The Value of Real-Time Energy Monitoring for Commercial and Multi-Tenant Residential Buildings
- 6 min reading time
In recent years, an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of buildings called for a shift towards commercial and multi-tenant residential spaces. Real-time energy monitoring is among the most effective tools to help you comply with this shift.
Real-time energy monitoring (RTEM) is the continuous collection, analysis, and visualization of energy consumption data across a building's various systems. This technology lets property managers make informed decisions about energy usage immediately rather than reacting after getting their monthly utility bills.
Why Real-Time Energy Monitoring Matters
With rising energy costs, stricter regulations, and growing efficiency demands, RTEM is essential. It helps reduce waste, lower costs, ensure compliance, and enhance tenant comfort by identifying inefficiencies before they escalate. Here’s why RTEM is a necessity, not a luxury.
Rising Energy Costs and Demand for Efficiency
Commercial and multi-tenant buildings are energy hogs. According to the US Department of Energy, commercial buildings alone consume 35% of all electricity in the US. Real-time energy monitoring provides detailed data on wasteful consumption as it happens. This immediate feedback enables quick and efficient resolution, preventing small inefficiencies from accumulating into larger bills.
Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance
Sustainability is no longer voluntary but mandatory in many cities across the globe. For example, in large US cities like New York, laws mandate large buildings to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
Similarly, in the UK, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) require privately rented properties to achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. RTEM provides continuous data collection and reporting capabilities to track and document compliance with emission targets.
Tenant and Occupant Comfort
Inefficient energy use commonly results from malfunctioning systems and appliances. For example, a malfunctioning HVAC may over-cool spaces and thus impact occupant comfort. RTEM systems enable property managers to identify and fix inefficient systems quickly.
How Real-Time Energy Monitoring Works
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how real-time energy monitoring systems work:
Data Collection from Key Energy Systems
RTEM systems consist of a network of sensors, utility meters, and submeters attached to the main electrical panel, as well as other building systems such as HVAC. These systems collect data for energy optimization.
Immediate Insights and Alerts
After data collection, the next step is a relay to a centralized software system for analysis. This system uses algorithms to analyze the raw data and transform it into digestible metrics. It also triggers automatic alerts when it detects unusual consumption patterns.
AI and Machine Learning for Predictive Energy Management
Advanced platforms incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities into the RTEM process. These advanced platforms analyze past energy usage data on metrics like weather forecasts and building occupancy schedules to understand typical consumption patterns under different conditions.
They then employ predictive analytics to forecast energy needs and recommend adjustments that minimize costs and maximize efficiency. Some even automatically implement these recommendations.
Equipment and Installation Requirements
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Smart Meters and Submeters: Smart meters form the backbone of any RTEM system. They record whole-building power quality parameters like voltage, power factor, and harmonics, creating the data necessary for energy monitoring. Submeters monitor specific zones, floors, tenant spaces, and even equipment.
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Energy Management Software (EMS): This is the brain of the RTEM. It processes, stores, and visualizes the collected data, making it digestible for energy optimization.
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IoT Sensors and Smart Controls: These components are the "eyes and hands" of the system. They automate and optimize energy usage based on real-time conditions. For example, occupancy sensors detect when spaces are vacant and automatically adjust lighting and HVAC systems. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption. Similarly, smart plugs and power strips monitor and control individual devices and automatically shut them off during off-peak hours.
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Power Quality Monitoring Devices: These devices monitor the electrical supply for anomalies like voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and power factor issues in real-time.
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Wireless and Wired Connectivity: RTEM wired and wireless connections are the communication infrastructure connecting sensors, meters, and the central management system.
The ROI of Real-Time Energy Monitoring
While the upfront costs of setting up an RTEM system might seem hefty, implementing one typically pays off in the long run.
Cost Savings
RTEMs alert you of energy inefficiencies, allowing you to address them and prevent unnecessary utility costs. Furthermore, RTEMs identify and reduce demand peaks, saving thousands of dollars monthly. For example, an AI-based RTEM might use past data to forecast a hot day and recommend cooling schedule adjustments that minimize peak demand charges while maintaining occupant comfort.
Increased Equipment Lifespan
RTEM systems identify and trigger alerts for abnormal energy consumption patterns. This enables building managers to fix the underlying problem before it escalates, facilitating preventive rather than emergency maintenance.
RTEM data leads to better equipment placement decisions that prevent premature wear on primary units. These benefits mean tangible ROI through reduced repair costs, downtimes, and delayed expenditure on equipment replacement.
Higher Property Value and Marketability
In commercial buildings, RTEM systems indicate sophisticated management practices that appeal to high-value investors. RTEMs also facilitate the achievement of certifications like LEED and ENERGY STAR, which correlate with higher rental rates and occupancy levels.
Implementing a Real-Time Energy Monitoring System
Conduct an Energy Audit
An energy audit provides a detailed overview of a building's current energy consumption patterns and inefficiencies. This information facilitates the prioritization of energy-saving measures.
Conducting an energy audit as the first step lets you determine the right RTEM system for your property. Enlist a professional energy auditor to handle the audit to evaluate building systems, envelopes, and operational practices comprehensively.
Selecting the Right Solution
Increasingly, calls for energy efficiency flood the market with nearly countless RTEM systems. Consider cloud-based vs. on-premise RTEMs to select the right one.
Cloud-based RTEMs offer remote data access and don't require extensive on-site hardware and IT infrastructure. However, they are susceptible to security breaches.
Conversely, on-premise solutions offer greater data security control but have higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance requirements. Additionally, assess the RTEM's compatibility with existing building systems and its potential to scale.
Installation and Integration
RTEM installation demands a strategic, professional approach as it integrates with your building’s entire power system. Partner with an experienced electrical and lighting supply company to handle installation.
These experts boast the know-how and tools to integrate, calibrate, and optimize RTEM hardware and software with your building's existing system without causing significant disruptions.
Training and Ongoing Support
RTEMs are only as efficient as those who use them. Train property managers and tenants on how the RTEM system works, including its features, dashboards, and reporting capabilities. Also, create channels for ongoing support and feedback.
Conclusion
Real-time energy monitoring transforms energy management from reactive to proactive. This results in cost savings and regulatory compliance for property managers and building owners. For tenants and society, these systems create comfortable, reliable environments.
Partner with an experienced electrical and lighting supply company like ULE Group to deploy the best RTEM system for your properties. Get in touch today to get started.