Smart cloud-based systems

Marjut Rautavaara, Head of Cloud Product Management at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, explains why cloud-based energy management systems are essential for meeting sustainability and decarbonisation targets

Climate change is an issue that concerns us all, and given that the built environment generates more than 40 per cent of annual global CO2 emissions, politicians have recognised the urgent need to act. This has meant the introduction of a series of regulations, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in the EU and the US Inflation Reduction Act.

To help tackle these challenges, integrating cloud-based energy management systems into buildings of any kind and size offers a range of advantages. These robust solutions comprehensively address the needs of building owners and operators, including facility managers. By tracking energy consumption levels, costs and carbon emission footprints, energy management systems enable building managers to meet sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), whether for single buildings or across entire estates.

ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

Cloud-based energy management systems are instrumental in helping building managers meet stringent sustainability goals. They can provide the real-time tracking of energy and sustainability performance across a portfolio of buildings, with a level of detail which can help identify inefficiencies as well as measure the effectiveness of energy management initiatives.

Utilising data directly from a building’s (sub-)meters through its automation systems and into the cloud presents significant advantages over a more drawn out process of digitising invoices from utility services like electricity, heating, water, and gas. The real-time data which can be gathered directly from the cloud ensures fast data availability, consistency and accuracy.

For instance, a cloud-based energy system allows you to compare energy consumption and CO2 emissions between buildings over different time periods. This data-driven approach offers more informed decision-making, enabling operators to implement targeted interventions where they are most needed.

ROLE OF AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly crucial role in helping to identify data anomalies from a variety of services and operations. As an example, say there is a sudden spike in electricity consumption within a building due to an issue with the heating temperature levels, AI can flag up this unusual behaviour and pinpoint its source, enabling prompt corrective action. Algorithms can then be deployed to automatically adjust the underlying systems to set the room comfort level and help ensure energy savings.

AI-driven energy management tools also employ advanced algorithms for budget forecasting. These tools predict potential overruns based on consumption trends, allowing for proactive adjustments and more effective energy cost management. Alongside this, the ability to visualise consumption patterns through heatmaps enables you to pinpoint inefficient time slots and usage patterns and optimise energy use. By adjusting the data to consider external factors such as weather, these systems can ensure accurate and meaningful comparisons, making them indispensable tools for achieving long-term sustainability goals.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Regulatory compliance is another critical aspect in energy management. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), have been the instruments to regulate energy consumption and set targets to reach net zero carbon emissions. The directives which are now overseen by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero, are designed to ensure the UK is on track to meet its legally binding Net Zero commitments.

Cloud-based energy management systems streamline compliance with these regulations by providing the necessary data and reporting capabilities. Furthermore, these systems offer secure integration with third-party software and cloud services, ensuring that sensitive data is protected while meeting regulatory requirements.

ENHANCING EFFICIENCY AND REDUCING COMPLEXITY

Cloud-based systems are increasingly being recognised as not only improving efficiency but enhancing transparency across an estate. Using these systems enable managers to access comprehensive data on energy consumption and costs at any time, from anywhere. This flexibility is particularly valuable for managing large portfolios of buildings, as it allows for the identification and rectification of inefficiencies across multiple sites.

The ability to filter data by various parameters – such as consumption groups or time periods – enables more precise analysis and comparison. This granular visibility helps operators conduct better data comparisons, leading to more informed decision-making.

Additionally, automated reporting simplifies the creation and distribution of sustainability reports. Facility managers can quickly generate ad-hoc reports tailored to specific metrics, locations, and time periods, ensuring that internal and external stakeholders are kept informed. Scheduled reports and embedded notification systems further streamline operations, helping prevent budget overruns and ensuring timely reviews.

With the growing reality of the climate crisis, building owners and operators need to act now, and the adoption of cloud-based energy management systems is increasingly vital. These platforms offer a comprehensive solution to the challenges of energy optimisation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. By providing real-time data, enhanced efficiency, and flexible access, they empower FMs to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.

The path forward is clear: by leveraging the power of cloud-based energy management systems, the built environment can achieve its goals of sustainability, compliance, and efficiency, ensuring a brighter future for all.