From measuring to steering: how submetering works at Imbema
Sub-metering is much more than just installing a meter. It is a smart way to make energy, water, and gas consumption transparent at a detailed level. However, the real difference is made when you can analyze, visualize, and use this measurement data to manage it.
At Imbema, we achieve this in 8 steps: from inventory to dashboarding. In this article, we explain how it works, why it is important, and which techniques we use to give our customers control over their consumption.
Why sub-metering?
Rising energy costs, stricter laws and regulations (such as CSRD, EED, and EPBD), and the necessity to become more sustainable ensure that energy insight is becoming increasingly important. But a main meter tells you little about where in a building the consumption takes place. And without that information, you cannot:
- Fairly distribute costs,
- Save in a targeted manner,
- And demonstrate compliance with legislation.
Sub-metering makes consumption transparent per room, per user, per process, or per installation. Consider:
- Heat meters in a healthcare facility per department
- Water meters per vacation home
- KWh meters per machine or floor in a factory
- Gas meters in a multi-tenant building
- Or a combination of everything: linked to a dashboard
But measuring alone is not enough. You also need to know what you can do with that data. And that's where steering comes into play.
From measuring to steering: the 8-step plan
1. Inventory
Together, we map out what you want to measure: heat, gas, water, or electricity. We also consider the building type, the installations, the users, and the measurement objectives.
2. Advice
Based on that, we advise which components fit best:
Heat & Cold: Engelmann, Sensus
Heat and cold meters for reliable measurement of energy consumption in heating and cooling, applicable in both domestic and industrial installations.
kWh meters: EMH, EMU, Apator
Digital kWh meters for accurate electricity registration in buildings and industry, with accessories for optimal protection and installation.
Water: Axioma, Sensus, Elis, Apator, and Engelmann
Water meters in mechanical, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic variants for accurate registration of water consumption in various applications.
Gas: Apator, Fiorentini
Gas meters in bellows, rotor, and turbine models, suitable for various applications: from low to high gas flows, always with precise measurement.
Data Communication: Elvaco, EMH, SenseiAS
Data communication modules for reliable wireless transmission, available in LoRa, NB-IoT, and 4G/LTE for efficiency and cost savings.
Dataloggers: Plum
Dataloggers for water and gas record and analyze usage data, enabling efficiency improvements and early problem detection.
EVHIs: Plum
Electronic Volume Correction Instruments (EVHIs) ensure accurate volume measurements under varying conditions, providing consistent and reliable results.
Sensors: Elvaco, SenseiAS
Sensors for variables such as temperature, humidity, and CO2, applicable in industry and building automation for optimal process and energy efficiency.
3. Design
We design a complete measurement solution, including data infrastructure (M-Bus, Modbus, LoRa, NB-IoT, LTE-M) and integration with your EMS (Energy Management System) or building management system.
Want to know more about the different communication technologies? Learn more about how measurement data is transmitted.
The design is the translation of your energy needs and installations into a functional measurement solution. Read here: Smart metering starts with a smart design: how we design your submetering solution
4. Procurement
You receive certified products from top brands that we carefully select and keep in stock for you.
5. Installation
Our technicians ensure a quick and tidy installation, aligned with your installation or construction schedule.
6. Commissioning
After installation, we test and check if everything functions properly. Is the reading correct? Are the meters configured correctly?7. Dashboarding
We provide a clear dashboard that shows:
- Who uses what
- Where deviations are
- How your performance is developing
8. Data Integration
All data is linked via APIs or gateways, so you can analyze, report, or use live data for alerts.
Why this approach works
With this comprehensive approach, we help organizations to:
- Create awareness
- Distribute energy costs fairly
- Reduce waste
- Comply with laws and regulations
- And above all: focus on managing for results
Our strength? We combine technical expertise, a brand-independent product selection, and genuine support during and after the project.
Together Towards Control Over Consumption
Curious about what intermediate metering can mean for your organization? We are happy to think along with you.