Properly executed building automation systems deliver measurable savings and efficiencies within a single building, but do these gains extend to larger corporate campuses and complexes? When it comes to building automation systems (BASs), going big can deliver big benefits. Multi-building BAS integration can deliver savings, efficiencies, and improved occupancy comfort [...]
To most people, smart building technology evokes a utopian world where the spaces we inhabit respond intelligently, seamlessly, and proactively to both changing human needs and a constantly evolving environment. At the same time, for building owners and managers, corporate tenants, and property investors, it describes a predictable world where [...]
Imagine walking into a building that self-monitors its surroundings to ensure a safe environment. If it detects a potential threat or safety issue, it automatically performs a wide range of actions, such as issuing alerts, directing occupants to the nearest exit, or immediately alerting first responders. When emergencies happen, seconds [...]
A healthy building can improve productivity, increase morale, and decrease energy usage. For the longest time, improving a building’s health was extremely difficult without a wide array of expensive and complicated instruments—and a team of scientists to monitor them. HALO is a revolutionary device with over 12 different state-of-the-air sensors [...]
Vaping allows students to indulge their addiction without the telltale rancid smell of tobacco smoke wafting through the halls. An activity that was once relegated only to school bathrooms, teenagers can now vape anywhere without human detection—including classrooms. Vape pens have unique chemical and aromatic signatures that state-of-the-art artificial intelligence [...]
Many property owners and operators are missing out on a key advantage offered by their buildings’ “smart” integrated management systems. Leveraging predictive maintenance for building automation systems not only saves money on upkeep and overheads but also allows you to catch problems before they start. Stay Ahead of the Game [...]
You don’t need to own an eye-catching green building to be concerned about your property’s energy use footprint. Soaring utility bills, tight margins, and pressure from shareholders, tenants, and regulators have owners and operators of all types of commercial buildings scrambling to develop smart energy management strategies for their properties. [...]
The pandemic unleashed a perfect storm of chaos in global supply chains, affecting supplies of critical building automation system (BAS) components like semiconductor chips, which are necessary components for everything from smart sensors to flow controllers. Here’s how a couple of smart industry players have pivoted to the new reality, [...]
Building automation system architecture defines how well the many systems in your building work together to support the changing needs of its occupants. Effective BAS architecture integrates a wide range of systems under a single operational umbrella in a way that ensures safety while delivering comfort for occupants and savings [...]
Troubleshooting your building automation system (BAS) is likely not your favorite way to spend your workday — or your weekend. As a building manager, it falls to you to iron out any problems with your facilities’ BAS with minimum fuss, overtime, or system downtime. Read on to find out some [...]
Until the late 1980s, most building automation systems (BAS) were considered proprietary. Also known as “closed BAS,” they did not allow communication or integration between competing systems or manufacturers. The main benefit to a closed BAS system is that you have a single point of contact for upgrades and repairs. [...]
HVAC, security, and fire alarms are just a few of the many mechanical systems you’ll find in any given building. Traditionally, they were all connected via the BACnet MS/TP protocol, a cumbersome system with many security and reliability issues. The result was always the same—an inefficient building and a very [...]