GTB Bâtiment : Guide Complet pour une Gestion Technique Optimale

In the building sector, BMS is used to connect and control heating, safety and comfort equipment and technologies. The aim is to optimize energy use and monitor the operating status of technical equipment. Thanks to this management and control, buildings are more efficient, economical and safe.

Guide contents 📖

What is Building Automation? ? 

Building Management System is an intelligent system that brings together several coordinated systems. It controls all the technical equipment used for electricity, ventilation, heating, air conditioning, cooling and security. All these installations are linked to a common management tool to ensure global supervision.

BMS means implementing energy-efficient solutions toimprove a building's energy performance. This may involve better control of lighting and/or temperature, for example.

Building Management aims to make buildings more comfortable, efficient, economical, safe and flexible.

Key components and operation of the BMS

Building Management refers to control and regulation systems, in which the user interface is very important. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies must also be considered.

BMS is essential for operate a building correctly. It is capable of monitoring, controlling and regulating.

Other functions include : 

  • Monitoring technical installations 
  • Supervision to promote employee comfort
  • Energy monitoring to measure building consumption and identify areas for improvement

Each BMS function is affiliated with a different computer system. For example, it could be an archive system for communicating, recording, processing and monitoring. But it can also be a programmable control system, to regulate and control equipment.

The BMS can control two main types of technical of technical equipment: installations linked to energy comfort (air conditioning, heating, domestic hot water, etc.) and installations linked to electrical distribution (elevators, alarms, etc.).

Like sensors and actuators, the user interface is one of the most important elements of a BMS. If properly implemented, system users will be able to effectively monitor and control functions.

It can take the form of a graphical interface on a computer or tablet, for example. It can even be accessible on a smartphone and offer advanced advanced functionalities. These include :

  • Schedule programming
  • Report generation
  • Data visualization (energy consumption in particular)
  • Setting control parameters (setpoint temperature)

IoT devices, also known as the Internet of Things (IoT), and the resulting intelligent sensors, are enabling the evolution of traditional BMS towards connected BMS. They enable us to collect a wealth of data on building performance in real time.

This transition to connected BMS has led to the creation of the smart building. Indeed, the IoT is increasing connectivity between all equipment and systems. As a result, data collection and analysis more accurate, richer and easier.

Practical applications of BMS in the construction sector

BMS can be applied in the residential sector, as well as in commercial and industrial buildings. The system can also be found in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

BMS in the residential sector

Although not as widely used, BMS is nevertheless very useful in the residential sector, especially in terms of safety.

In fact, a BMS-controlled security system is particularly well suited to the home. This type of installation provides comfort for occupants.

BMS in commercial, industrial and service buildings

In commercial and industrial buildings, BMS are particularly effective in reducing energy consumption. For example, many companies have decided to install lighting control systems in their offices.

As well as switching off lights in unoccupied rooms, it can also adjust brightness according to the amount of natural light.

BMS in hospitals and healthcare facilities

In very large establishments, such as hospitals, the effectiveness of BMS has been widely recognized by managers. In fact, it can optimize energy use throughout the building.

For example, it can take the form ofan air-conditioning, heating and ventilation control system. Managers can adjust the parameters according to the actual needs of patients and staff. In this way, energy wastage and costs are considerably reduced.

What's more, the impact of BMS on a company's productivity should not be underestimated. By automating certain tasks and providing building managers with precise information, human resources can be optimized.

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Strategic advantages of BMS

BMS offers a number of advantages, both in terms of energy and cost, and in terms of safety:

Energy efficiency and cost reduction

The main advantage of BMS is, of course, energy savings. It's an invaluable tool when it comes to preserving the ecosystem.

This optimized management of energy efficiency helps to reduce unnecessary consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. As well as reducing energy consumption, this also means substantial savings for building users.

Improved comfort and safety

Opting for technical management means ensuring the comfort of building occupants. It enables constant monitoring of environmental parameters (humidity, temperature, ventilation and lighting). 

The system automatically adjusts environmental conditions to ensure an optimal working environment

The same applies to security, which is ensured by 24/7 video surveillance and building access control.
Some structures can even install intrusion protection devices. The advantage is that all this promotes well-being, safety and productivity.

The Sinteo vision 😉

Building Management Systems (BMS) offer an efficient means of controlling and supervising a building's technical systems, by integrating the right technology, in the right place, at the right time. Its main aim is to optimize energy performance, enhance occupant comfort and guarantee the sustainability of installations. Through the use of sensors, actuators and IT systems, BMS enables real-time monitoring and automatic adjustments, ensuring efficient, sustainable building management.

Contributing to sustainability and eco-responsibility

In addition to being a cost-effective solution, Building Management Systems are also known for their contribution to environmental sustainability.

Building management systems play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and unnecessary energy consumption.

Finally, because it promotes energy efficiency and incorporates environmentally-friendly technologies, this system helps to operate more sustainable buildings that comply with environmental regulations.

Challenges and Solutions in BMS Implementation

Implementing a BMS, however, is fraught with technical and financial challenges. Installation can vary considerably depending on the age of the building.

Overcoming technical and financial challenges

The main challenge with BMS is to ensure the system's compatibility with the building's existing equipment. In some cases, heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems are not suitable for installing a BMS.

That's why it's essential to carry out an in-depth study of existing systems beforehand. This ensures that the BMS integrates harmoniously with them.

The second challenge is financial. Equipping a building with a BMS represents a major investment. To overcome this budgetary challenge, experts advise clear thinking about project objectives and priorities.

Our advice: get a helping hand! 💡

It's also a good idea to look for subsidies and financial aid available for energy efficiency projects. For example, under the BAT-TH-116 sheet, it is possible to benefit from a "CEE" (Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie) scheme.

Important: In the revision of BAT-TH-116, dated January 1, 2024, it is crucial to specify that logistics warehouses, storerooms, warehouses (whether refrigerated or not) and storage premises are excluded, even if they are linked to spaces dedicated to the sale or rental of goods or services.

Integrating BMS in old vs. new buildings

Of course, BMS is much easier to integrate in new buildings than in old ones. Sometimes, however, the BMS is not compatible with the building's intrinsic operation and initial construction.

By the way, what are the differences between BMS and BMS?

Discover the subtleties between Building Management Systems (BMS) and Centralized Technical Management Systems (CTMS) in our specialized content, shedding light on these two essential approaches to optimal building performance.

BMS regulations and standards

Like all systems, BMS is subject to various regulations and standards.

The BACS Decree and its implications

The BACS decree is a new requirement for all new and existing commercial buildings to be fitted with a BMS and automatic heat control system.

The aim is to facilitate the control and monitoring of energy-intensive installations such as heating, lighting, air conditioning, DHW and ventilation. 

Since 2023, this decree has made it compulsory to install a BMS in existing commercial buildings equipped with a heating or air-conditioning system with a rated output of over 70 kWh.

The decree also requires inspection and maintenance of automation and control systems.

International standards and BMS certification

Eu.Bac is a European certification that guaranteesthe performance of energy management and control systems in buildings, particularly for heating. 

In fact, BMS installations can boost the performance of heating, hot water and air conditioning systems by 30%.

The aim of this certification is to combine the reduction of energy costs with the comfort of the structure's occupants.

Our elementary toolbox ⚖️

Explore our regulatory toolbox dedicated to building BMS, offering informative and detailed articles on the essential regulations you need to know. Our resources will help you stay informed and effectively comply with current standards, ensuring optimal use of your BMS while maintaining regulatory compliance.

📜 CEE plug BAT-TH-116

Decret Bacs GTB

📜 Decree Bacs GTB

GTB Class A ISO standard

📜 GTB Class A

Future and Innovative Trends in BMS

The world and technologies are evolving, and BMS is no exception. In the future, it is likely to undergo innovations with artificial intelligence. 5G will also have a major impact on these systems.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in BMS

The arrival of artificial intelligence has profoundly enhanced the capabilities of building automation systems such as BMS.

Thanks to these new technologies, installations can learn and adapt to building conditions. This enables more effective control strategies

For example, AI is capable of analyzing historical data and generating predictions so that the BMS can anticipate occupants' future needs. All this again with the aim ofoptimizing energy use and user comfort. 

Finally, artificial intelligence can detect faults and carry out diagnostics. In this way, inefficiencies and anomalies in the various installations can be identified quickly and easily.

The impact of 5G and wireless networks on BMS

The gradual roll-out of 5G throughout the country can only increase the efficiency of BMS systems, making them more responsive, faster and less costly in terms of hardware investment. The same applies to wireless networks, which are already beginning to make BMS installation easier and less restrictive.

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