Floating Mylar balloons – the latest technology in hotel comfort. Really?!?! Some believe so…

The LA Times recently published an article where a hotel guest complained that her hotel room was too hot at night while she slept. The reason? The motion sensors “thought” the room was empty since no one was moving around and as such, the room controller adjusted the temperature to a higher set point. How frustrating! For the money we pay for a hotel room, a good night’s sleep is the least we should be able to expect. I’ve heard similar complaints from friends and colleagues. I’ve also been the complainer. As such a common complaint, it begs the question, are hotels listening?

Keep reading on Jaime’s blog….

New Class Announced! Smart Building System Design and System Integration

An intermediate level class building on the 101 and 102 course focusing on the system design and integration of smart buildings.  This class provides a detailed understanding of smart building system architectures, system integration, system and device profiles, specification roles and responsibilities, BMS and EMS user interfaces, BAS IT security, and hosted vs. cloud based BMS options.

Further details can be found here.

NEW! OnDemand Classes from the Smart Buildings Institute

SBI101: An Introduction to Smart Buildings

This class is an introduction to smart buildings and the terminology and concepts currently used in the industry. The student will learn about open systems, Building Automation Systems, Building Management Systems, and Enterprise Systems as they are applied to integration of various building sub-systems.

Course Length: 50 minutes
Click here for more information or to sign up.

SBI102: Fundamentals of Building Control Open Networking Systems

This class provides a high level introduction to the elements of building open control networking systems, open protocols, and communication system architectures. Value propositions and key objectives of open control systems for building automation are discussed. The convergence of BAS and IT systems is presented with key integration requirements for successful integration of a wide array of building sub-systems is presented. This introductory class builds on concepts and terms presented in the 101 course and prepares the student for more in-depth courses on integration, system design, and technical approaches.

Course Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Click here for more information or to sign up.

SBI103: Smart Building System Design and System Integration

An intermediate level class building on the 101 and 102 course focusing on the system design and integration of smart buildings.  This class provides a detailed understanding of smart building system architectures, system integration, system and device profiles, specification roles and responsibilities, BMS and EMS user interfaces, BAS IT security, and hosted vs. cloud based BMS options.

This course will be available March 2015.

Small, Smart Building

Mandating Green Buildings: IgCC and ASHRAE 189.1

Mandating Green Buildings: IgCC and ASHRAE 189.1

It was back in the mid-1990’s when the idea of green buildings was developed and accepted. Although it took a while to get some traction, eventually the movement had an enormous impact on buildings, particularly with new construction. Many of the major innovations in buildings have been the equipment (elevators, construction cranes, power tools). The intense focus on energy and sustainability has been a different type of innovation in the industry that changed the way we design and operate buildings. Building owners were interested in marketing “green buildings” to tenants, hoping to shave a few dollars on energy costs and demonstrating their desire to be good, responsible corporate citizens. Architects and engineers had to adjust their design approach and evolve with new techniques and technologies.

Verge NY: June 4, 2014

Upcoming SBI Webinar

Upcoming SBI Webinar

Join the Smart Buildings Institute on April 24, 2014, 9:00 to 9:45 am (PST) for an informational webinar.  This webinar will provide an overview of the SBI, educational content and upcoming classes.  Click on the link to register.

The SMART Generation

The SMART Generation

Pushing the Envelope: Analytics Beyond HVAC

Over the recent past, the best use of an analytic software application for building systems has been fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) specific to HVAC systems. There is research and a number of case studies with verified results showing analytic software reduces energy consumption, improves the efficiency and effectiveness of building operation, and reduces building OPEX. Once used, FDD becomes a core operational tool for many facility managers.

http://www.smart-buildings.com/uploads/1/1/4/3/11439474/2014marfdd.pdf

Smart Buildings Now and Tomorrow

Smart Buildings Now and Tomorrow