With rising energy costs, tightening regulations, and growing pressure to meet Net Zero goals, energy efficiency is no longer just a sustainability issue – it’s a strategic priority across a wide range of industries. For forward-thinking businesses, investing in an Energy Management System (EMS) is becoming an essential move to stay competitive, compliant, and cost-effective.
At Clarke Controls, we’ve seen how EMS technology transforms commercial and industrial heating systems, delivering long-term savings and enabling smarter decision-making. In this blog, Clarke Controls founder Clive Bodenham shares why an EMS is more than just a tool – it’s a future-proof investment.
What is an EMS
An Energy Management System (EMS) is a cloud-based solution that allows businesses to monitor, control, and optimise their heating and energy use. Unlike traditional thermostats or time switches, EMS platforms provide real-time data and automation across multiple zones, sites and systems.
With industrial heating alone accounting for up to 75% of energy use, EMS adoption offers businesses a strategic edge. It’s not just about cutting costs – it’s about building operational resilience and meeting compliance targets in a volatile energy landscape.
Why Use An EMS?
1. Operational Resilience
Energy efficiency improves reliability. With automated alerts, real-time diagnostics, and data-driven insights, facilities managers can avoid costly failures and unexpected breakdowns. Our EMS platform can even detect and resolve issues before they escalate, such as closing open roller doors to conserve heat.
2. Long-Term Cost Control
Our clients typically achieve up to 25% annual savings in heating and energy costs. That’s not just a short-term win – it’s an opportunity to lock in efficiency year after year, regardless of market fluctuations.
3. Compliance & Carbon Reporting
With regulations like Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and ESG frameworks under scrutiny, businesses need accurate data and verifiable action. An EMS provides improved tracking of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, supporting sustainability audits and Net Zero roadmaps.
4. Smarter Facilities Management
An EMS gives you centralised control over energy use across different zones and buildings across multiple sites. With features like remote access, zone heating, and automated schedules, facilities teams can manage operations more efficiently, even off-site.
The Competitive Advantage of a Smarter System
Modern EMS platforms offer far more than just energy savings. Clarke Controls’ systems are:
- Tailored to your site – with zoning, automation, and alerts specific to your building and needs.
- Fully scalable – able to grow with your operations.
- Integrable with low-carbon systems – from air source heat pumps to hybrid boilers, our EMS works seamlessly with modern heating infrastructure.
Wickes Case Study
Clarke Controls’ EMS has now been rolled out across 200+ Wickes sites. The results?
- Smarter, site-specific control
- Significant energy and carbon savings
- Streamlined heating management across their entire 200+ sites
“It’s transformed the way we manage energy across our stores.” – Wickes Facilities Team
Make Energy Strategy a Business Priority
From cutting costs and reducing emissions to improving compliance and workplace comfort, an EMS helps you run a more efficient, resilient, and responsible operation.
At Clarke Controls, we specialise in custom-built EMS platforms that fit your needs now and evolve with you as you grow.
Ready to take control of your energy? Get in touch with our team.
Clarke Controls – Control Energy, Control Costs, Control Carbon