BOULDER, Colo. — The automation of various building systems — including HVAC, lighting, fire and life safety, and security and access controls — promises to improve energy efficiency and optimization, as well as enhance the comfort and health of occupants. Building automation systems have reached a tipping point, says Navigant Research, where embedded computing and digital communications are driving accelerating adoption of these systems. According to a report from the research firm, the building automation and controls industry will be fundamentally transformed by digital technologies in the coming years.

“Open and integrated systems, converged with modern information technologies, present both risks and rewards for industry stakeholders,” said Eric Bloom, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “Because building control systems are usually changed only every few decades, much of the existing building stock is still dependent on older technologies — a reality that will change over time as digital controls replace outdated systems.”

The increasing focus by building owners, operators, and regulatory agencies on optimizing commercial building energy use has put a spotlight on building automation systems, according to the report, especially those for HVAC and lighting control.

An executive summary of the report is available here.

Publication date: 3/24/2014

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