Author: David Shiller

While building automation systems (BAS) have been around for a while, their capabilities are expanding. Here are 10 trends in building automation systems:

1 – Growth
The global building automation market size is expected to more than double over the next 9 years. It’s expected to hit USD $205 billion by 2032, up from USD $93 billion in 2023, a CAGR of 9.2% over that forecast period. Source.

2 – Integration
BAS will move beyond the traditional silos of separate building systems and integrate sensor information across systems. This will improve building security, advanced administration, cost savings, improved communications, and reduced incident response time. (Source by the link)

3 – Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Building energy use and IoT systems will be central to BAS contributions to sustainability and energy efficiency. Energy savings and decarbonization are both major business drivers that can be delivered by the latest BAS. These capabilities can also assist with code and regulatory compliance.

4 – Advanced Sensors & IoT
BAS are increasingly reliant on advanced sensors and IoT. The latest sensors can control, automate, detect, and maintain numerous functions, such as HVAC and lighting conditions.

5 – Predictive Maintenance & Analytics
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) now enable predictive maintenance within BAS. Advanced analytics anticipate and address potential building system issues before they become major problems. This can minimize system and building damage and downtime and optimize system performance.

6 – Circadian Lighting
Circadian lighting systems typically vary lighting spectrum and intensity throughout the day to enhance occupant well-being and productivity. User lighting preferences are also often enabled.

7 – Occupant Tracking, Asset Tracking, & Space Optimization
Advanced sensors and IoT capabilities enable occupant tracking, asset tracking, and space optimization. The data can be used to turn systems down or off, saving energy. Time can be saved locating valuable equipment, such as medical devices within a hospital. Occupant data can identify underutilized spaces and area types needing expansion. This is especially important with the expansion of flexible and shared workspaces post-pandemic.

8 – Cyber Security
The increasing connectivity of building systems comes with cybersecurity risks. BAS are increasingly incorporating more advanced security safeguards against cyber threats.

9 – Connected Fire Safety Systems
IoT is revolutionizing fire safety well beyond simple alarms and emergency lighting. Advanced sensors, interconnected fire detectors, wireless communication, and AI can locate fires faster and more accurately. Alerts are more targeted, rather than the entire building. Swift, automated responses can be defined for different situations. Fire suppression systems can deploy only where needed, reducing building damage. Optimized evacuation routes can be sent directly to occupant mobile devices. Fire doors can be automatically closed, ventilation controlled, and emergency lighting activated. Detailed muster reports can be generated, and key personnel can be alerted.

10 – Smart City
AI and ML capabilities enable smart cities to leverage data streams across a metropolitan area to improve traffic flow and inform first responder emergency responses. Just as enhanced building sub-system data and controls enable better building operation, enhanced whole-building data and controls enable better city operation and responsiveness.

BAS will increasingly focus on integration, sustainability, security, energy efficiency, and occupant safety, wellness, & comfort.

Source: https://www.lightnowblog.com/2024/03/10-trends-in-building-automation-systems/