The cost of implementing business automation systems (BAS) to reduce energy consumption, improve comfort, increase productivity and enhance security is falling. BAS systems once reserved for large commercial buildings are now also practical for smaller buildings.

“This presents a significant opportunity for owners and operators of small buildings to cut costs improve comfort and productivity and advance sustainability,” says Daryld Karloff, Executive Vice President of Baker Group. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration statistics from the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, 95 percent of commercial buildings in the U.S. measure 50,000 sq. ft. or less. These small buildings account for 44 percent of all commercial buildings’ energy use.

Karloff, who has more than 30 years of facility operations experience says, “Across our industry, there’s increased awareness of the Internet of Things [IoT], which refers to ability to connect virtually any device to the internet. In turn, this has created growing awareness of BAS connectivity opportunities. The two feed each other.” 

The Many Paybacks of BAS
Jarod Stockel, Automation Business Unit Leader at Baker Group, has noticed a growing interest in tracking energy use in smaller buildings. “We believe this is driven by increasing awareness of automation capabilities, more stringent energy codes and rising energy costs,” he says. Once building owners and managers become aware of their energy consumption, many choose to pursue the benefits of BAS.

For example, Stockel points to K-12 schools. “Most schools don’t have excess money, so cutting energy costs is crucial – especially in Iowa, where energy costs and teachers’ salaries are paid through the same General Fund. Reducing energy costs increases budgets for hiring teachers,” he says.

Additionally, Stockel noted, “BAS is not as expensive as some people think. Not only can it be surprisingly affordable, it also can be customized to the building’s specific needs and provide fantastic payback in energy savings, improved comfort and increased productivity. It adds up to an excellent ROI.”

Karloff adds, “Most small building managers don’t realize that declining technology costs and increasing capabilities put new applications easily within their reach.”

Smart Solutions for Any Business
From simple to complex, Baker Group offers BAS solutions for every size of building and every type of owner. Understanding how the client wants to operate their building is crucial.

Karloff says, “Many small buildings have one person responsible for HVAC, lighting and security systems. In those cases, it may be best to have a single computer controlling all systems. On the other hand, buildings with separate security teams may benefit from separate systems. We must help the client by giving them the tools they need to be effective.”

Baker Group’s individualized support goes one step further with training. “Understanding who will use the tools allows us to customize training on their BAS system. This includes explaining the energy-saving strategies programmed into the system. We find that clients who understand the logic avoid inadvertently making changes that could negatively impact comfort or savings, or both,” he says.

Will BAS Benefit Your Small Building?
“When building owners and operators investigate their energy consumption, they realize the opportunities they have to implement BAS and reduce energy expenses, improve comfort, achieve better indoor air quality and reduce maintenance costs,” says Stockel. “Plus, they discover added benefits, such as increased property value, enhanced tenant retention and lower operating costs.”

Karloff adds, “We’re seeing a shift away from energy savings to comfort and productivity as the key drivers in decisions related to energy management and BAS. Building managers can make a notable contribution to their company’s initiatives by assuring an efficient, productive workplace. Add in increased security, and there’s a strong reason to invest in an integrated platform to effectively manage facilities and reduce corporate risk.”