There’s no doubt in my mind that “smart building” work is on the rise across the country. I see this trend highlighted in industry research reports. I regularly review case studies written by manufacturers of various building management/automation, mechanical, and electrical products and systems. I hear the details of these types of projects being discussed at industry shows and events. I also see the demand for this type of work in our own research.
When we asked our 2017 Top 40 Design Firms to identify project types poised for the most revenue growth in the coming year, they identified “building management/automation systems” and “lighting and control systems” as the top two categories. When we posed the same question to our 2017 Top 50 Electrical Contractors, they identified “lighting and control systems” as the best potential for revenue growth this year. They also named “building management/automation systems” as the third best area for potential revenue growth, right behind “solar PV systems.” Several of our Top 50 contractors highlighted the growing demand by their clients for a single converged IP network to control smart lighting systems and other building automation systems.
New energy efficiency codes and standards are one driving force behind this smart building movement. For example, California’s mandate for net-zero buildings is creating work in the areas of building automation, plug load control, lighting control, and renewable systems integration work. Personal comfort and control is another driver of change. Building occupants are pushing facility owners/property managers for personal control of their lighting and HVAC needs. Facility owners and property managers are also investing in new access & control and security systems to enhance occupant safety. This group is also investing in wireless systems to keep up with today’s user expectations of an “always on” and “immediately available” information system.
Technology advancements are rapidly developing on the smart building front. When designed and installed properly, the benefits and functionality of these sophisticated systems are truly amazing. But can these intelligent buildings get too smart for their own good? According to some industry experts, the answer is yes.
As noted in our cover story this month, “How Smart Buildings Can Actually Grow Dumber,” smart buildings require inspired design, regular oversight, and consistent exercise to truly perform up to expectations. Without these three key elements in place, building intelligence can suffer. The story goes on to note that one surefire way to dumb down an intelligent building is to not bring the customer in on the initial design early enough. If the systems are simply turned over to the customer at the completion of the project, there’s a good chance the building management team might become overwhelmed with all of the new data and options at their disposal. If frustration sets in — due to not being able to operate and maintain these advanced systems as they wish — there’s a fairly good chance they’ll start shutting things down and reverting back to the old manual way of doing things.
What can be done to prevent this ever-growing number of smart buildings from losing their edge on the intelligence front? System designers must keep it simple and not overload building management personnel with unnecessary data. Most importantly, drive home the need for integrated project delivery on all future projects.
