What are building energy management systems exactly?

Building energy management systems (BEMS) are software platforms designed to monitor, control, and optimize energy use within buildings. They provide insights into energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and enable proactive decision-making. They’re not just tools, they’re strategic investments that drive cost savings, sustainability, and tenant satisfaction.

Curious to know all about it? Let’s compare 6 BEMS solutions.

Top 6 BEMS for real estate

When it comes to BEMS, no two solutions are exactly the same. Some platforms excel in real-time analytics, while others focus on tenant engagement or regulatory compliance. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key features, strengths, and what users value most about each system, so you can find the perfect match for your real estate needs.

1. Healthy Workers

Healthy Workers, yes that's us, combines advanced technology with human expertise to create a unique BEMS solution. It’s a balanced blend of 50% software and 50% consultancy, offering a comprehensive approach that addresses both energy efficiency and tenant well-being.

The software provides real-time energy analytics, intelligent maintenance forecasts, and a dashboard with all relevant data for streamlined performance tracking. What sets Healthy Workers apart is its stakeholder-focused solutions which are beneficial for asset managers, property managers, installation companies, sustainability consultants and tenants at the same time.

By pairing software with expert consultancy, Healthy Workers ensures you’re not just meeting sustainability rules but actively creating healthier, more sustainable environments for tenants while increasing asset value.

The tailored approach helps you achieve your goals efficiently, whether that’s reducing energy costs or boosting tenant satisfaction. With seamless integration capabilities and ongoing support, Healthy Workers empowers real estate portfolios of all sizes.

Key features:

• Real-time energy analytics and alerts
• Automated ESG-reporting‍
• Tenant-focused solutions for optimizing indoor comfort and air quality
• Intelligent maintenance forecasts to prevent costly disruptions
• Dashboards for streamlined performance tracking
• Integration with your current systems and technologies
• Expert consulting and ongoing support tailored to your portfolio needs

‍HQ location: Amsterdam, Netherlands 

‍What users value most: Users praise Healthy Workers for its user-friendly interface and actionable insights. Healthy Workers platform is able to integrate tenant well-being with energy optimization under the supervision of expert consultancy. Located in the Netherlands, this makes Healthy Workers unique compared to its competitors. 

Maarten Briët (Co-Head Netherlands, Schroders), emphasizes the efficiency-driven approach:

“Healthy Workers protects and boosts asset value and investor returns, because our sustainability investments can be deferred and executed more efficiently.”

2. Spacewell Energy (Dexma)

Spacewell Energy, powered by Dexma, is an advanced BEMS platform designed to streamline energy performance management for buildings of all sizes. By leveraging AI-driven analytics, the system identifies inefficiencies and provides actionable energy-saving recommendations.

Its compatibility with IoT devices ensures seamless data collection, while customizable dashboards and reports make it easy for property managers to track progress and achieve sustainability goals. 

Spacewell Energy’s standout offers features for both single properties and extensive portfolios. The platform’s design simplifies complex energy management tasks, allowing users to focus on their strategic decision-making.

Key features:

• Energy performance benchmarking
• AI-driven energy-saving recommendations
• Compatibility with IoT devices for enhanced data collection
• Customizable dashboards and reports

HQ location: Barcelona, Spain

What users value most: Users appreciate Spacewell Energy’s intuitive design and AI-driven insights, which help identify quick wins for energy savings. The platform’s strong focus on scalability makes it ideal for large portfolios.

3. Trinergy

Trinergy is an Italian-based BEMS platform that specializes in optimizing HVAC systems and integrating renewable energy sources. With real-time fault detection and diagnostics, the platform ensures that building systems operate reliably and efficiently, minimizing downtime and energy waste. 

The platform is designed for portfolios aiming to reduce carbon footprints, providing advanced tools to lower energy costs while maintaining high system reliability. Their focus on multi-building management and renewable energy integration makes them a smart choice if you’re seeking both sustainability and operational excellence.

Key features:

• Advanced HVAC optimization tools
• Integration with renewable energy sources
• Real-time fault detection and diagnostics
• Multi-building management capabilities

HQ location: Milan, Italy

What users value most: Trinergy is celebrated for its focus on renewable energy integration and its robust diagnostic tools. Users highlight its ability to reduce energy costs while improving system reliability.

4. Brightly

Brightly is a cloud-based BEMS platform that simplifies energy tracking and asset management. It enables you to set and monitor sustainability goals, track energy consumption, and schedule maintenance efficiently, all through an intuitive interface designed for ease of use.

With its focus on flexibility, Brightly helps align energy usage with long-term environmental objectives. Its robust maintenance scheduling tools ensure operational efficiency, making it an great choice if you’re looking to streamline processes while achieving their sustainability targets.

Key features:

• Cloud-based asset management
• Energy consumption tracking
• Sustainability goal-setting and monitoring
• Maintenance scheduling tools

HQ location: Seattle, USA

What users value most: Brightly’s users often commend its cloud-based flexibility and strong maintenance management features. The platform excels in helping you align energy use with broader sustainability goals.

5. MRI Software

MRI Software is a comprehensive BEMS platform that combines energy usage analytics with property management capabilities. It provides detailed insights through customizable reporting templates, utility billing features, and integration with existing property management systems, offering a holistic view of building performance.

Designed for real estate professionals managing diverse portfolios, MRI Software simplifies compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing energy efficiency. Its seamless integration ensures smooth adoption without disrupting current workflows.

Key features:

• Comprehensive energy usage analytics
• Integration with property management systems
• Customizable reporting templates
• Utility billing and tracking

HQ location: Cleveland, USA 

What users value most: Lauded for its integration capabilities, MRI Software is a preferred choice for those who need a holistic view of energy and operational metrics.

6. Ento

Ento is an Australia-based BEMS platform focused on energy efficiency and tenant engagement. By offering energy benchmarking and predictive analytics, it helps you identify inefficiencies and optimize energy usage. Its simplified compliance tracking ensures properties stay aligned with evolving regulations effortlessly. 

Their engagement tools make Ento stand out, encouraging collaboration between managers and occupants to achieve shared energy goals.

Key features: 

• Energy efficiency benchmarking
• Predictive analytics for energy usage
• Simplified compliance tracking
• Tenant engagement tools

HQ location: Sydney, Australia

What users value most: Ento stands out for its focus on tenant engagement, with features that encourage collaboration between managers and occupants to achieve shared energy goals.

Criteria for evaluating building energy management systems

Choosing the right BEMS can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. But don’t worry, focusing on the following key criteria can help you find a solution that fits your portfolio and goals. We’re breaking down the must-haves for a system that drives efficiency, sustainability, and value below.

Scalability for portfolios of all sizes

Whether you’re managing a single property or a growing portfolio, scalability is key. A good BEMS should adapt to your needs without breaking a sweat. The right solution grows with you, ensuring long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness for both small and large-scale assets.

Real-time and predictive analytics

Waiting for quarterly reports to spot inefficiencies is over. Real-time and predictive analytics allow you to stay ahead, addressing potential issues before they turn into costly problems. Advanced tools highlight energy-saving opportunities and enable you to act proactively. It’s all about staying one step ahead while optimizing both performance and savings.

Compliance with regulations (e.g., EPBD)

We understand that staying compliant with ever-changing regulations can feel like a full-time job. That’s where automation comes in. A good BEMS simplifies compliance by automating reports that align with frameworks like EPBD, reducing stress and saving time. With these solutions, you can rest easy knowing your buildings meet all the standards without sacrificing efficiency.

ROI and long-term cost savings

Every investment should pay off, and the right BEMS will make sure it does. Whether it’s through reducing energy costs or optimizing system performance, BEMS platforms focus on delivering measurable ROI.

This is important for real estate investors, as 66% of them prioritize ESG strategies to maximize long-term returns. Think of it as an investment that pays for itself, every efficiency gained translates into real savings, leaving more in your budget for future growth.

Integration capabilities with existing systems

The last thing you want is a solution that disrupts your current setup or demands an entirely new one. The right fitting BEMS integrates seamlessly with your existing building management tools, ensuring smooth adoption. This means you get all the benefits of advanced technology without the headaches of starting from scratch. It’s efficiency and ease rolled into one.

Usability for multiple stakeholders (owners, managers, tenants)

A BEMS isn’t just for one person, it’s for everyone involved in your building’s success. BEMS platforms make it easy for you, managers and tenants to collaborate and stay informed. When everyone’s on the same page, decisions are made faster, and goals are achieved more efficiently. It’s a win-win for everyone, from the top floor to the ground level.

Why Healthy Workers is your best bet for long-term sustainability and profitability

Managing energy efficiency while ensuring tenant well-being and regulatory compliance can be a challenge. That’s why we take a different approach. Healthy Workers combines smart technology with expert consultancy, giving you a balanced, full-service solution that optimizes building performance without costly investments.

Our platform provides real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and automated (ESG) reporting and compliance tracking—helping you reduce energy costs, improve indoor climate, and enhance asset value. With our team by your side, you’ll have the right data and expertise to make informed decisions that support long-term sustainability and tenant satisfaction.

Curious to see how our approach can benefit your portfolio? Book your free demo today and discover how Healthy Workers makes energy optimization effortless.