This report was authored by George Hawkinson, Richard Wendland, and Marc Petock and published by Burns & McDonnell in October 2022. The built environment is increasingly dependent on sophisticated, connected controls for heating and air conditioning, energy management, lighting, and many other systems. Unfortunately, many of these controls function in silos, with little interoperability and integration. A master systems integration strategy utilizing advanced controls platforms can give owners and operators the connectivity and access to the data they need to optimize operating costs, use energy more efficiently and address the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions. The report shows that technology is only half the story. The entire vision can be optimized further through the commissioning discipline. Commissioning provides the human insight and expertise needed to understand whether the data being gathered, compiled, and reported is accurate and consistent with the rules set by monitoring systems. This verification process also is important to be sure that applicable codes and standards are being met.

Keywords: Building Retrofits, Clean Tech, Cloud & Data Analytics, Control & Monitoring Equipment/Sensors, Energy Efficiency/Management, Healthy Buildings, HVAC & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Installation Equip/Diagnostics, Intelligent Building, Internet of Things (IoT), Large Building Controls/Automation, Post-COVID-19, System Integrator, Burns & McDonnell, Niagara Framework, Lynxspring, AFFD, commissioning