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J UNE 2017 | 41 Automated Building Control Systems Increasing operational efficiencies with automated building control systems by LAURA WALKER D riven by an increasing demand for energy-efficient systems and tightening regulations, as well as a push toward real-time monitoring, the building auto- mation system market seems to have an ever-growing presence in Canada. According to a report by research and consulting firm MarketsandMarkets, the overall building automation system market is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 10.73 per cent over the next five years. In a world where an increasing importance is being placed on the Internet of Things (IoT), building control technologies must bring together HVAC, lighting, gas detection, energy monitoring, life safety, audio visual and other systems in order to make a functional and manageable environment, says Eric Balt of Houle Electric. As such, Balt says the company is "actively increasing the deliverables when it comes to building design and maintenance," including electrical infrastructure, integrated building technologies, as well as the service and maintenance of clients' facilities. While historically control systems have been used to monitor, record and con- trol heating, ventilation and air conditioning of buildings – all of which form a major portion of the users' energy consumption – with more emphasis being placed on integration, Benjamin Chan of Norman Disney & Young explains that building auto- mated control systems are now playing a larger role in his company's design work. "It makes sense – if we are seeking ways to conserve energy and subsequently save money on operating costs and improve the bottom line, why not incorporate all energy consuming systems into the building control system such as lighting and power generation systems?" Chan explains that integrated room sensors are now being deployed to not only turn on lighting when presence is detected, but also to activate air conditioning only to occupied spaces. The integration of different systems has pushed the industry and engineers to design and specify "open" systems that are able to handle multiple protocols and provide seamless integration of all systems. Alongside integration, the automated building control systems industry is also working toward ease of access for clients. "As the world becomes increasingly con- nected with mobile devices and wireless communications, clients are becoming more interested in the next frontier of systems that can be accessed and controlled via portable devices," says Chan. As an example, Norman Disney & Young is currently designing security and inter- com systems whereby a user can see who is at their front door remotely via their phone. Alternatively, on the way home from work, one can turn on lighting, music, blinds, heating and air conditioning in their condo from their phone so that you enter a personalized welcoming environment as soon as you step in the front door. "Building owners are looking for app enabled building control systems so they can remotely monitor the performance of their buildings while travelling around," adds Chan. Other companies, such as Somfy, are also working to improve integration and ease of control wherever possible. The company offers the Somfy Connect Universal Automation Interface (UAI), which provides users with a streamlined single point of integration and a public API. The system allows integrators the flexibility to cre- ate custom programming for almost every home automation system, including the Somfy's Sonesse ULTRA 50 AC and DC offerings. "Clients are increasingly looking for the quietest motor technology for auto- mated window coverings in a residential and commercial space," says Christian Maltais of Somfy, noting that the company's systems not only sets a new market standard for ultra quiet performance, but can help clients manage operational effi- ciencies across a variety of spaces and ranges as well. Maltais explains that Somfy's Automated Total Solar Management (animeo IP) system, which supports energy efficiency and LEED objectives, features scalability that enables clients to effectively manage a single conference room, individual floor, or an entire building. The animeo IP can also be utilized as a stand-alone solution or integrated into third party control systems. Under Control While operational efficiency and ease of use are certainly important factors driving the development of the building automation system market, the systems' importance in supporting energy efficient and environmental goals is undeniably a key factor. "One could argue that sustainable design has been rather prescriptive in recent history," says Chan, adding that "it is clear that more emphasis will be placed on building performance in the future rather than just prescriptive design methods." Chan says Norman Disney & Young's work is becoming more focused on sustain- able design and collaboration with industry peers aimed at environmental conserva- tion and how to best minimize the carbon footprint. This ever-increasing focus is not unique to Norman Disney & Young, but rather, spans the entire industry, motivated by both a client demand for cost savings and tightening government regulations. In this context, Vancouver-based Adam Juck of MCW Consultants Ltd. says his firm has a considerable focus on energy metering and monitoring. "In Vancouver at least, building automation systems have to be intertwined so as to achieve opti- mum energy efficiency as dictated by the different municipalities – all of whom are trying to reduce their carbon footprint," says Juck. "We work with owners of new and existing buildings to help them reach this goal, with follow-up understandably being a major component of our services." Sonesse ULTRA 50 AC – quiet motor technology for automated window coverings from Somfy Canada. + Touch panel access for complete HVAC control, from Houle Electric.

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