Imagine walking into your building and instantly knowing where energy is being wasted, which systems are under strain, and what simple behavioural or operational tweaks could deliver real, measurable savings. That’s the power of a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), and even more so, the power of understanding how to use it effectively.
Globally, buildings account for around 40% of total energy use and 36% of CO₂ emissions. Yet studies show many buildings run at just 60–70% of their designed efficiency. This gap represents a huge opportunity for improvement and cost savings.
An underperforming BEMS is often the result of:
- Incorrect specification or control strategy
- Poor installation or commissioning
- Faulty or badly positioned sensors
- Inadequate training or maintenance
JRP Solutions, energy and sustainability specialists, help organisations get their BEMS working as a true business asset. Their proven six-step process starts with a detailed audit and ends with measurable impact: lower bills, reduced maintenance and a lighter carbon footprint.
Step 1: Understanding the building
No two buildings operate the same way. JRP begins with a comprehensive walkthrough and stakeholder interviews to understand how the building actually functions day-to-day. This diagnostic phase focuses on:
- Occupancy patterns and space utilisation
- Usage of HVAC, lighting, and auxiliary systems
- Manual overrides and comfort complaints
- Scheduled operation vs. actual use
- Energy consumption and peak demand analysis
This process reveals how the building performs in practice, identifying the common gap between design intent and operational reality – one of the largest sources of wasted energy in commercial facilities.
Step 2: Getting to know your BEMS
A BEMS is the brain of your building, managing heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation. But like any brain, it needs tuning. According to CIBSE (2021), a poorly configured BEMS can waste 20–40% more energy than one that’s optimised.
JRP’s in-depth analysis includes:
- Checking sensor accuracy and calibration (drift can cause 15–25% efficiency loss)
- Reviewing control strategies and schedules
- Evaluating data quality and integration
- Assessing alarm and fault detection systems
- Reviewing historical performance trends
This stage often uncovers quick wins, such as systems running outside occupancy hours or heating and cooling competing with each other, which can waste up to 30% of HVAC energy.
Step 3: Behaviour makes the difference
Technology alone isn’t enough. Building users and operators play a vital role in energy performance. Studies by EnCO and IFMA show that up to 50% of savings can come from behavioural changes, with engaged occupants outperforming similar buildings by 15–25%.
JRP helps teams:
- Understand energy impact through real-time dashboards
- Build sustainable habits aligned with business goals
- Protect investments through correct BEMS use
- Run energy awareness campaigns and competitions
Providing regular feedback on energy use can cut consumption by 5–15% within the first month. It’s about empowering smarter choices, not assigning blame.
Step 3.5: Integrating insights into a wider sustainability strategy
Beyond operational savings, insights from BEMS surveys strengthen corporate sustainability goals. JRP’s data-driven approach supports:
- ESG reporting and verified energy metrics
- Green building certifications (e.g. BREEAM)
- Science-Based Target (SBTi) alignment
- Compliance with UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
- Broader carbon reduction and climate commitments
Buildings that integrate BEMS data into sustainability frameworks achieve stronger ESG scores and enhanced investor confidence.
Step 4: Insight into action
After analysis, JRP delivers a clear, prioritised action plan following ISO 50001 principles and CIBSE best practice. Reports include:
- Benchmarking against industry standards
- Practical recommendations with payback analysis
- Lifecycle cost assessments
- Risk and change management strategies
Each recommendation is costed, sequenced, and designed for measurable impact.
Step 5: Sustaining the change
Energy savings can erode by 10–25% each year without consistent monitoring. JRP ensures improvements last by helping teams:
- Train facilities staff
- Establish monitoring and reporting routines
- Implement continuous commissioning
- Maintain effective feedback loops
Buildings with ongoing monitoring typically retain 95% of their initial savings over five years.
The business case
Whether you’re a facilities manager, sustainability lead, or business owner, a high-performing BEMS delivers benefits far beyond energy savings.
Financial Impact
- Lower operating costs
- Increased asset value
- Improved productivity
Risk Management
- Reduced exposure to rising energy prices
- Stronger regulatory compliance
- Lower risk of equipment failure
Strategic Advantages
- Enhanced corporate reputation
- Support for ESG and Net Zero goals
- Greater attraction and retention of talent
Implementation timeline and investment
A typical BEMS survey and optimisation project follows this structure:
- Weeks 1–2: Initial assessment
- Weeks 3–4: Analysis and recommendations
- Weeks 5–6: Report delivery
- Months 2–6: Implementation and fine-tuning
- Ongoing: Monitoring and continuous improvement
Investment usually ranges from £5,000–£25,000, with most clients achieving payback within 12–24 months.
Ready to start?
For 25+ years, JRP Solutions has helped clients unlock the full potential of their BEMS, improving efficiency, empowering staff, and accelerating progress toward Net Zero.
A BEMS survey provides the roadmap, but success comes from combining smart technology with informed, engaged people.
To discuss how a BEMS survey could transform your building’s performance, contact JRP Solutions: 📞 0800 6127 567 | ✉️ info@jrpsolutions.com
This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.