Awareness of environmental issues and the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has increased considerably in recent years. With various government targets in mind, and the ever-growing issues and concerns around energy consumption, the environment and sustainability; it is now essential that it is understood what effect can be had on the efficiency and environmental impact of buildings.

Factors such as rising fuel prices, legislation changes and increasing environmental awareness as climate change rises up the news agenda is placing greater demand on businesses to be more energy efficient.

With Part L2 and rising energy costs there has never been a greater need for building services control in mainstream commercial buildings. What is needed is a simple cost effective solution that can control lighting, heating and other services argues Colin Legg, Product Manager for Hager’s Tebis TS bus system.

“Is my school avoiding energy wastage as much as possible?” It’s a question school children may consider when they cover energy management while studying climate change. And the same question is being asked by head teachers, school governors and local authorities, who have economics in mind. Most schools now look after their own fuel budgets, so every pound saved is of great value.

Modern building management systems (BMS) deliver high levels of comfort and excellent energy efficiency – but only if they are properly maintained. Planning for proper maintenance starts at the specification stage, says Steve Loughney of Siemens Building Technologies.

The world of advanced building controls is an evolving one that is becoming an integral part of total facilities management service delivery. Paul Thompson, General Manager of Dalkia’s Controls Division considers the options for building managers and FMs.

Convergence is the buzzword of the 21st century. It’s a process that’s happening today in many walks of life; the iPod, the mobile phone and the Blackberry are just some of the many devices where developments in electronics and software technology are enabling new combinations of previously disparate functions to be integrated into single products.

“There is no doubt that BACnet is an excellent and versatile protocol for building automation. Its strength is in its flexibility to interconnect different equipment but, to make the most of an open system, it’s important to consider the infrastructure and the functionality that’s actually needed”, says Dave Kitching of Siemens Building Technologies.