Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and
the associated industries are set for YoY growth of over 15% through 2020,
according industry consultants, Pike Research.
The usual suspects are of course talking up these business segments in
their 10-K's as being a major part of growth opportunities: Siemens, Johnson
Controls, G.E. I.B.M., as well as countless startups are drooling over this
forward-thinking energy industry. The
U.S. commercial building stock provides almost endless room to target existing
structures, all of which often see incredible energy savings and payback
periods.
I enjoy watching this industry for several
reasons, but primarily because it exemplifies the work required of an efficient
and progressive economy, which I'm an ardent supporter of. A multitude of professionals must come
together for a building to become active or alive: one that adapts its systems real-time. Pipe-fitters must work alongside
technologists, engineers with facility managers, or programmers with office
clerks. BEMS design is clearly a
stakeholder responsive industry, which requires tight integration of many
disciplines. Firms in this field often
tout their vast network of professionals from across industry as a selling
point to clients. One of many reasons
I'm motivated to become part of this industry as a business professional.
A Final Dash of Salt…
What's additionally fascinating about this
industry is it's only recent growth due to several technology advancements:
network technologies, wireless communications, and micro computing power. I believe these three tech trends are some of
the most powerful societal advancements solidified in the past decade and may
sit next to antibiotics, steel, and modern sanitation as critical, historical
advancements and paradigm-makers.
IBM's bet on the industry:
SIEMENS recent 10-Q:
