Building controls

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Good control of building services (heating, ventilation, cooling and lighting ) not only saves energy and money, but produces a comfortable environment for staff and customers. There are also environmental advantages to reducing energy consumption, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions and combatting climate change.
Significant energy savings can be achieved by most companies simply by installing controls where they are not present. Where they are installed, they need to be set, operated and maintained correctly.
 

Why use building controls?
It is estimated that 90% of all building control systems are inadequate, costing industry and commerce over £500 million a year in additional energy costs. Controls can:

  • Prevent unwanted or out-of-hours plant operation
  • Reduce unwanted heat gains in a space from electric lighting, fans and motors
  • Minimise cooling costs
    Reduce running costs, energy consumption and pollution associated with energy use
  • Limit excessive wear and tear on building systems
  • Minimise maintenance, repair and replacement costs.

Opportunities for controls

There are a number of different control strategies available, providing a range of solutions.

Regularly check your building controls
Look round your building on a regular basis and ensure that controls are operating effectively.

Types of control
There are three main types of control:

  • Time controls
  • Occupant controls
  • Condition controls

It is also possible to control different areas to meet varying requirements. This is called zoning.

Heating, cooling and ventilation controls
This explains common controls found in these building services, and how to ensure they operate to minimise energy use.

Lighting controls
Lighting can be controlled by time switches, presence detectors and photocells – or combinations of these.

Key links
Links to associated websites and details of key publications.

 
 
View other technologies

Building controls

 
 
 
 
Introduction
Opportunities for controls
Regular checks
Types of control
Heating, cooling and ventilation controls
Lighting controls
Key links
 
 

Did You Know...

 
 
 
 
It is estimated that 90% of all building control systems are inadequate, costing industry and commerce over £500 million a year in additional energy costs.
 
 

Publications

 
 
 
 
Building controls technology overview
This overview explores some of the main types of building controls and demonstrates the best energy saving opportunities available.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology overview
This technology overview of heating, ventilation and air conditioning is aimed at managers with the responsibility for HVAC within their organisation across all sectors and introduces the main ener…

Lighting technology overview
This overview covers the main energy saving opportunities in lighting, and presents low-cost measures as well as lighting investment opportunities without compromising working conditions.