Reducing energy in buildings by using energy management systems and alternative energy-saving systems

Abstract

The paper reviews the literature concerning the energy savings achieved by installation of energy management systems and alternative energy-saving systems (such as alternative heating, ventilation, cooling, and lighting systems). Savings through enlightened occupant behaviour and operation of building systems are also discussed. Implementation of energy management system and the reduction of need for mechanical heating and cooling equipment permit the reduction of buildings energy up to 50% and often entail no greater construction cost than conventional design. The energy efficient solutions require an integrated design process, in which the building performance shall be optimized through an iterative process that involves all members of the design team from the beginning. It should be highlighted that an energy management system is installed in a 21 floor building in Tirana. The total electrical energy footprint of the building is 135kWh/m2/year from 200kWh/m2/year that was before the installation of the system. It comes out that the result is in accordance with the energy efficiency goals of a lot of developed countries.