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.
Building and Energy Management System (BEMS)
More detail
edie Explains: Building energy management systems (BEMS)
Related items
Energy resilience roundtable: Paving the path to a clean energy future
Energy management experts from some of the world's biggest manufacturers and retailers recently came together for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and Centrica Business Solutions to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities when it comes to building energy resilience.
edie Explains: Energy resilience
Energy resilience is about ensuring a business has a reliable, regular supply of energy and contingency measures in place in the event of a power failure.
edie Explains: Building energy management systems (BEMS)
In the latest in the edie Explains series, we look at building energy management systems (BEMS), exploring what they are, what they do and what the business benefit is.
Can green mortgages help the European Union reach climate and building targets?
New reports provided by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) have outlined how an "energy-efficient mortgage" could provide the ideal financial instrument to improve the energy performance of Europe's existing housing stock.
Get the latest business guide - edie Explains energy resilience
From ensuring business continuity and mitigating the risks of black or brown outs, to protecting your business from energy price rises the latest edie Explains guide, has it all.
Accelerating the shift: 10 industry game-changers for low-carbon vehicles
This insight report, produced in partnership with UK Power Networks Services, investigates some of the game-changing developments which are driving green mobility.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: The £1bn eco-community and Patagonia's climate action movie
This episode of the edie podcast takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of Eddington, a new 150-hectare, sustainable community developed by the University of Cambridge, as well as a trip to the cinema to talk brand purpose and climate activism with Patagonia's general manager Ryan Gellert.
What does it take to change behaviours? edie webinar taking place on TUESDAY
edie's next one-hour webinar session will take place on Tuesday 17 April 2018, with experts from Tesco, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and EDF Energy set to provide their top tips on driving staff engagement on energy and sustainability.
Barclays offers green homes mortgage on select new builds
Barclays has launched a Green Home Mortgage scheme, offering homebuyers preferential interest rates and savings of more than £1,300 on energy-efficient new build houses.
Cross-sector electric vehicle project targets energy-neutral office buildings
Companies from the energy, transport and technology sectors have joined forces to explore how electric vehicles (EVs) can facilitate energy storage solutions that link up to onsite renewable installations and building energy management systems (BEMS) on office buildings.
Business leaders call for net-zero carbon standards for buildings by 2030
More than 50 business leaders from some of the UK's largest construction and property firms have called on ministers to implement policies that ensure all new buildings are built to net-zero carbon standards by 2030.
NatWest delivers £3.5bn low-carbon lending in three years
Banking giant NatWest has pledged to deliver of £10bn lending to UK renewable energy and energy efficiency projects by 2020, having provided £3.5bn over the past three years.
Behaviour change: Tesco and RBS to discuss engagement strategies in edie's next webinar
Individuals and organisations looking to drive staff engagement on energy and sustainability are encouraged to tune into a free webinar next month, featuring expert insight from the likes of Tesco, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and EDF Energy.
Taking place TODAY: edie's webinar on delivering 'smart grid of the future'
Taking place today 20 March at 11am (BST), the hour-long webinar will explore how clean technologies and innovations such as battery storage and demand response can drive efficiency, cut costs and enhance energy strategies.
Taking place TUESDAY: edie's webinar on delivering 'smart grid of the future'
Taking place tomorrow 20 March at 11am (BST), the hour-long webinar will explore how clean technologies and innovations such as battery storage and demand response can drive efficiency, cut costs and enhance energy strategies.
Taking place on Tuesday: Live energy innovation webinar
Energy experts from Aggregate Industries and Oxford University are among the confirmed speakers for a live, interactive webinar taking place on Tuesday 20 March which will focus on delivering the smart grid of the future, today.
E.ON to acquire Innogy from RWE in strategic renewables deal
E.ON is set to acquire Innogy from RWE, in a far-reaching asset swap that will see Eon concentrate on retail and networks, while RWE focuses on renewables and other forms of generation.
Mondi Group sets science-based targets through WWF's Climate Savers
Global packaging firm Mondi Group has set new science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions across the company's operations and indirect activities, after signing up to the WWF's Climate Savers initiative for low-carbon business aspirations.
European Union unveils green investment action plan
The European Commission unveiled on Thursday (8 March) its highly expected action plan on sustainable finance, aiming to clarify what can be labelled as "green" investment and potentially lowering capital requirements on asset holders.
Apple moves towards greener supply chain with zero-waste and clean energy milestones
Apple has made progress in its ongoing effort towards a greener supply chain, with big achievements over the past year in key areas such as waste and low-carbon energy procurement.
Sector insight: The state of sustainability in the public sector
This exclusive insight report explores the key drivers, challenges and opportunities facing sustainability in the UK's public sector.
How employee engagement drives energy efficiency for leading corporates
Embedding new smart technologies and systems is a viable way for companies to improve energy efficiency measures, but improvements to technology must be matched by employee development that engages staff to champion energy management.
edie Explains: Energy data optimisation
The latest in our ‘edie Explains’ series is dedicated to understanding energy data optimisation. This can be a complex issue, but our step-by-step guide takes you through the process and provides top tips for success.
'Much work needed' to make digital economy environmentally sustainable
A cross-party group of MPs has raised doubts over whether the growing energy demand from digital technology and the proliferation of internet-connected gadgets can continue to be offset by energy efficiency improvements.
In Practice: The UK's first Energiesprong homes
A pioneering new pilot project in Nottingham aims to make select households ultra-low carbon and fit for the future by renovating them using the 'Energiesprong' techniques used in the Netherlands.
One-fifth of commercial energy efficiency standards drop ahead of MEES deadline
Energy efficiency standards have fallen in almost one-fifth of commercial properties ahead of major new legislation arriving in April.
Report: Green businesses double performance of fossil fuel peers
Clean energy investments have almost doubled the performance of fossil fuel energy stocks over the past year and a half, new figures have revealed.
edie Explains: ISO 14001
This updated edie Explains guide, produced in association with NQA, provides an in-depth summary of the ISO 14001 Standard which is used to establish and maintain a continuous level of environmental performance improvements.
Report: Majority of UK SMEs struggling to embed sustainability
Almost three-quarters of UK SMEs are struggling to embed sustainability practices, citing costs issues and unfavourable government policies as major stumbling blocks, according to a new report.
Scottish SMEs offered 'cashback' loan for energy-efficiency projects
Small businesses in Scotland have been encouraged to take advantage of a new "cashback" scheme that could enable them to cut annual energy usage by a quarter and save up to £10,000 in the process.
London Mayor's £34m low-carbon programme targets energy-efficient workplaces
Sadiq Khan has pledged new funding for fuel-poor homes alongside a £10bn commercial boiler scrappage scheme in a suite of new measures aimed at delivering cleaner, affordable energy across the capital.
Energy storage research gets £42m Government funding
Developing a new generation of lighter and safer electric vehicle (EV) batteries is one of the first four projects be awarded funding from the Government backed Faraday Institution.
Budweiser launches renewables label to celebrate 100% clean energy commitment
Global brewers Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is placing a renewable electricity label on any Budweiser beer that has been brewed using 100% renewable electricity, as part of a communications push to educate consumers on the firm's sustainability strategy.
Clean Growth Strategy 'not enough' to meet UK's carbon targets, climate advisers warn
Urgent action is needed to flesh out current plans in the Clean Growth Strategy in order to meet the UK's fourth and fifth carbon budgets, the Government's climate change watchdog has cautioned.
Achieving Mission Possible: edie Live returns for 2018 with renewed purpose
edie Live 2018 returns to the NEC Birmingham on 22-23 May as a show with a difference. This year, the event will be tailor-made to help sustainability, energy and resource professionals achieve a sustainable future, today. This is Mission Possible.
Green bonds market reached record heights in 2017
The green bonds market grew by a staggering 78% between 2016 and 2017, with national and institutional investors funnelling more than $150bn into low-carbon projects.
Boots reaches carbon goal three years early
Following the implementation of behavior change and energy monitoring programmes, Boots UK has surpassed a 30% carbon reduction target three years ahead of schedule.
Landlords to contribute to energy efficiency
The government is proposing to force private landlords to contribute towards measures to improve their properties' energy efficiency.
M&S and Landsec exploring energy storage to increase resilience
Energy managers from British retailer M&S and property developer Landsec revealed they are exploring the potential of battery storage technologies on their estates during a recent edie webinar about energy resilience.
Citu aims to 'disrupt' construction industry with low-carbon housing scheme
Urban developer Citu has unveiled the first glimpses of a timber-framed housing system that is up to ten times more energy efficient than standard UK homes, with production practices also able to reduce the carbon footprint of construction by 24,000 tonnes annually.
ISO 50001: edie launches new-look guide to implementation for energy managers
Organisations and energy managers with an interest in the ISO 50001 energy management standard now have access to an updated 'edie explains' guide which breaks down all of the key information required to gain certification.
edie explains: ISO 50001
This ISO 50001 guide, produced in association with edie's supporting partner NQA, provides an in-depth summary of the ISO 50001 Standard which can be used by an organisation to establish and maintain a continuous level of energy performance improvements.
Building for 2050: Can the Government's low-carbon housing venture deliver homes fit for the future?
With the UK housebuilding sector under the spotlight at both at a national level and in the sustainability agenda, edie caught up with Aecom's regional director to discuss how the firm's latest research project aims to help developers deliver lost-cost, low-carbon housing across the country.
ACE to be merged into ADE
The Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) is to be merged into the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE).
MEPs vote for stronger EU efficiency and renewable energy targets
MEPs voted on Tuesday (28 November) in favour of increasing efficiency and renewable energy targets, in a decisive morning for EU energy and climate policy that provoked both jubilation and disappointment.
edie Explains Demand Response
This guide to demand response, produced in association with edie’s supporting partner Flexitricity, explores and explains demand response for energy and sustainability professionals.
Xerox aiming for verified science-based target for 2018
EXCLUSIVE: Printing services company Xerox intends to have a verified science-based target in place when it launches new sustainability goals in 2018, as part of a commitment to the Paris Agreement that has been years in the making.
In practice: Guadalajara's 12,000 LED street light retrofit from Philips
Philips Lighting has this week completed a LED retrofit across the Spanish City of Guadalajara that will help the city council realise huge energy efficiency and carbon savings.
BNEF: Energy storage market to double six times by 2030
The global energy storage market looks to mirror the rapid growth the solar industry experienced between 2000 and 2015, with a new Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) report predicting that the energy storage market will double six times by 2030.
Could looming new energy efficiency standards spark a green rental market?
The impending creation of a new energy efficiency regulation for UK properties could trigger the emergence of a green rental market, a leading credit rating agency has claimed.
The Kigali Amendment: Time for retailers to create the business case for a HFC phase-out
The UK ratified the Kigali amendment on harmful hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) greenhouse gases last week, but building the business case to switch to costly alternatives requires a delicate approach.
In practice: Oxford University Hospitals' money-saving CHP retrofit
Oxford University Hospitals benefited from a finance procurement system that partnered the Trust with companies that could replace aging heat and power infrastructure with a combined heat and power system that would generate massive economic savings.
World Energy Outlook: Seven key trends shaping the low-carbon economy
A rising electrification of energy, rapid deployment of renewable energy sources, and a steady decline of the coal industry are all predicted as major shifts in the global energy scene over the next 25 years in the International Energy Association's (IEA) annual flagship publication.
Housebuilders 'cheating the public' over energy efficiency standards, claims Lord Deben
Some of the biggest UK private housebuilding firms have faced criticism from the Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) for delivering new homes that allegedly fail to meet energy efficiency standards.
Fossil fuel burning set to hit record high in 2017, scientists warn
The burning of fossil fuels around the world is set to hit a record high in 2017, climate scientists have warned, following three years of flat growth that raised hopes that a peak in global emissions had been reached.
Pricing mechanisms needed to secure renewable energy acceleration, report finds
Falling costs in renewable energy technologies has put the UK on course to meet its 2030 renewables development objective, but a higher carbon price market is needed to spur acceleration, a new report from global IT consultancy Capgemini has found.
New Philips wireless connected lighting system could deliver 'huge' energy savings
Philips Lighting has launched a new wireless connected lighting system which could help workplaces cut energy usage on lighting by up to 70%.
In practice: Unite Students' 'Gateway' to an energy-efficiency retrofit
By joining the RBS Innovation Gateway, Unite Students gained access to a wider scope of innovative energy-efficiency solutions - some of which have been retrofitted at the Sidney Webb House in London.
Domino effect: Businesses urged to promote renewables into supply chains
Corporates that leverage their purchasing power for renewable energy could create a "domino effect" that improves the energy efficiency of supply chains to create more clean generation capacity, a new report from SmartestEnergy has found.
In practice: Landsec's BREEAM Outstanding headquarters designed to WELL standards
As more companies look to create the right work environments for staff wellbeing, Landsec created the UK's largest fully WELL Certified space for staff health, which also achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
Report: UK firms risk £2.8m a year through lack of energy resilience
New research has found that British businesses could be risking 17% of their annual revenue by failing to adopt an energy resilience strategy.
Could Tesla's world-first hybrid energy project modernise electricity grids?
Following the deal to develop a world-first renewable energy project that combines wind, solar and battery storage in Australia, automaker and energy disruptor Tesla has been invited to showcase the "power and scalability" of its products in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2018 shortlist revealed!
After a record-breaking number of entries, the judging panel has met, the decisions have been made and edie is proud to reveal the finalists for the 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards.
Innovative trucks help Smurfit Kappa slash supply chain emissions
Global packaging firm Smurfit Kappa has pioneered innovative new trucks which are claimed to have slashed emissions by 20% and reduced the number of annual trips by almost one-third.
In practice: UK's largest landlord-funded distribution warehouse rooftop solar installation
The landlord/tenant relationship can be a barrier when it comes to sustainability and onsite generation, but both Dixons Carphone and LondonMetric will benefit from the new solar installation at a distribution warehouse in Newark.
Veolia to deliver major carbon savings for University of East Anglia
The University of East Anglia (UEA) is set to generate more than 80% of electricity onsite after waste management firm Veolia installed two latest generation combined heat and power (CHP) units.
Report: Preservation policies could hamper Clean Growth Strategy's household efficiency plans
Preservation policies for listed buildings and homes in conservation areas could scupper the measures to improve domestic energy efficiency as set out in the newly-released Clean Growth Strategy.
Aim Higher: Business can 'pioneer' climate agenda by targeting 1.5C pathway
Government and business commitments to align practices with a 1.5C pathway are "practically non-existent", but companies have the chance to become "true pioneers" of the climate movement by raising ambitions, a new report from the Carbon Trust claims.
Reaction round-up: What does the green economy make of the Clean Growth Strategy?
The Government has pledged numerous multi-billion-pound investments to drive down carbon emissions across the economy as part of the Clean Growth Strategy, but does it "breathe new life" into the low-carbon sector or do the details "fall short"?
edie roundtable: Driving renewables through the supply chain
Sustainability and energy management experts from some of the world's biggest businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and Smartest Energy, to explore how companies can reach out to supply chains to improve carbon performance.
Report: European retailers behind schedule on HFC phase-out
One year on from the Kigali deal to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and reduce global warming, a new report has highlighted that European retailers are behind schedule to implement natural refrigerants into operations.
Green office renovations can capture $243bn for European businesses
Doubling renovation rates of offices to capture green building aspects across Europe could help offset growing energy demand and enable businesses to save $243bn in reduced rental costs, with separate analysis claiming that refurbishment of office furniture can trigger emissions reductions and job growth.
UK property owners save £16m in energy costs over five-year period
A collaboration of 28 UK property owners, including Land Securities, Canary Wharf Group and the Crown Estate, has improved the energy efficiency of its built environment portfolio by 25% since 2011, amassing £16m in savings as a result.
EXCLUSIVE: edie Explains guide to greening your office published
From cutting carbon, reducing costs and boosting staff wellbeing, the arguments for greening your office are compelling, but where do you start, and how do you create a genuinely sustainable working environment in your business?
edie Explains: The green office
The purpose of a green office programme is to enable a business to improve the efficiency of its everyday operations by taking practical steps to reduce office resource consumption and implement more sustainable practices that benefit both the organisation and its employees.
Businesses could save £1.3bn a year through energy efficiency policy shakeup, research claims
Ministers must adopt several new energy efficiency measures to help unlock savings of £1.3bn a year for UK businesses, according to a new report from think tank Policy Exchange.
Commons launches electric vehicle inquiry
The increased demand on the grid from the mass roll-out of electric vehicles (EVS) will be under the spotlight in a new House of Commons inquiry.
Future Utilities Manager
New research from leading business energy consultancy Inenco has provided insight into how the role of the energy manager will change by 2030, and has highlighted the level of investment needed.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2018: FINAL deadline TODAY!
The extended Sustainability Leaders Awards 2018 entry deadline ends today! It means if you want your project, initiative, strategy or people to get the recognition they deserve, you have until midnight tonight to get your entries in.
EXCLUSIVE: edie Explains Solar PPAs guide published
A power purchase agreement (PPA), is a contract between an energy generator and an energy buyer or 'end-user'. PPAs can provide a fixed price for energy generated over the duration of the contract, removing exposure to energy price volatility and allowing for accurate and predictable cost planning.
edie publishes new guide to energy data optimisation
The latest in our 'edie Explains' series is dedicated to understanding energy data optimisation. This can be a complex issue, but our step-by-step guide takes you through the process and provides top tips for success.
UK carbon targets 'under threat' unless businesses invest in energy managers
Britain's carbon targets could be put at risk unless businesses invest in the tools and training required to equip energy managers for the future, according to new research from utility consultancy Inenco.
Kellogg's amongst latest raft of businesses to pledge to RE100
Business demand for renewable energy has surged to around 150 TWh, after food firms Kellogg's and Clif Bar & Company joined a global banking firm and a cosmetics company in joining the RE100 commitment to power their global operations with 100% renewable energy.
PwC: UK spearheads clean growth in G20
The decline of coal consumption and improved energy efficiency helped the UK to decarbonise at a rate faster than any other G20 country in 2016, according to research from PWC.
UK home insulations could take more than century at current rate, warns WWF
It will take more than a century to fully decarbonise the existing UK housing stock at current home insulation rates, according to a new report from WWF.
Belfast shopping centre slashes electricity bill by a third
A West Belfast retail development has reportedly slashed its electricity costs by 33% through an energy efficiency lighting upgrade.
World's largest cruise operator closes in on 2020 emissions target
The world's largest leisure travel company, the Carnival Corporation, looks set to achieve a 25% reduction in carbon emissions before a 2020 deadline, after championing liquefied natural gas (LNG) on cruise ships.
edie explains: Combined heat & power (CHP)
This edie explains business guide, produced in association with E.ON, provides an in- depth summary of combined heat & power (CHP) systems, which convert a single fuel into both electricity and heat in one process.
New industry guide published on energy efficiency engagement
The Carbon Trust and Smart Energy GB have teamed up to publish a new guide for businesses to increase energy efficiency awareness in the workplace.
Clean energy stocks outpacing fossil fuel investments in Trump era, report finds
Global clean energy stocks have surged past investments in fossil fuels in the past year despite the political shockwaves caused by Donald Trump's US presidency, new research has found.
Natural History Museum renews energy contract after big efficiency gains
The Natural History Museum has secured a new 10-year energy performance contract (EPC) with waste management firm Veolia after recording hundreds of thousands of pounds in energy efficiency savings.
Dieter Helm to lead cost of energy review
Professor Dieter Helm has been appointed to lead the cost of energy review promised in the Conservative manifesto and Industrial Strategy, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark has announced.
Carmakers accused of 'clutching at straws' over retrofitting polluting diesels
Major car makers are being accused of clutching at straws after they agreed to fit software to 5m diesel vehicles in Germany to reduce harmful emissions by up to 30%.
Bournemouth University expands behaviour change initiative following cuts to energy consumption
Bournemouth University is rolling out a sustainability and wellbeing employee engagement initiative to all of its 2,000 employees, after a six-month pilot of the programme helped to reduce energy consumption in select departments by 14.6%.
How a data centre from 2010 is helping Capgemini towards its 2020 sustainability goals
Seven years on from the opening of one of the most sustainable data centres in the world, IT consulting firm Capgemini is still using the key learnings from the low-carbon project to "accelerate" beyond its carbon reduction goals.
New industrial air pollution ruling puts EU coal plants on 'life support'
Large industrial plants have been given a four-year timeframe to adhere to new standards on air pollutants across the European Union (EU), a decision that places "the immediate future of coal plants into doubt", according to environmental lawyers ClientEarth.
JP Morgan commits to 100% renewables as it makes $200bn clean finance vow
One of the world's biggest banking institutions JP Morgan Chase, has pledged to facilitate the "largest commitment" by a financial institution in the form of a $200bn clean financing fund, alongside a transition to 100% renewable energy.
Carbon Trust chosen to lead Government's £9.2m industrial innovation platform
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has named the Carbon Trust as the overseer of a new £9.2m accelerator programme aimed at increasing the development of cost-efficient energy innovations.
Investors reach early milestone for UK's first commercial geothermal power plant
A bond that encourages investors to back the first commercial geothermal electricity power station in the UK has raised more than £1m in the 48 hours since it was launched.
Capgemini closes in on science-based emissions reduction target
Global IT consultancy Capgemini is three-quarters of the way towards its verified science-based target for 2020, and has also launched a supplier assessment tool and case studies to push towards a Net Positive goal.
