As the UK accelerates efforts to meet its Net Zero commitments, energy efficiency is becoming a real business priority. For organisations of all sizes, optimising energy use is essential to reducing costs, meeting compliance targets and driving sustainability forward. One of the most effective tools to support the transition to Smart Buildings is an Energy Management System (EMS).
In this article, Clive Bodenham, Clarke Controls founder, explains how EMS technology is transforming commercial and industrial buildings – and why it’s an essential part of any smart energy strategy.
What Is a Smart Building?
A smart building uses intelligent systems and automation to monitor, manage and optimise energy consumption, environmental conditions and building performance. By collecting real-time data, smart buildings allow facility managers to make better-informed decisions about heating, ventilation and energy efficiency.
At the heart of these buildings lies the Energy Management System (EMS) – a powerful tool designed to cut energy waste, reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, and enhance comfort and control.
Why Heating Is a Key Focus for Energy Efficiency
Heating is one of the largest energy consumers in commercial properties. In showrooms, warehouses and industrial units, it can account for up to 75% of total energy use. With such a significant impact, even small improvements in heating efficiency can lead to major cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.
While many of us know how to save energy at home – turning off lights, adjusting the thermostat and keeping doors closed are three easy changes – the challenge is much greater in large or complex buildings. Factors like building layout, ageing systems, and varied occupancy patterns make manual control impractical and inefficient.
This is where a smart Energy Management System makes all the difference.
What Is an Energy Management System (EMS)?
An Energy Management System is a cloud-based platform that enables precise control of a building’s energy usage. It continuously monitors temperatures, identifies inefficiencies, and automates control of heating systems. At Clarke Controls, we specialise in EMS solutions that give facilities managers full visibility and wireless control – even across multiple sites.
Key Benefits of EMS:
- Customised temperature zones to avoid unnecessary heating.
- Automatic shut-off for open roller doors or unused spaces.
- Real-time monitoring and remote control.
- Integration with existing heating systems.
- Reduction of energy bills by up to 25%.
- Support for Net Zero and SECR compliance.
“An EMS isn’t just smart – it’s purpose-built for reducing heating costs and emissions,” explains Clive Bodenham. “We design systems that fit around your infrastructure, delivering year-round savings and control.”
Contact us to learn more about our Energy Management Systems.
How an EMS Supports Net Zero and Sustainability Goals
Investing in an EMS can be one of the quickest and most effective ways to cut your carbon footprint and energy costs. It also helps organisations meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.
For businesses required to comply with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) or working towards Net Zero, an EMS provides the data and control needed to track and reduce emissions over time.
Read more about SECR requirements on the UK government website.
From Cost Savings to Comfort
In addition to lowering energy bills, EMS systems help maintain consistent, comfortable temperatures across the workplace. This leads to:
- Fewer disputes over heating settings.
- Increased productivity.
- Better working conditions in shared or mixed-use spaces.
Our EMS offers tamper-proof control, preventing unwanted manual adjustments that could undermine energy-saving strategies.
Future-Proofing with Clarke Controls
At Clarke Controls, we help organisations across the UK make the switch to intelligent, low-carbon energy solutions. Whether you’re upgrading outdated systems or looking to implement a fully integrated EMS across multiple sites, we deliver cost-effective, scalable solutions tailored to your needs.
We’ve helped clients across manufacturing, retail, warehousing, and education save up to 25% on energy costs year after year.
Check out our Case Study with nationwide retailer Wickes to see how we helped them make significant energy, carbon, and cost savings, year after year.
Smarter Buildings Start With An EMS
The path to a low-carbon, cost-effective workplace starts with smart heating and energy management. An Energy Management System provides the tools to reduce waste, enhance comfort, and drive your organisation closer to its Net Zero goals.
With UK energy prices remaining volatile and sustainability legislation tightening, now’s the time to take control.
Get in touch to find out how Clarke Controls can help your business save up to 25% on its heating costs.
Clarke Controls – Control Energy, Control Costs, Control Carbon