SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Energy and Carbon

Topic

Controls

Question #

E7.1 – Building Automation

Question

Does the building have an operational building automation system (BAS)?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building – systems managed by the owner/landlord

Answer & Scoring

Select one of the following:

  • Yes – Direct Digital Control = 2 points
  • Yes – Hybrid = 1 point
  • Yes – Pneumatic = 1 point
  • No = 0 points
  • Not Applicable – Tenant occupied building: No systems managed by the owner/landlord = 0/0

Max of 2 points

Requirements

  1. Identify the type of building automation system (BAS) in use in the building
  2. List types of equipment connected to the BAS
  3. Describe the most recent upgrade

If any major systems or equipment are not connected, provide a brief narrative outlining the rationale and briefly describe how the systems and equipment are controlled.

Direct digital control (DDC): Uses electrical signals or wireless technologies to operate and communicate with parts of a system. Operators use an interface device, typically a computer, to monitor and communicate with devices. If the building operates on small-scale HVAC equipment (e.g., furnaces, rooftop units under 20 tonnes, etc.), then they typically utilize smart controllers, which fall under DDC

Pneumatic: Uses a compressor to keep systems at a constant pressure. Pressure increases or decreases as a valve or actuator moves. Desired operation on a device is based on the pressure set point of the valve or actuator connected to it.

Hybrid: A combination of both DDC and Pneumatic

Documentation

  • Narrative outlining the information listed in the requirements
  • Photos of BAS installed

OR

  • Documentation demonstrating that no systems are under the building owner/landlord’s control (e.g. lease agreement)

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • Building automation systems (BAS) allow building operations to be centrally controlled and monitored
  • Building operations staff can oversee operations through the BAS and make adjustments to ensure systems are operating effectively
  • A more advanced BAS can result in a higher level of system optimization
  • Install a direct digital control (DDC) BAS as it provides the most control, accuracy, responsiveness, and reliability

RELATED Questions:

Description

Building automation systems (BAS) control equipment and systems, including HVAC and lighting. Building automation systems can take on different forms, including standalone onboard controllers for specific pieces of equipment, legacy pneumatic controls or direct digital control (DDC) systems.

Through automation, building systems can be monitored and adjusted to ensure that they are performing optimally and can facilitate the implementation of energy and carbon reduction measures.

DDC systems are often preferred for controllability, accuracy, reliability, responsiveness, accessibility, connectivity and reduced maintenance.

For some types of buildings and systems, a fully integrated BAS is not practical. Other solutions for responsive controls may be more appropriate.

References

None

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

Question 01.04.01 — What type of BAS is in place at the building?