ABSTRACT
Building Environmental systems, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and water heating, account for approximately 85% of the energy consumed in school facilities. The ability to manage these systems and their energy use is critical and is dependent on their control, monitoring and communications systems. This particularly applies to HVAC systems, which can account for 50–60% of energy consumption within school buildings. Control of individual building systems is typically accomplished through separate control systems, including the use of direct digital control (DDC) systems for HVAC equipment.
This chapter addresses the use of an Integrated Building Automation System (IBAS) that integrates the DDC system with the other building systems (fire alarm, security, lighting, irrigation, etc.) to improve the level of monitoring, communications, and control of each individual building and group of buildings. It also discusses issues involved in the selection, operation and maintenance of an Integrated Building Automation System.
