Technical services
Optimising building performance through Building Management System (BMS) review
Oak House
The owner of Oak House requested a review of the building’s mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and operational costs while the building was unoccupied. The objective was to improve efficiency without requiring capital expenditure.
The MAPP approach
The Technical Services team reviewed the operation of the Building Management System (BMS) and identified that heating, cooling and ventilation systems were running continuously despite the building being vacant.
Immediate optimisation measures were implemented, including reducing operating hours and isolating non-essential plant to better align system operation with occupancy. Energy performance was monitored before and after the intervention to measure the impact.
The impact
The optimisation delivered an estimated 80%+ reduction in electricity consumption, equating to approximately 11,000 kWh saved per reporting period and an indicative cost saving of £1,400–£1,900 per period, with additional gas savings expected through reduced heating operation.
The improvements were achieved without capital investment and had no impact on the integrity of the vacant building. The project demonstrated how proactive BMS optimisation can deliver immediate, measurable reductions in energy use, operational costs and carbon emissions by aligning building systems with occupancy levels.
The Technical Services team delivered a high standard of service at Oak House. The site visit and subsequent optimisation measures achieved a clear and measurable reduction in energy consumption and operational costs. By implementing targeted BMS adjustments to reduce operating hours and isolate non-essential plant, the team delivered meaningful cost savings while the building remained vacant.
Jess Hardman
Associate Director – Surveying
Oak House, Rotherham
Oak House, Rotherham