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

Applicable to all buildings (systems or equipment in the owner or landlord’s control)

Answer

Select applicable:

    • Yes — Direct digital control
    • Yes — Hybrid
    • Yes — Pneumatic
    • No

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 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.

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

Documentation

    • Narrative and photos of BAS installed

Adapted BB3 Question

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

Suggested Lead

In-house

References

None

Crosswalk

TBD

Other Notes

    • 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

Scoring

1 and / or 2 Points

Verification