BMS v BEMS
The terms ‘Building Management System’ (BMS) and ‘Building Energy Management System’ (BEMS) are sometimes used as if they are interchangeable, however their specific meanings are different.
Building Management Systems are integrated, computerised systems used to monitor and control a wide range of building systems, which might include fire, smoke detection and alarms, motion detectors, CCTV, security and access control, lifts and so on, as well as systems such as lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning).
For more information see Building Management Systems
Building Energy Management Systems are integrated, computerised systems used to monitor and control specific energy-related building services plant and equipment, which will typically include HVAC systems, lighting and power systems.
For more information see Building Energy Management Systems
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air conditioning.
- Automated blinds.
- BACS building automation controls - the information revolution.
- Building Automation and Control System BACS.
- Building energy efficiency - is building automation the answer?
- Building energy management systems (BEMS) for data centres.
- Building management systems
- Building services.
- Building services engineer.
- Commercial building automation market.
- Cyber threats to building automation and control systems.
- Data centres.
- Energy management and building controls.
- Energy management in the built environment: A review of best practice.
- Global BACS market resilience.
- Global building energy management systems market.
- HVAC.
- Internet of things.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing MEP.
- Smart buildings.
- Smart meter.
- Smart technology.
- US Smart Connected HVAC in Commercial Buildings Study 2017.
- Wireless vs wired building energy management system.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.
Undervaluing our industrial past
Heritage value changes as taste for building styles changes.
Changing expectations around competence and compliance
New information sheet from CIAT.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.

















