Reducing the energy consumption of buildings is crucial. Monitoring systems simplify this management, optimizing the operation of equipment. These systems aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and improve occupant comfort. BMS (Building Management System) and CTM (Centralized Technical Management) are two key tools for optimizing energy consumption. They also help businesses meet the requirements of the tertiary decree. Here is an overview of BMS and CTM.
BMS and CTM: definitions
What is a BMS?
The Building Management System is a computer system connected to sensors and controllers to remotely control various aspects of a tertiary building.
This system supervises, optimizes and manages technical installations such as Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), plumbing (including lift pumps, tanks, etc.), electricity distribution, lighting, security systems (video surveillance, access control) and fire protection devices (alarms, extinguishing systems).
What is a CTM?
The Centralized Technical Management (CTM) solution follows the same principles as BMS, but focuses on a single type of installation, thus offering a more specific approach. It uses a centralized automation system to manage a multitude of parameters and functions, relying on sensor data in large structures.
With a CTM, operators can:
- Measure and control physical variables,
- Order actuators,
- Transmit various information such as measurements, states and alarms,
- Analyze and process data via graphs,
- Provide real-time reports, perform energy savings,
- Maintain yields,
- Manage wear and tear with automatic permutations,
- Manage intermittency such as night spaces and frost protection devices,
- Optimize prices,
- Control remotely, reducing the need for travel.
BMS/CTM: what’s the difference?
BMS (Building Management System) and CTMs (Centralized Technical Management) are two systems linked but different in scope.
- CTM: operates on a small scale, managing a single technical system at a time, such as lighting or heating/air conditioning. She specializes in a specific field.
- BMS: operates on a large scale, spanning multiple technical systems. It provides an overview and coordinates multiple systems, integrating data from different CTMs.
Despite their differences in scale, BMS and CTM share similar principles: they use automation, sensors and interfaces to collect, process and use data, thus improving the operation of installations, energy efficiency and occupant comfort. .
CTMs can be seen as components of BMS. In a large building or complex, several CTMs manage specific aspects, while the BMS oversees the whole, consolidating and coordinating the actions of the different CTMs.
BMS / CTM: what advantages?
The installation of BMS (Building Management System) or BMS (Centralized Technical Management) systems offers several key advantages:
- Optimization of energy performance: allows you to adjust energy needs, such as lighting and heating, can lead to significant savings. For example, lowering the temperature by 1°C can reduce energy consumption by 7%.
- Control of the energy bill: allows the use of sensor data, helps to limit energy waste.
- Improved occupant comfort: provides the ability to control temperature, lighting and noise levels ensures a pleasant environment for building users.
- Reduced operating and maintenance costs: Real-time monitoring reduces maintenance costs.
- Improved security: Constant monitoring of alarm systems enhances security 24/7.
- Centralized management and cost reduction: BMS and BMS enable active monitoring and management of the building, automating and regulating installations for increased efficiency.
BMS / CTM: an obligation of the BACS decree
The BACS decree (Building Automation & Control Systems), published in summer 2020, makes Technical Building Management (BMS) mandatory to improve energy performance, especially in the tertiary sector, a major emitter of greenhouse gasses (GHG).
- Obligation for tertiary buildings of more than 5,000 m²: they must install BMS systems before January 1, 2025. This concerns both existing buildings and new constructions, for which building permits are submitted from July 2021.
- Purpose of the decree: achieve the objectives of the tertiary decree or Tertiary Eco Efficiency System (DEET), which applies to buildings or premises of tertiary activity of more than 1,000 m².
