Primer on Energy Management Systems

My first experience with an energy management system (EMS) was in China. Not a single hotel room during my two weeks there offered anything else. The way they designed their system was to have the guest use their key fob as the pass to get electricity to your room by inserting it into the room's controller. Without it, nothing electric worked; HVAC, lights, TV, radio — all were lifeless. The only time I had a problem with the concept was in a particularly damp area and the musty, mildewy smells and the clamminess in the room were intolerable. Consequently we left our extra key in the control unit to leave the AC running to dry the air and reduce the offensive odors; I felt that was an oversight in the design and implementation of their system, but I found a work-around to suit my needs anyway. The lesson: any system you install must take local conditions into account or you may suffer from guests forcing a solution on you.

Who should consider installing an EMS? Anyone who wants to manage the operation of all major building systems to run efficiently and effectively, providing everyone a comfortable environment cost-effectively. Anyone who wants to save money in their operating budget.

Energy and expense management go significantly deeper than turning off lights and lowering thermostats. By adopting energy and expense management programs, you can anticipate making a significant, positive impact to your bottom line. Not only can you expect to potentially save lots of money, but also to reduce your labor costs. Hospitality businesses should be confident their operations are running at peak efficiency and helping the bottom line, as far as energy issues are concerned. It's one thing to incorporate an energy management system into you now construction or major renovation, it's another to retrofit one into your existing building.

In new construction and major renovations, including an energy management system is the most far-sighted decision that can be made because of the long-term energy savings to be enjoyed. An EMS is a computer-based system that monitors and controls environmental parameters of the building's systems and minimizes energy use and cost The monitoring and control are accomplished through a centralized, computer-based information exchange using high bandwidth cabling, microprocessor-based controls, and sometimes even smart metering. Such systems vary in capability and functionality, but are all designed to give some level of centralized oversight and remote control of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), systems, lighting, and other building systems. The micro-processor controls, located in each building zone, provide sensory functions, signal processing, and control responses that lead to the smart building operation.

For existing buildings, there may be other and more cost effective ways to create energy savings and the costs associated with their use. Granted, these approaches won't necessarily be centrally controlled and monitored, but they will save on installation over that of an EMS. You can effect energy management and control technologies that include a wide range of devices and systems. These range from a simple timer that turns off a lamp or a bathroom fan to programmable time controls, automatic lighting controls, HVAC control systems, and programmable/smart thermostats. Occupancy sensors are getting more sophisticated, successfully allowing a room to be "put to sleep" or kept active depending on whether the occupant is there or not.

The idea behind energy management systems and various control technologies is to save power, which saves money and labor costs, and yet keeps the guest or room occupant comfortable and safe. Saving money improves your bottom line. Keeping a guest comfortable builds their loyalty — and your bottom line. An energy management system and approach is an ECOnomically Sound decision.