What are energy management systems?

Energy management systems (EMS) are tools that help businesses monitor, control, and optimise their energy use. They provide the data and insights needed to make smart decisions, reduce waste, and cut energy costs.

What does an energy management system do?

At its core, an EMS gathers data from multiple sources, such as meters, building management systems (BMS), and utility bills, and turns it into actionable insights. It helps identify:

• Where energy is being used
• Where energy is being wasted
• When consumption peaks and why
• How systems and behaviours can be adjusted to improve efficiency

Some systems also offer automated control features, allowing businesses to remotely adjust equipment settings and schedules based on real-time data.

Why do businesses need energy management systems?

For businesses with large or complex estates, understanding energy consumption is difficult without a dedicated system in place. EMS platforms:

• Make energy usage visible and measurable
• Highlight inefficiencies across different sites or departments
• Support sustainability targets such as net zero or carbon neutrality
• Help meet regulatory requirements like ESOS or SECR
• Reduce operational costs without the need for capital investment

Put simply, if you can measure it, you can manage it — and EMS gives you the tools to do both.

What’s the difference between basic and AI-powered systems?

Traditional energy management systems rely on manual data review and interpretation. AI-powered platforms like EMMA AI take this further by:

• Continuously scanning data for anomalies
• Detecting patterns that human eyes might miss
• Flagging potential savings faster than manual reviews
• Reducing the time your team spends on data crunching

Learn more: What is an AI energy management system?

Who uses energy management systems?

EMS is used across sectors — from retail and manufacturing to education and hospitality. Whether you manage one building or hundreds, these systems scale to your needs. They’re especially valuable for:

• Energy Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Sustainability Teams
• Finance and Procurement Leaders

EMS and your journey to net zero

Energy management systems play a critical role in reaching net zero targets. They help you:

• Track your carbon emissions
• Identify and eliminate energy waste
• Support compliance and reporting
• Build a data-driven case for future energy investments

Read more: How to start on the journey to net zero

Need help choosing or upgrading your energy management system?

We work with businesses across sectors to simplify energy data, uncover hidden savings, and make net zero achievable. Talk to us to find out how EMMA AI could support your goals.

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