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27-25-BEMS-article-by-Yoni-1
Costs | 
29/09/25

Building Energy Management System surveys (BEMS): Your key to unlocking up to 40% building energy savings

Imagine walking into your building and knowing exactly where energy is being wasted, which systems are working too hard, and what small changes in behaviour can be implemented to lead to real savings.

That's the power of a Building Energy Management System (BEMS)*, and more importantly, the power of understanding how to use it.

Buildings consume approximately 40% of global energy and account for 36% of CO₂ emissions worldwide. Yet research shows that many buildings operate at only 60–70% of their designed efficiency. This represents an enormous opportunity for improvement.

An underperforming BEMS can be due to:

  • Inappropriate specification or control strategy
  • Incorrect installation or commissioning
  • Sensors faulty, poorly installed or positioned
  • Settings not updated to suit changing patterns of building use
  • Inadequate training
  • Inadequate maintenance

At JRP, we’ve been working with clients for over 25 years to optimise their BEMS and embed best practices into operations, ensuring teams are equipped with the right knowledge to minimise energy waste.

The following 6 steps detail the journey we take with our clients on to ensure their BEMS is being an effective business tool. It starts with evaluation through a thorough audit process and ends with measurable impact: lower energy bills, reduced maintenance costs, improved comfort, and a lighter carbon footprint.

Step 1: Understanding the building

Every building is different. That's why we begin with a comprehensive walkthrough and stakeholder interviews to understand how the building operates in reality. This diagnostic phase is critical.

Our assessment includes:

  • Occupancy patterns and space utilisation analysis
  • Equipment usage (HVAC, lighting, small power, and auxiliary systems)
  • Manual overrides and comfort complaints
  • Operational schedules vs. actual building usage
  • Energy consumption patterns and peak demand analysis

This helps us build a picture of how the building operates in real life, not just how it was designed to. The gap between design intent and operational reality is one of the largest sources of energy waste in commercial buildings.

Step 2: Getting to know your BEMS

Next, we dive into the Building Energy Management System itself. The BEMS can be likened to the brain of your building – it controls heating, cooling, lighting, and more. But like any brain, it needs to be trained and tuned.

Research by CIBSE indicates that poorly configured BEMS can waste 20–40% more energy than optimised systems.

We analyse:

  • Sensor accuracy and calibration (drift can cause 15–25% efficiency losses)
  • Control strategies and scheduling effectiveness
  • Data quality and utilisation
  • System integration and communication protocols
  • Alarm management and fault detection capabilities
  • Historical performance trends and seasonal variations

This is where we often find quick wins like systems running when no one's around, heating and cooling fighting each other (simultaneous heating and cooling can waste up to 30% of HVAC energy), or equipment operating outside optimal parameters.

Step 3: Behaviour makes the difference

Here's the part most people overlook: the people using the building.

According to EnCO, up to 50% of potential energy savings come from changing behaviours. The IFMA (International Facility Management Association) found that buildings with engaged occupants consistently outperform similar buildings by 15–25% in energy efficiency.

We help teams:

  • Understand energy impact through real-time feedback systems
  • Use dashboards and alerts to make informed decisions
  • Build sustainable habits that support organisational goals
  • Protect technology investments through proper system usage
  • Engage in energy competitions and awareness programmes

This is about enabling smarter choices, not assigning fault. When building occupants receive consistent feedback on their energy use, consumption can decrease by 5–15% within just the first month.

Step 3.5: Integrating insights into sustainability strategy

Beyond immediate operational improvements, BEMS survey insights play a pivotal role in broader sustainability initiatives. The UK Green Building Council emphasises that data-driven building management is essential for achieving Net Zero carbon goals.

Our approach supports:

  • ESG reporting with verified energy performance data
  • Green building certifications (BREEAM) through documented improvements
  • Carbon reduction strategies aligned with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
  • Regulatory compliance including UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
  • Corporate sustainability commitments and climate disclosures

Buildings with comprehensive energy management strategies achieve higher sustainability scores and improved investor confidence.

Step 4: Turning insight into action

Once we've gathered the data and insights, we deliver a clear, practical report with prioritised recommendations. Our methodology follows ISO 50001 (UK-adopted standard) and incorporates industry best practices from organisations like CIBSE.

The report includes:

  • Performance benchmarking against industry standards and similar buildings
  • Prioritised improvement opportunities with implementation timelines
  • Financial analysis including payback periods and lifecycle costs
  • Risk assessment and change management strategies

Step 5: Sustaining the change

The final step ensures improvements persist long-term. Without proper maintenance and monitoring, energy savings can degrade by 10–25% annually.

We help you:

  • Train facility teams
  • Establish monitoring protocols
  • Implement continuous commissioning
  • Create feedback loops
  • Develop maintenance schedules

Buildings with ongoing monitoring maintain 95% of initial energy savings over 5+ years. Sustaining the momentum is critical, and long-term partnerships with specialised consultancies can deliver significant value and drive lasting impact.

Why it matters: The business case

Whether you're a facilities manager, sustainability lead, or business owner, the benefits extend beyond energy savings:

Financial Impact:

  • Reduced operational costs
  • Improved asset values
  • Enhanced productivity

Risk Management:

  • Future-proofing against rising energy costs
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Reduced equipment failure risk

Strategic Advantages:

  • Enhanced corporate reputation
  • Talent attraction and retention
  • Alignment with stakeholder expectations

Implementation timeline and investment

A typical BEMS survey and optimisation project follows this timeline:

  • Week 1 – 2: Initial assessment
  • Week 3 – 4: Analysis and recommendations
  • Week 5 – 6: Report delivery
  • Month 2 – 6: Implementation
  • Ongoing: Monitoring and improvement

Investment typically ranges from £5,000 – £25,000, with most clients achieving full payback within 12–24 months.

Here is just one example of how we have helped a client make considerable savings through BMS optimisation.

Ready to start your journey?

The transition to Net Zero carbon buildings isn't just an environmental imperative – it's a business opportunity. A BEMS survey provides the roadmap, but success requires commitment to both technology and people.

Let’s discuss how a comprehensive BEMS survey can unlock your building’s full potential and position your organisation as a leader in sustainable building operation.

Book a call to speak to one of our experts.

*BEMS is a specialised function is normally part of a more extensive Building Management System (BMS), any changes to the BEMS are done so through the BMS, but it can also function as a standalone system if the primary goal is just energy optimisation. The terms are often used interchangeably.