Clive Bodenham, founder of Clarke Controls looks at the importance of an Energy Management System and how they can save businesses up to 25% on their heating costs and emissions footprint.

Smart buildings need smart controls. In an ideal world, those controls should also help reduce carbon emissions and control energy costs for complex commercial and industrial buildings. One of the best ways to do that is by using an Energy Management System (EMS).

At Clarke Controls, we believe an EMS isn’t just a bolt-on or a nice-to-have - it’s the central nervous system of an intelligent heating strategy. An EMS can reduce energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint for large commercial spaces, especially those with high energy demands like warehouses, showrooms, and retail spaces.

Heating: The hidden giant of energy use

Heating accounts for up to 75% of energy consumption in many commercial and industrial settings. Managing that demand efficiently isn’t as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Buildings often have varied occupancy patterns, outdated heating infrastructure, and large open zones – all contributing to significant energy waste.

Factor in rising energy prices and evolving sustainability regulations, and the case for a smarter, more responsive heating system becomes clear. That’s where an EMS delivers real, measurable value.

What is an EMS – and why does it matter?

An Energy Management System is a cloud-based platform that monitors, controls, and optimises a building’s heating performance in real time. It connects with a building’s infrastructure and adds intelligence, zoning, automation and visibility.

Unlike traditional heating controls, which rely on manual settings and reactive fixes, EMS are all about being proactive. Managers can get real-time insight into energy consumption and remotely adjust heating across multiple sites, cutting waste and maintaining comfort with minimal effort.

Core features of an EMS built for commercial spaces

At Clarke Controls, we’ve developed an EMS tailored specifically for the challenges of large-scale commercial and industrial environments. Key features include:

  • Zoned Heating: Divide buildings into custom zones to avoid heating empty areas. Each zone can be managed independently for optimal efficiency.
  • Remote Control: Cloud-based access allows facility managers to monitor and adjust heating settings from anywhere across an entire estate. This access is also tamper-proof, allowing the system to work as it’s designed to without any interference. 


  • Automated Responses: The system can detect events like doors left open or sudden spikes in use, and respond automatically to prevent waste.


  • Scalability: The EMS can adapt as a business grows or changes its operations.


The business case: Savings, sustainability, and simplicity

For businesses aiming to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions, an EMS delivers immediate and long-term benefits:

  • Lower Energy Bills: Our clients regularly make up to 25% energy savings within the first year. That’s not just good for the environment – it’s great for the bottom line.


  • Carbon Reduction: An EMS supports compliance with frameworks like SECR and helps organisations progress towards Net Zero by reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Improved
  • Comfort: A consistent, well-regulated environment improves productivity and morale while reducing disputes over heating in shared spaces.


  • Operational Efficiency: Automated heating control frees up your facilities team to focus on higher-value tasks while the system handles day-to-day optimisation.


Supporting the transition to low-carbon heating

Many businesses are upgrading to low-carbon heating technologies – from air-source heat pumps to biomass boilers. An EMS is the ideal companion for these systems, ensuring that they operate efficiently and heat is delivered precisely where it’s needed, when it’s needed.

Proven results with Wickes

Clarke Controls has rolled out its EMS across over 200 Wickes stores nationwide. The result? Significant reductions in energy waste, streamlined heating management, and a smarter, more sustainable estate.

“The EMS transformed how we manage heating across our estate,” says a Wickes representative. “It’s made our operations more efficient and aligned with our sustainability goals.”

The road ahead: Making buildings work smarter

The future of smart buildings depends on intelligent, connected infrastructure, and heating management is a huge part of that. As pressure grows on businesses to meet energy efficiency and climate targets, and energy prices continue to rise, an EMS is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity.