A lot of emphasis is placed on the energy efficiency of new buildings, and Part L of the Building Regulations, along with Energy Performance Certificates have helped to set higher standards for the carbon footprint of new buildings.

The intelligent use of modern building management systems (BMS) is increasing at facilities emanating from an ever-widening number of sectors. Far from the conventional preserve of education establishments, historic buildings, office blocks, hotels, hospitals and sports centres, the latest BMS technology is being introduced at several unusual and perhaps slightly surprising end user sites, including zoos and large cultivation greenhouses to name but two.

In these energy conscious days it is important to remember that the need to control energy consumption has to be considered alongside the requirement for occupant comfort, but finding a balance between the two need not be difficult.

Energy use in commercial and public buildings is under increasingly intense scrutiny.

It is not only the moral responsibility of those of us in the building services sector to do something about reducing fuel consumption but it also a legal obligation under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and, subsequently, Part L of the Building Regulations as legislated within the UK during the past few years.

As we start off another year, it’s good to have some resolutions in mind. Perhaps 2010 should be the year when we all put cutting energy waste on our ‘to do’ list.

As with all resolutions, it’s easier to stick to the goal if you have a good reason. The past twelve months have been tough for all businesses, so it is useful to bear in mind that every pound saved from energy bills goes straight onto the bottom line. The Carbon Trust estimates that UK businesses are wasting £7 million a day on poor energy efficiency.

The connectivity of building controls systems is sometimes raised as a concern by end-users, and even specifiers. However, modern communications platforms and the work of organisations such as the BCIA have ensured that there are now few reasons why different types of control products cannot work successfully together.

In the UK automated solar shading and façade management is wholly relevant to the demands of Part L of The Building Regulations and the implementation of energy efficiency measures. However, it is an often overlooked discipline but one which is set to grow.

Many building managers are given the responsibility for reducing energy use in their businesses and often the most difficult part of the process is knowing where to start. 

Measuring the effectiveness of any energy reduction campaigns in the business is very important. For example, it is crucial to show return on investment for any investments in energy saving equipment. It can also help to encourage staff to save money by switching off lights or making sure PCs are not left on standby. Evidence that such steps are working is a good motivator.

The world of electrical installation is changing, more radically and rapidly than would have been thought only a decade ago. Driven by the trends of intelligent buildings and, naturally, of cost and time reduction, it's becoming a technological activity rather than a physical one. Emerging technologies are freeing installers from the constraints of complex wiring and power sources; providing greater intelligence and adding more value.

Over the past few years, legislation has placed increasing emphasis on reduction of energy use in commercial buildings. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and Part L of the Building Regulations (2006) require building designers and managers to make efforts to minimise energy use, and to measure how much energy is being used - and where.

In recent years engineers have been able to offer both client and architect energy saving devices when designing open plan offices, warehouses and even hotel rooms. However at the actual switching position the architect has always been left with a large non-aesthetic multi gang grid switch (e.g. an eight gang switch plate).  Now the engineer can offer the architect an eight (or sixteen) gang switching device on a single faceplate.

With energy efficiency high on the agenda, I spoke to Navid Mehr, managing director of SC Controls about their extensive range of SeaChange modular building controls which is simplifying the way the industry thinks about building controls.

With the detrimental impact of the recession being felt across the UK housing sector, there is one niche area of the market that has performed well and is continuing to demonstrate its resilience in the face of the downturn. Properties in the £5 million plus price bracket in both London and the Country are part of a sector where supply is tighter and where the market is supported by a larger proportion of cash buyers and super-rich purchasers.

Large corporations are consistently being challenged to adopt ground-breaking social responsibility and environmental policies. Engineering and technology experts Siemens put these philosophies into practice by using its own products throughout its estate, achieving impressive energy-savings as well as outstanding working environments for the company's employees. But to take the leap from manufacturer to end-user, Siemens employed the help of Andromeda to provide integrated control solutions for their building services; offering the missing ingredient for realising a green, sustainable development.