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.

More detail

edie Explains: Building energy management systems (BEMS)

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PepsiCo currently powers facilities using a mix of renewable electricity of 18 countries, of which 9 are accounted for by 100% renewable electricity

PepsiCo targets 100% renewable electricity globally

PepsiCo has confirmed it has joined the Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2030, a move that could reduce the manufacturing giant's carbon footprint by 2.5 million tonnes.

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Green Finance Institute assembles businesses for zero-carbon heat taskforce

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The report recommends that all additional electricity generation capacity built from 2021 should be zero-carbon

Just 0.5% of global GDP needed to reach net-zero by 2050, report finds

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The call to action comes as the EU is set to negotiate on the 2030 target, with the European Parliament's environment committee voting for a new EU-wide target of a 60% reduction by 2030

Business and investor giants urge EU to raise 2030 emissions target

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Signify reaches carbon neutrality globally, revamps corporate goals for 2025

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Sharma visited Instagroup in Wokingham. Image: Gov.uk

'Crack on': Alok Sharma implores businesses to join £2bn Green Homes Grant

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Government faces backlash over 'zero-carbon-ready' homes proposal

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IPPR and REA: Up to 1.6 million new jobs could be created though green Covid-19 recovery

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UK's Covid-19 recovery package must mandate building retrofits, 100 businesses tell Ministers

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L'Oréal targets carbon neutrality by 2025 under new sustainability strategy

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Tetra Pak targets net-zero value chain by 2050

Packaging firm Tetra Pak has today (11 June) committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030, with a longer-term target to achieve a net-zero emissions value chain by 2050.
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Green building advocates 'underwhelmed' by EU recovery plan

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The businesses have committed to spurring the uptake of renewables and EVs while improving energy efficiency 

Businesses commit to renewables, electric vehicles and energy efficiency on World Environment Day

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Zalando has committed to placing solar panels and low-carbon technology on all its new and existing fulfilment centres by 2023

Zalando unveils science-based targets, commits suppliers to set carbon goals

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Zalando and Sustainable Apparel Coalition issue sustainable metrics for brands and retailers

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Government taskforce sets out tools to unlock £65bn investment into green housing

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CDP has found that the average company’s supply chain emissions are estimated to be around five-and-a-half times greater than those generated by their direct operations

Number of companies requesting supplier environment data jumps by a quarter

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30% of manufacturers had been focusing heavily on energy efficiency investments over the last year

Report: UK manufacturers boosting profits by focusing on energy efficiency

UK manufacturers that have taken steps to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise operations are reaping benefits, with 40% reporting increased profit margins and 30% experiencing increased competitiveness.
Community-owned energy projects generated 168MW of electricity in 2018, of which 21 organisations operate within Northern Powergrid’s region

Northern Powergrid unveils community engagement decarbonisation plans

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Intel targets net-positive water use and world's 'most sustainable' PC

IT manufacturer Intel has unveiled new sustainability targets for 2030, committing to achieving net-positive water use, being powered by 100% renewables and launching the "most sustainable and energy-efficient PC in the world".

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LSE warns that less than 5% of global emissions that are covered under carbon pricing initiatives are priced at a level consistent with the aims of the Paris Agreement

Carbon price: Tax polluters not people to assist coronavirus recovery, report urges

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EU green recovery plan should “build on what you already know” such as energy efficiency and renewables 

Beware of jobs vs. climate clash in virus aftermath, EU warned

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Dunkin' has set a new goal of opening its 1,000th green restaurant by the end of 2025

Dunkin' switches to plastic-free cups and plans to double number of green restaurants

US coffeehouse Dunkin' has confirmed that it has completed the replacement of all polystyrene foam cups to paper alternatives while also committing to double the number of energy efficient restaurants it owns in the next five years.
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Oil and gas giants overstating net-zero ambitions, study finds

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Mitie has already switched to 100% renewable energy across its business

Mitie signs up to RE100 following EP100 and EV100 commitments

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Financiers join EU 'green recovery alliance'

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Total commits to net-zero emissions by 2050 following investor pressure

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Scottish Water switches on latest solar array at Dunfermline wastewater facility

A wastewater treatment facility in Dunfermline is the latest Scottish Water facility to be fitted with onsite solar technology, as the water company progresses towards its net-zero carbon target for 2040.
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Green stimulus can repair global economy and climate, study says

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All homes are being designed to achieve EPC A ratings, of which only 1% of all new builds achieve

Legal & General given go-ahead for energy efficient modular homes drive

The modular housing arm of insurance giant Legal & General has been given planning permission to create more than 150 modular homes in Selby, North Yorkshire that will feature the highest EPC ratings for energy efficiency.
Yorkshire Tea worked with TIST (The International Small Group and Tree Planting Programme) to encourage smallholder tea farmers to plant fruit and nut trees around tea gardens

Yorkshire Tea achieves carbon-neutral certification for operations and products

Yorkshire Tea has announced that all its products are carbon neutral from field to shelf, following a five-year programme to reduce emissions across its supply chain and operations.
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According to the Climate Group, businesses signed up to its EP100 initiative have collectively shaved $55m (£45m) off their energy costs

Mitie to double energy productivity through EP100 initiative

British facilities management (FM) firm Mitie has built on its net-zero emissions target set for 2025 by joining the Climate Group's EP100 initiative to double its energy productivity.
It would also quadruple energy jobs to around 42 million, expand employment in energy efficiency to 21 million and add 15 million in system flexibility

IRENA: Renewables transition to boost global economy by $98trn

With the global economy set to slump to its lowest output for more than a century, nations can spur a global economic recovery by delivering a renewables-based energy transformation that could boost cumulative global GDP gains by more than $98trn compared to a 'business-as-usual' trajectory.
More than 9,000 facilities across the UK benefit from participation in the scheme

Businesses called upon to consult on £300m energy-saving Climate Change Agreement

The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a two-month consultation on an extension to the Climate Change Agreement (CCA), a legislative mechanism that enables businesses to save up to £300m annually on energy costs.
The company is also part of a coalition of environmental consultancies that have set up a new net-zero pledge campaign

AECOM shoots for 20% reduction in emissions through approved science-based targets

Engineering and construction firm AECOM has revealed that targets to reduce operational emissions by 20% and value chain emissions by 10% by 2025 have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as aligned to the requirements of the Paris Agreement.
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Prioritise Small-scale technology to deliver affordable net-zero transition, researchers claim

A new study has warned of focusing on "politically seductive" large-scale solutions such as nuclear and carbon capture and storage (CCS), noting that more granular solutions like energy storage, solar and heat pumps can be mass deployed at an affordable cost to enable a quicker net-zero transition.
The firm produces a swathe of commodities including oilseeds, corn, wheat flour and cocoa. 

World's largest food supplier targets 25% emissions cut by 2035

The world's largest food and ingredient supplier, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), has set new emissions and energy targets which it claims are aligned with the Paris Agreement's 2C trajectory.
Equinor has said it will need to become a "broad energy company" to meet its targets. Image: Equinor

Equinor leaves US oil and gas industry body due to 'lack of position' on climate policy

Norwegian oil and gas giant Equinor has announced that it is leaving a US oil and gas industry association due to a "misalignment" with the company's new climate commitments and is set to influence other associations to deliver strong climate targets.
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The USER projects aims to use hot water cylinders to balance grid demand

SMEs and households to benefit from energy efficiency clean technology trials

The UK Government has backed a new digital energy efficiency platform for SMEs to receive automated advice to save energy, in the same week that a smart homes project that uses AI technology on hot water systems to generate storage capacity and manage grid demand commenced.
The aim of EP100 is not only to reduce the environmental impact of partaking firms, but to encourage the embedding of energy efficiency in all business strategies. Image: Thai Union

EP100: Thai Union pledges to double energy productivity

Food production giant Thai Union has pledged to double energy productivity across the business, under The Climate Group's EP100 initiative.
Policymakers have repeatedly faced calls to make energy efficiency a larger focus within climate strategies. 

BEIS: Energy efficiency installations increased in 2019

New figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) show nearly 220,000 energy efficiency measures were installed through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Green Deal framework in 2019 - a 5% year-on-year increase.
According to the New London Architecture (NLA), there are more than 750 office buildings in  central London and more than a further 210 in the pipeline

JLL: Green offices more likely to bring in rent premium, less likely to sit empty

Property giant JLL has unveiled new research charting the financial benefits of investment in sustainable office buildings, including rent premium, future risk mitigation and higher tenancy rates.
The Leeds RERF was opened in 2016 to burn up to 150,000 tonnes of landfill waste annually

Houses and businesses connect to low-carbon heating network in Leeds

Households and businesses in Leeds are set to benefit from reduced energy bills and carbon emissions after being connected to a £36m district heating network that connects to the city's Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF).
The Council continued its leadership in the city’s carbon reduction efforts by launching a new strategy to reduce its own emissions by 55% by 2025

Net-zero cities: Leeds's mission to be carbon neutral by 2030

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Using 33% of revenues for energy efficiency can ensure fuel-poor households are not adversely affected by carbon taxation

Carbon tax rises 'could fund energy efficiency drive'

The government could siphon off a large chunk of the revenues from increased carbon prices to improve the energy efficiency of fuel poor households, according to a new report from the London School of Economics' Grantham Institute.
SECR will require around 12,000 large and UK-listed businesses to report new energy-related data when it enters into force next month.

New digital tool launched by Government to simplify SECR reporting

The Government agency and reporting council overseeing compliance for the upcoming Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) standards have launched a new taxonomy to submit relevant data in better aligned digital formats.
The strategies build towards the bloc's net-zero target for 2050

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The European Commission has today (11 March) unveiled its Circular Economy Action Plan, a sweeping set of commitments aimed at ensuring that circularity and resources efficiency acts as a "prerequisite for climate neutrality" in line with the European Green Deal and Industrial Strategy.
All materials used for packaging consumed in the UK account for 1.7% of the country’s total emissions 

Lifecycle approach required: Government's plastics policies could triple UK packaging emissions

The UK Government's ban on unnecessary single-use plastics could inadvertently triple the carbon emissions associated with packaging, unless policies are introduced to prioritise an "overall need to use less material" and to improve the energy efficiency associated with material production and recycling.
The call for action is in response to projections that the UK is set to miss its fourth and fifth carbon budgets

Businesses call on Prime Minister to accelerate climate action

Business giants including Unilever, Tesco, Sky and Coca-Cola have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to develop a clear strategy that will set out a pathway to achieving the net-zero emissions target for 2050 that enables businesses to understand their role in delivering the national ambition.
Progress on the goal will be independently assessed each year

UK water sector targets renewables and efficiency improvements for net-zero 2030 goal

UK water companies will focus on self-generated renewables, energy efficiency improvements and the roll-out of low-emission vehicles as part of a new roadmap to help the water sector reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
The built environment sector is regarded as one of the UK’s hardest-to-abate sectors, accounting for around 40% of national annual energy consumption and 33% of national annual emissions

Government urged (again) to revamp low-carbon homes plan

The Government has yet again been urged to reconsider proposed approaches to energy efficiency in housebuilding, after a coalition of councils urged Ministers to remove restrictions that would inhibit higher standards being set.
Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) will require around 12,000 large and UK-listed businesses to report new energy-related data

Businesses urged to capture £6bn energy savings as SECR requirements loom

Businesses have been urged by the UK Government to accelerate efforts to improve energy efficiency in order to cut corporate energy use by 20%, saving £6bn in the process, ahead of the new Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting requirements (SECR) that are set to enter into force.
Kwarteng also announced that the Government would consult on issuing tougher EPC standards for private-owner landlords

UK Government hints at RHI extension

Energy and Clean Growth minister Kwasi Kwarteng has claimed the Government is "absolutely committed" to exploring new support mechanisms for low-carbon heat in the UK once the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) expires in March 2021.
Judges have said that the third runway could go ahead, provided it fits in with the UK’s climate commitments

Government won't appeal Heathrow expansion court decision

UPDATED: The UK Government will not appeal a court decision to block the development of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, which was issued in response to climate change concerns and national targets aligned to the Paris Agreement.
In 2019, Heathrow had around 80 million passengers board flights at the airport 

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).
Johnson’s preference to fill the Treasury with his own advisors suggests that he seeks more control over the spending decisions.

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.
The funds will explore and trial technologies that can switch industrial production from fossil fuels to renewables

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.
Energy reporting is business-critical on the journey to low - and net-zero carbon - emissions.

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.