What is the Difference Between Energy Management and Energy Monitoring?
You’ve decided it’s time to get serious about your building’s energy consumption, but where do you begin? As you explore relevant solutions, you’ve likely encountered the terms Energy Monitoring System (EMONS) and Energy Management System (EMS) used interchangeably. While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits.
Understanding the key differences between EMONS vs. EMS can help you choose the right approach for your facility’s needs, goals, and budget. Whether you’re aiming to reduce costs, meet sustainability targets, or stay compliant with reporting requirements, knowing how these two approaches differ will help you make a more informed decision on which to deploy in your facility.
Keep reading to discover how the two concepts differ, best supports your building’s efficiency and long-term performance.
Key Features of an Energy Monitoring System
An Energy Monitoring System collects real-time data on a building’s energy consumption through automated wireless readings. It tracks how, when and where energy is being used across systems such as HVAC, Lighting, machinery, equipment, etc…
Automated Data Collection
Eliminate manual meter readings, saving time and reducing errors
Real-Time Insights
Access accurate energy consumption data on any screen, anytime and anywhere
Instant Report Generation
Easily generate reports for compliance and and to support data-driven decisions
Anomaly Detection
Receive alerts for unusual energy consumption patterns to prevent wastage
When An Energy Monitoring System is Appropriate
- Entry level option for those embarking upon energy efficiency journey to automate meter reading processes and establish a consumption baseline
- Your building has relatively stable operations and you are looking to introduce simple processes, such as a detecting unusual spikes or inefficient equipment
- Your goal is MONITORING data for AWARENESS on understanding energy consumption.
Key Features of an Energy Management System
An Energy Management System (EMS) is a broader system that goes beyond EMONS. It controls, optimises, and improves energy efficiency through automation. Using the collected data, it can take action by integrating procedures, process flows, and technologies to systematically reduce energy consumption.
Automated Data Collection
Eliminate manual meter readings, saving time and reducing errors
Real-Time Analysis
Data collected may be run through programmes for analysis that can be used to automate further action
Automated Control
Based on data & analysis, the EMS can will react accordingly to reduce energy consumption.
Integration with BMS
Unlock the full potential of a Smart Building by integrating your EMS with your BMS.
When An Energy Management System is Appropriate
- You want total visbility and control over a building, with automation included.
- Your goal is energy-saving ACTION that can be implemented without any human intervention.
Buildings with High Energy Consumption
Facilities with high energy consumption, such as Data Centers or Commercial Buildings, that will significantly benefit from energy saving action.
Industrial Facilities
Industrial facilities with manufacturing that requires integration of multiple systems, to simplify all building operations on a single dashboard.
Smart Buildings
Companies that want to understand energy usage and employ automation tactics to reduce energy according to data.
Conclusion
Investing in an Energy Monitoring System is crucial to meeting Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 goals. With automated data collection, real-time insights, and compliance-ready reporting, an Energy Monitoring System is the smart choice for building owners looking to modernize and optimize their energy use.
An EMONS that automates data collection and monitoring marks the first step in Lim Kim Hai Electric’s Continuous Improvement Model. From here, building owners may choose to continue the journey by taking analysing the data and taking action.
Explore Our EMON & EMS Offerings
Arrange for a Sitewalk with one of our Energy Specialists Today!
