From Insight to Action: Maximising Efficiency in Facilities through Energy Management Systems [White Paper]

In this article, we are delighted to introduce our latest guide, focusing on the Facilities Management sector. At Spacewell Energy (Dexma), the foremost provider of technological solutions, we have meticulously crafted this guide with the intention of assisting professionals within the Facilities Management sector. 

Our objective is to provide you with insights into the current state of the UK market and to explore energy-saving opportunities within Facilities Management through the adoption of advanced energy management systems (EMS).

This strategic move is specifically designed to drive operational efficiency and reduce long-term costs. If you’re eager to delve into the contents of this guide, let’s continue.

The Facilities Management Industry in the UK

Currently, the UK is dealing with various challenges, including the rising costs of living, strikes in some industries, energy supply issues, higher interest and inflation rates, and the persistent repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These factors have both direct and indirect effects on the Facilities Management Sector. Given that Facilities Management accounts for 10-25% of overall indirect spending in certain organisations, the focus on these services remains extremely important.

According to Frost & Sullivan, the UK’s facilities management industry witnessed a growth rate of 4.8% in 2022, with a projected expansion of 5.1% in 2023. While this growth might seem positive on the surface, there are concerns due to rising costs affecting both clients and service providers, much of which is a consequence of inflation.

As the energy crisis persists in the UK, the Facilities Management Sector is facing a pressing need to embrace sustainable energy practices. It’s never been clearer that there are too many vulnerabilities stemming from a heavy reliance on conventional energy sources, which is prompting businesses to seek more reliable and environmentally responsible solutions.

The focus on sustainability isn’t just an environmental consideration; it’s a strategic business move that will help Facilities Management enhance their operational stability.

What You Need to Know About the UK’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)

Mandatory Energy Audits for Big Companies

The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) introduces a requirement for large companies to conduct energy audits. This initiative compels participants to perform a comprehensive assessment of their energy consumption across various aspects, including buildings, transportation, and industrial operations.

Practical Implementation and Auditing Process

In practice, the scheme involves an auditor examining your organisation’s energy data over a 12-month period. Additionally, they will survey your facilities using energy consumption profiling to pinpoint areas of energy usage and wastage.<!– [if lte IE 8]>

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Structured Planning for Challenges

Every Facilities Manager needs a structured plan to address challenges, often driven by compliance with statutory and policy requirements.

For successful energy management, a systematic process aided by technology is essential to assess energy usage comprehensively. Through monitoring and analysis, facility managers can identify various opportunities for making enhancements that lead to greater efficiency and reduced waste.

The ISO 50001 standard, the global benchmark for Energy Management, adopts the “plan, do, check, act” model, commonly used in engineering for driving enhancements.

Still, facilities managers should understand that energy management lacks a one-size-fits-all solution. According to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), an effective system should:

(a) have appropriate policies in place and include processes that employ a wide variety of tools, all of which have been adapted for the local needs of the business;

(b) reflect strategic direction;

(c) include procedures that make the best use of resources;

(d) have clear aims and objectives that are quantifiable and are ‘SMART’ in nature; and

(e) be flexible enough so that it is adaptable in response to changes in use, changes to the overall size of the estate, or changes to occupancy.

As ESOS shines a spotlight on energy consumption, it prompts Facilities Managers to explore innovative solutions for enhanced efficiency. This brings us to the realm of Energy Management Systems (EMS). 

These systems, such as the Spacewell Energy (Dexma) Platform, are becoming increasingly relevant as they empower facility managers to not only comply with ESOS but also proactively monitor and regulate energy consumption within their buildings or organisations, promoting more efficient use of energy resources. Let’s now delve into the capabilities of these systems in greater detail.

A Closer Look at Energy Management Systems

As we discussed above, facility managers are growing more conscious of how much their buildings affect the environment. And to address this, the implementation of smart energy management systems is gaining traction. These systems, such as the Spacewell Energy (Dexma) Platform enable facility managers to monitor and regulate energy consumption within their buildings or organisations, promoting more efficient utilisation of energy resources.

In an Energy Management System (EMS), real-time energy monitoring offers valuable advantages for Facilities Managers. Here’s how it helps you respond promptly to energy issues:

• Detecting high energy use

Real-time monitoring lets you track energy use as it happens, even for specific equipment and areas. This helps you find areas using too much energy and take fast action to fix any problems.

• Fast solutions

You can quickly make changes to improve energy use. For example, if an area or equipment is using a lot of energy, you can adjust settings, plan maintenance, or fix possible equipment issues.

• Informed decision-making

The EMS’s real-time data lets you make informed choices about energy. By studying how energy is used in real-time, you can find problems, save energy, and improve overall energy use.

And much more…

Are you ready to take control of your Facilities Management energy consumption and transform your operations? The free guide is available to download on our blog.