BMS stands for Building Management System. It is an IT solution installed in large buildings, particularly in industrial facilities and the tertiary sector. This system enables the supervision of equipment installed within a company's buildings. Among the equipment managed by this solution are lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and the opening and closing of blinds.
Definition and Objectives of Class A BMS
This Class A system has specific objectives, which are as follows.
Key Characteristics of Class A BMS
According to standard NF EN ISO 52120-1, a Class A BMS is a Building Management System with high performance.
A Class A BMS controls equipment by collecting data from installed sensors. This data is processed to make decisions regarding the building's energy consumption.
Why Aim for Class A? Benefits and Impacts
Companies implementing a BMS should aim for Class A for several reasons. A Class A system is ideal for:
- achieving energy savings
- enhancing comfort
- adopting a more ecological and responsible approach
- ensuring the safety of building occupants.
The impact is therefore positive across various aspects that should not be overlooked. We will examine the benefits of Class A in detail.
Comparison of BMS Classes According to Standard NF EN ISO 52120-1-2022
Other classes also exist. Below is a comparison of the different BMS classes.
Distinctions Between Classes A, B, C, and D
Thus, in addition to Class A, which offers high energy efficiency, there are also:
- Class B: an advanced BMS
- Class C: a standard Building Management System
- Class D: a BMS considered energy-inefficient
The class designation has a significant impact. For a Class A building's energy performance, experts consider regular maintenance, energy monitoring, automation of energy management, and sustainable energy optimization.
For Class B BMS, there is the possibility of ambient automation and the presence of annual energy monitoring.
There is no energy monitoring in a Class C BMS. However, network-based automation of primary installations is possible.
Class D is characterized by its ineligibility for the BACS Decree, meaning no new building can be constructed with this system. Renovation work is required to modify or upgrade existing systems.
Performance and Evaluation Criteria
Class A ensures a control system that considers the real-time presence or absence of occupants in the building, the ambient temperature in occupied areas, and the equipment to be managed.
For instance, Class B Building Management Systems do not incorporate control systems based on occupant presence.
Class D is limited to on/off functionalities for devices and does not allow for optimal management of their energy consumption. In Class D, certain devices will operate 24/7 unnecessarily.
Thus, the higher the class, i.e., closer to A, the greater the energy performance, ensuring significant energy savings for a company.
To illustrate the potential comparisons between two classes, upgrading from a Class C to a Class B guarantees 15% energy savings. Conversely, modifying the BACS system to transition from Class C to Class A ensures up to 30% energy savings, effectively doubling the initial amount.
Implementation and Installation of a Class A BACS
To implement a Class A BACS, several steps must be followed.
Key Steps for the Installation of a Class A BACS
It is necessary to conduct an energy audit so that the installer can propose the most suitable BACS solution. This ensures the BACS solution can be tailored to the needs of the company's occupants.
The interface must be carefully chosen to ensure it is intuitive and clear for all users. Occupants must then be trained by the installers to understand all system functionalities and utilize them effectively.
Provider Selection and Selection Criteria
To select the appropriate technicians for your project, do not overlook requesting quotes. This will enable you to compare various proposals.
For this selection, the installer must possess the RGE or Éco-artisan certification. This certification assures you that the technicians are appropriately qualified and that the companies are approved for implementing such systems. In this instance, you may even be eligible for an installation grant. The CEE (a state-regulated scheme) even provides a funding premium for the installation of these technical and IT systems.
The installed technology must comply with regulations, particularly the BACS decree.
Have a project?
Contact our Smart Building division!
Manage your installations, comply with standards, reduce your energy footprint. Our team supports you through all stages of your building's lifecycle.
Specific Advantages of Class A BACS
By understanding the advantages of Class A BACS, you will appreciate the benefits of this type of installation.
Energy Optimization and Cost Reduction
With such a system, the regulation of heating temperature, air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, and all related functions based on occupancy within the building is automated. Energy consumption is thus optimally controlled to prevent energy waste.
This optimized consumption ensures cost reduction as you will consume less energy.
Enhanced Comfort and Occupant Safety
Air quality and temperature are all regulated to ensure optimal user comfort. If the company operates offices in this building, enhanced comfort, particularly through a pleasant temperature, ensures increased productivity.
Regarding security, this system can detect risks such as gas leaks, fires, or the presence of unauthorized individuals in the building. Alarms are triggered automatically to ensure the safety and security of occupants.
Class A BACS and Sustainable Development
Heating, air conditioning, lighting systems – as you understand, BACS manages the power and operation of all devices. Thus, the BACS system has an impact on consumption, and consequently on resource preservation.
Impact of Class A BACS on the Ecological Footprint
The consumption of these types of devices is regulated, ensuring an improvement in the energy class of buildings. Consequently, by regulating technical systems, energy resources are preserved.
The Tertiary Decree, implemented for businesses, takes into consideration the ecological impact. The Tertiary Decree is a regulation that can be adhered to through the implementation of Class A BACS.
Class A BACS and CSR Strategies
These functions enable companies to achieve their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) objectives, which is crucial in today's landscape. Class A Building Management Systems (BMS) ensure a transformative approach to building management, significantly enhancing their energy efficiency.
These ecological objectives are directly aligned with a company's CSR policy, particularly for those seeking enhanced management of heating, air conditioning, and all energy systems within their facilities. By successfully implementing these measures and optimizing its energy resources, the company can enhance its CSR strategy and meet the requirements of the tertiary sector decree, where applicable.