The 10 80 10 rule represents the total lifetime costs of a building, whereby only 10 per cent of costs are invested at the design stage while a staggering 80 per cent is spent on the running and maintaining of a building.

The BCIA is calling for a change in approach from those in the supply chain at the initial stages of building projects. By investing in an efficient controls system at the start of construction, this will dramatically lower operational costs in commercial buildings over the long-term while also helping to meet a wide range of legislation. 

A good example of this is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) which came into force earlier this year. It is now unlawful for a landlord to let or renew a lease on a property if the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is F or G. 

By installing additional zone control, for instance, or demand control of lighting and heating using occupancy sensors, an EPC rating can receive a welcome boost and substantially lower unnecessary energy usage. It is these relatively simple additions to the BMS system that have a significant impact on the EPC rating.

Energy efficiency in commercial buildings remains a high priority and is something that must be continually addressed as part of requirments to meet current and new legislation. 

The BCIA says one of the best ways that this can be accomplished is by bearing in mind the 10 80 10 concept from the outset of construction projects and making sensible and strategic decisions to future-proof today’s sophisticated buildings. Through the implementation of innovative control systems, this will enable the wider industry to comply with legislation over the upcoming years.