Our Industry

Enhanced Performance: The Benefits of a Building Automation System

By Jim Murray

Only 13% of small-to-medium-sized buildings* in the US have a Building Automation System (BAS) to control heating, ventilating, air conditioning, lighting, and more. If a building does not have a BAS, is it worth implementing advanced building controls? While each case differs depending on the client’s needs and long-term goals for their building, those considering energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and security top priorities should consider implementing advanced building automation systems. Here’s why.

INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Integrated building automation systems communicate seamlessly to optimize a building’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and electrical systems. Such integration ensures efficient operation, occupant comfort, energy conservation, and responsive management to changes within the building environment. This results in reduced energy consumption and significant cost savings for businesses in the long run.

PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE

Maintenance becomes easier with advanced building controls. Predictive maintenance algorithms can be deployed to analyze data from the building’s systems to detect potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach not only minimizes downtime but also extends the lifespan of equipment, saving businesses from costly repairs and replacements.

BETTER INTEGRATE SECURITY SYSTEMS

Integrated security systems, such as access control and surveillance, can be seamlessly incorporated into the building automation network. This ensures a comprehensive and centralized approach to building security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, and enhancing overall safety.

CONTROL CONCERNS

While there are obvious benefits, a National Renewable Energy Laboratory study also highlighted several concerns about implementing advanced building controls – high cost, system compatibility, difficulty quantifying savings, etc. We know that our clients have similar questions and concerns, and our job as building control experts is to answer them and help them understand what’s best for their building and their business.

Is your building one of the 13% with a BAS? Should it be? What would implementing building control systems look like in your building? Connect with me now by emailing jmurray@wbengineering.com, and I’d be happy to have that conversation. You can also visit our Building Controls Consulting page to learn more about what we do.

*A small-medium-sized building is considered a building less than 50,000 sq. ft.