

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled 50 sweeping plans to enable the EU to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, claiming that the Green Deal was "more than just a vision, it is a roadmap for action".

Zalando commits to onsite solar and green building certification across fulfilment centres

Online fashion platform Zalando has committed to placing solar panels and low-carbon technology on all its new and existing fulfilment centres by 2023, as the company pushes ahead with its net-zero commitment.

edie energy managers' survey reveals ESOS 'not worthwhile'

The latest Business Barometer of energy managers for the final quarter of 2019 has revealed the challenges and opportunities ahead of 2020, with many outlining ESOS as a key challenge.

IEA strengthens clean energy commitments after investor criticism

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its first communique in a decade, covering topics including the clean energy transition, after a meeting with world leaders at COP25 in Madrid.

Europe's environment 'at a tipping point', EU agency says

Europe faces environmental challenges "of unprecedented scale and urgency," according to a comprehensive overview of air, land and water ecosystems published on Wednesday (4 December) by the European Environment Agency.

'Prosperity for All': Wales unveils new short-term climate vision

The Welsh Government has published its much-anticipated climate roadmap for 2020-2025, which includes a commitment to plant 2,000 hectares of woodland annually.

Five top tips for improving energy efficiency on the road to net-zero

During an interactive webinar hosted by edie on Wednesday (20 November), experts from Direct Line Group (DLG) and BiU provided expert advice on how businesses of all sizes and sectors can improve energy efficiency in line with net-zero targets. Here, edie rounds up the key takeaways.

Johnson frozen out of climate leaders debate as green groups call for net-zero pact between parties

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson quite literally frozen out of the leader's climate debate last night, more than 40 academics, policy specialists, trade bodies and businesses have called for a bipartisan net-zero pact between the UK political parties in order to ensure the nation meets its commitments.

General Election 2019 manifesto matrix: What have the parties said on net-zero and the environment?

Two weeks out from the General Election and on the day of the live televised climate debate between party leaders, edie has launched a policy manifesto matrix, outlining all the key commitments - and some notable omissions - that the Conservatives, Labour, Green Party and Liberal Democrats have issued.

Net-zero by 2025 'practically impossible' due to spiralling costs, report finds

Moving the UK's net-zero emission target forward 25 years is "practically impossible", according to new thinktank research which found that setting a net-zero target for 2025 would cost £200bn each year at a minimum - more than the NHS's annual budget.

edie's General Election 2019 green policy manifesto matrix

edie has launched a policy manifesto matrix, outlining all the key commitments – and some notable omissions – that the Conservatives, Labour, Green Party and Liberal Democrats have issued.

Philip Morris: Offsetting isn't the 'credible' long-term solution to carbon-neutrality

EXCLUSIVE: As it strives to achieve carbon-neutrality across all factories by 2030, cigarette giant Phillip Morris International (PMI) will continue to "do the hard work first" and only use offsetting as the last piece of the puzzle, the firm's director of operational sustainability has said.

Available on demand: Energy efficiency 2.0 webinar for Net-Zero November

Shai Guness, compliance and CSR manager at Direct Line Group, spoke during an edie webinar, which will took place on Wednesday 20 November at 2pm (GMT) that outlined the role of energy efficiency in delivering net-zero.

Conservatives confirm plastic export ban and £9bn energy improvements in manifesto

The Conservatives have finally unveiled their party manifesto, which commits to ban plastic exports outside of developed countries, a multi-billion pound energy efficiency scheme for homes and a promise to "go carbon neutral by 2050 and Corbyn neutral by Christmas".

ENA calls for mandatory hydrogen boilers as CBI outlines new sustainability vision

Replacing existing gas boilers with hydrogen-ready devices should be mandatory when they reach the end of their life, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) has urged in its general election manifesto.

Green Industrial Revolutions and Climate Emergency Bills: What's in Labour's manifesto?

The Labour party has today (21 November) launched its election manifesto, outlining how a Green New Deal, Green Industrial Revolution and a Climate Emergency Bill will put the UK on the cusp of a net-zero economy and drive economic growth through a green transition.

Gucci boss calls on business leaders to deliver net-zero supply chains

Gucci chief executive Marco Bizzarri has called on business leaders to sign up to a Carbon Neutral Challenge that sees businesses deliver greenhouse gas emissions reductions across their entire value chain in order to achieve net-zero emissions.

National Grid commits to net-zero emissions target for 2050

The National Grid has announced a commitment to reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, the same timeframe as the UK Government's legislative target.

European Investment Bank to end financial support for fossil fuels by 2021

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has unveiled a new energy lending policy that will stop all financing for fossil fuel projects at the end of 2021 and unlock €1trn in sustainable development over the next decade.

From plastics to rewilding: How Eurostar is gaining a competitive edge in the era of eco-travel

EXCLUSIVE: With flight shaming placing the profitability of the aviation sector at risk, international high-speed rail service Eurostar believes a legacy of action on carbon, plastics and now rewilding will help build customer trust.

Strengthen climate policies now or risk catastrophe, warns energy agency

The world's existing climate policies will not be enough to end the upward march of record energy emissions rising beyond 2040 without a "grand coalition" of governments and investors, according to the global energy watchdog.

Net-Zero November: edie kicks off month of themed content and events with raft of new business pledges

The edie content team has officially kicked off Net-Zero November - a month of themed content and events to inform and empower sustainability and energy professionals on the road to a net-zero carbon, with Mission Possible pledges from Liberty Steel, Hammerson and HPE leading the way.

Available to watch on demand: edie's net-zero business webinar

edie's most recent webinar outlined how businesses can engage staff, consumers, stakeholders and suppliers to inspire a global movement towards net-zero emissions, featuring experts from the UK Green Building Council, ITV and International Airlines Group (IAG).

Net-Zero November: Read up on edie's insight guides and webinars on net-zero

As edie launches Net-Zero November, the content team is resurfacing a collection of exclusive insight reports, guides and webinars on the topic across industries such as utilities, manufacturing and the built environment that are free to download for readers.

Energy minister to consider departmental carbon budgets

The energy and clean growth minister has told MPs he will look into the idea that government departments should be setting their own carbon budgets.

Liberty House pledges carbon-neutral steel operations by 2030

Global metals and engineering group Liberty House has announced plans to roll all of its steel plants into a single company, largely in order to target carbon-neutral operations by 2030.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Ashley O'Neill, Hilton

This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Ashley O'Neill, senior energy and compliance manager at Hilton.

Net-Zero November: edie to launch themed month of content and events

The edie content team is gearing up for Net-Zero November – a month of themed content and events dedicated to informing, inspiring and empowering sustainability and energy professionals on the road to a net-zero carbon future for their business.

Cargill, Maersk Tankers and Mitsui & Co team up on 'over-the-shelf' emissions technology for shipping

Food and agribusiness Cargill has launched a collaborative partnership with shipping firm Maersk Tankers and logistics firm Mitsui & Co to trial and develop fuel-saving technologies aimed at lowering emissions in the shipping sector.

Glasgow signs up primary school as its first flexible energy asset

As part of its bid to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030, Glasgow City Council is set to use one of its primary schools as a flexible energy asset on the demand side response (DSR) market.

'Simple' energy efficiency measures could deliver £45m benefit for UK businesses

New data from EDF Energy has revealed that measures such as installing energy efficient lighting and better heating management could create more than £45m in energy cost savings across 4,150 analysed sites.

Flexible energy roundtable: Bridging the net-zero carbon policy gaps

Academic research often cites flexible energy technologies such as battery storage and electric vehicles (EVs) as key components of the low-carbon economies of the future. But with policies supporting the UK Government's 2050 net-zero goal still in their infancy, what must now be done to support their widespread adoption?

Total signs cleantech deal to produce hydrogen at refineries

French energy giant Total has signed a cooperation agreement with the Sunfire cleantech company to integrate capture waste heat and CO2 at a German refinery to create synthetic methanol and hydrogen to be used to reduce energy and transport emissions.

Last chance to enter: edie's Sustainability Leaders Award deadline today at 5pm

Sustainable businesses looking for the recognition they deserve have until 5pm today (FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER) to get their entries submitted to enter edie's 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards.

‘A significant improvement’: Government unveils Future Homes vision

Triple glazing, buildings fabrics that limit heat loss, low-carbon heating systems and onsite generation assets will likely be mandatory requirements for new homes, after the Government unveiled its vision for a Future Homes Standard (FHS).

Now on demand: edie's masterclass on Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting for business

edie's 45-minutes masterclass, now on demand, saw experts from Inspired Energy outline how businesses can get to grips with the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework.

Nottingham Trent University extends JUMP behaviour change initiative to 30,000 students

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has expanded the JUMP behaviour scheme initiative for staff to its 30,000 students for the upcoming academic year, after more than 23,000 sustainable actions were recorded by staff during a pilot last year.

World Green Building Week: Ten of Europe's most eye-catching sustainable buildings

To mark World Green Building Week, edie is showcasing ten European buildings with best-practice sustainability credentials.

EU Council maintains nuclear as eligible for 'green' finance

EU ministers have decided not to exclude nuclear projects from being eligible for sustainable finance grants, despite the demands of a group of member states and the European Parliament.

New initiative to help business minimise climate impacts of cooling

The Climate Group has launched a new initiative aimed at helping businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their cooling processes and to decarbonise their cooling systems.

Boris Johnson unveils £1bn climate aid fund and forest restoration push

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a £1bn fund to aid developing nations in transitioning to a low-carbon economy and tackling climate change, alongside a fresh new push to halt deforestation.

Public sector 'missing out on £5.6bn in energy efficiency'

More than £375m in cost savings can be made each year if the public sector upgrades its infrastructure to more green technology, a Centrica Business Solutions report has found.

Unilever powered by 100% renewable electricity across five continents

Unilever has revealed that all its buildings across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America are now powered by 100% renewable electricity.

JLL targets 'net-zero' buildings by 2030

Property consultancy JLL has signed the World Green Building Council's (WGBC) net-zero carbon buildings commitment, committing it to bring operational carbon emissions to zero by 2030.

Energy managers cynical about Government's net-zero targets, edie's new survey reveals      

The second edie Business Barometer of energy managers, supported by Centrica Business Solutions, revealed a sector that was cynical of the Government's policy objectives - but are not concerned about Brexit.

Corporate PPA masterclass: Five key considerations for sourcing renewable energy through CPPAs

Last week, edie delivered a masterclass webinar with Danish renewable energy company Ørsted, covering how corporate Power Purchase Agreements can be utilised by end-user businesses to achieve renewable energy commitments. Here, we round up the key takeaways. 

Business Energy Barometer: August - September 2019

edie's second Business Energy Barometer report maps out the key energy drivers, challenges and opportunities facing UK businesses, based on an in-depth survey of energy managers across the country in the past quarterly period.

Scottish government unveils swathe of green initiatives

The Scottish government has pledged to ensure that, by 2024, all new homes must use renewable or low-carbon heat.

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Carbon Reduction - Norwich City Council

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Carbon Reduction award, Norwich City Council.

Meet the sustainability leader: Energy Efficiency - Ibstock Brick

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Energy Efficiency Award, Ibstock Brick.

The 10 clean growth policy 'shortfalls' and how to address them, according to MPs

The Science and Technology Committee has published a new report warning that the UK isn't remotely close to reaching upcoming carbon budgets up to 2032, outlining 10 key policy areas that need to be addressed if the UK is to deliver on its net-zero ambitions.

Thyssenkrupp targets 'climate-neutrality' after setting new science-based targets

German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp has had its new emissions goals approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), shortly after pledging to become climate-neutral by 2050

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Olivia Green, Wessex Water

This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Olivia Green, sustainability coordinator at Wessex Water.

Asda signs up its fridges to keep the UK warm this winter

Hundreds of Asda supermarket stores will help power the UK's electricity system this winter by using their fridges as a virtual battery pack for the energy grid.

EP100: Energy-efficient businesses slash $55m off annual bills

A coalition of 18 large businesses have collectively shaved $55m (£45m) off their energy costs by implementing better efficiency measures, a new report from The Climate Group has concluded.

Energy management design sprint (Part Two): Using green ju-jitsu for behaviour change

How can you increase your sphere of influence and drive engagement on energy management and reduction; from the boardroom to the 'shop floor' and outwards to consumers? The question has been asked for decades, but in the second of our two-part special feature, we reveal some new answers...

Cambridge becomes first university to set 1.5C science-based targets

The University of Cambridge has become the first higher education institution in the world to set  science-based targets in line with the Paris Agreement's more ambitious 1.5C trajectory.

Flexible Futures: The Smart Business Blueprint

This edie insight report maps out a blueprint for smart, sustainable business in 2020, helping energy and sustainability professionals get ahead of the curve to deliver a flexible energy future.

Meet edie's Energy Management Leader 2019: James Tiernan, Unite Students

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: Unite Students' group energy & environment manager James Tiernan, our Energy Management Leader of 2019.

Ofgem and BEIS call on networks to realise £40bn flexible energy opportunity

Ofgem and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have penned a joint letter to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), calling on organisations to "evolve" to a more flexible system that could create a £40bn windfall for the UK economy.

How Burberry joined the business elite in setting a 1.5C science-based target

EXCLUSIVE: As Burberry became the latest corporate to set a science-based target aligned to the Paris Agreement's most ambitious pathway, the company's vice president of corporate responsibility outlined how the goal was set, and what happens next.

Global economic growth 'now directly linked to greater energy efficiency', report finds

The global energy efficiency of economic growth has improved by one-third since 1990, new research from professional services giant PwC has concluded.

Kingfisher products improved customer energy efficiency by one-third last year

Home improvement retailer Kingfisher helped customers save an estimated 43TWh of energy - more than the annual consumption of Hong Kong - through energy efficient products such as LEDs and insulation.

Best Buy to slash customer emissions by 20% as part of science-based targets

Electronics retailer Best Buy has unveiled science-based goals to decrease its own emissions by 75%, its customers' emissions by 20% and save $5bn on utility costs by 2030.

Waitrose posts impressive energy savings from innovative fridge tech

New in-store fridge technology has enabled Waitrose & Partners to reduce its energy use for refrigeration by more than 40%, the supermarket has claimed.

O2 recertified to highest Carbon Trust standard for supply chain emissions management

Telecoms giant O2 has been recertified to the highest possible level of supply chain management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SDG Spotlight: How businesses can achieve Goal 7 - Clean and affordable energy

This edie report, sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions, sets out exactly how the business community can collectively achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, within the next decade.

BT generates record £5.5bn through carbon-combative products and services

Telecommunications giant BT generated almost one-quarter (23.4%) of its total annual 2018 revenue through selling products and services which contribute to carbon savings at a consumer level, the business has revealed.

Talking electric vehicles with BT's Howard Lungley and UPS's Claire Thompson-Sage

edie's Mission Possible sofa chat show returns for 2019. In the final episode, edie discusses the barriers and opportunities of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) with Howard Lungley, head of strategy, digital impact and sustainability at BT Group and Claire Thompson-Sage, sustainable development co-ordinator at UPS.

Bristol City Council turns to blockchain to incentivise behaviour change

Bristol City Council is seeking to spur progress towards an ambition to create a carbon-neutral city by 2030 by teaming with a Manchester-based energy technology firm to incentivise employees to act more sustainably through a blockchain-enabled platform.

H&M's orange peel dresses and Waitrose's 'invisible' door: The best green innovations of the week

Every week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best.

Waitrose to launch 'invisible door' that could save retailers £1.5bn on energy bills

Waitrose & Partners will introduce an "invisible" door" to combat the amount of avoidable energy that is lost at entrance doors to retail stores, with research suggesting that a widescale rollout could help British retailers save £1.5bn annually on energy bills.

Onsite solutions and behaviour nudges: How to take an energy strategy to the next level

There are no shortcuts to success and you need to be opportunistic in your sustainability opportunities, according to a panel of energy leaders at edie Live.

Coalition of cities target net-zero carbon buildings by 2050

A coalition of eight European cities, including Dublin and Leeds, have pledged to completely decarbonise their existing building stocks by 2050.

Report: World falling short on SDGs' clean energy agenda

Despite "notable" global progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, Clean Energy for All, in recent years, policies, investment and physical infrastructure are still not sufficient to deliver on its 2030 targets.

Energy managers reveal biggest challenges and priorities in edie's new 'Business Barometer' report

EXCLUSIVE: The biggest challenge facing energy managers right now is behaviour change, whilst energy efficiency technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) hold the biggest opportunity for businesses looking to drive down emissions – according to new survey results published today (22 May) by edie.

No 'low hanging fruit' left for energy innovation, M&S says

There is no longer any 'low hanging fruit' and innovation is going to be required to help with sustainability challenges in the future, according to Marks & Spencer's research and development manager Oliver Knowles.