The Future is Bright for BEMS

Peter Behan of Group Horizon explains how the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship is contributing to the Net Zero challenge.

With the UK’s commitment to net zero carbon by 2050 target set to remain in place with whomever is the next resident of 10 Downing Street, the role that buildings can play in creating a more environmentally friendly future remains as important as ever. It is pleasing to know however that in recent years various industries have taken it upon themselves to clean up their act, target or no target. With buildings accounting for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, it is a sector that still has plenty to do to reduce its carbon footprint. 

Thankfully, we live in an age where we have the technology available to not only install in new buildings, but also to retrofit in older ones to help better manage their energy efficiency. Also, in a time of corporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance), an organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability is under the spotlight. ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s behaviour used by socially conscious investors to screen potential investments. Environmental criteria consider how a company safeguards the environment, including corporate policies addressing climate change, for example.

Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) play a fundamental role in ensuring that all of a building’s services, including HVAC, lighting and power systems, are integrated to operate in the most effective manner. The challenge for a BEMS Controls Engineer is knowing how to ensure a building achieves the required level of efficiency.

The technical nature of building controls is a highly specialised area and at Group Horizon we are committed to giving the next generation of BEMS Controls Engineers all of the knowledge, confidence and hands-on training they need to secure a rewarding career in one of the most innovative and fast paced sectors in the built environment.

Our team of specialist tutors are ready to pass on their industry experience through our BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship, which offers a balance of on-the-job assessments and technical training covering all aspects of the building controls industry.

This training programme can take up to 36 months to complete and will be delivered on the apprentice’s company site and through classroom and/or online learning sessions. The Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) technical course modules BCM00-BCM15 are also included as part of the apprenticeship.

To find out more about the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship click here