BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS (BAS)

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are centralized control systems that enable building
owners and managers to operate and monitor numerous building systems such as HVAC,
lighting, security, and energy management.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT: BAS may optimize energy use by monitoring energy usage and
adjusting HVAC systems, lights, and other electrical equipment as needed. This reduces energy
waste and improves energy efficiency, resulting in cost savings.
HVAC CONTROL: A building automation system (BAS) may monitor and regulate heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This enables building managers to alter the temperature and
humidity levels to ensure that inhabitants are comfortable and safe. This also contributes to less
energy waste and more energy efficiency.
LIGHTING CONTROL: BAS can regulate the lighting systems in a building, altering the levels of
light to meet the demands of the residents and lowering energy use.
It can, for example, dim or change the illumination levels in unoccupied spaces. based on natural
light.
SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL: BAS may be integrated with security systems such as cameras
and door access controls to offer a more secure and safe building environment. It may also
provide real-time notifications in the event of a security breach or unauthorized access.
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY: BAS may monitor fire and life safety equipment, such as smoke
detectors and fire alarms, to verify that they are working effectively. It may also send out
emergency notifications and trigger the essential safety processes.
MAINTENANCE AND DIAGNOSTICS: BAS can provide real-time monitoring of building systems,
allowing building managers to identify and diagnose problems before they become major issues.
This helps to reduce maintenance costs and minimize downtime
 BUILDING INTERNET OF THINGS (BIOT)
THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) is a network of networked devices that exchange data and
perform various activities with one another.
Building the Internet of Things (BIOT) is the application of IoT technologies to building systems
and facilities management in particular.

• ENERGY MANAGEMENT: BIOT can help to building owners and managers optimize energy
consumption by monitoring and controlling various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting,
and electrical equipment. This can help reduce energy waste and improve energy efficiency,
resulting in cost savings.
• DOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) MONITORING: BIOT can monitor indoor air quality by measuring
parameters such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). This can help ensure that the indoor environment is healthy and safe for
occupants.
• PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE: BIOT can monitor building systems and equipment in real time,
collecting data on usage patterns and performance. This data can be used to predict when
maintenance is required and schedule repairs before equipment failure occurs, reducing
downtime and maintenance costs.
• SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL: BIOT can integrate with security systems, such as cameras
and access controls, to provide a more secure and safe building environment. It can also
provide real-time alerts in case of security breaches or unauthorized access.
• OCCUPANCY MONITORING: BIOT can monitor occupancy in buildings, enabling building
managers to optimize space utilization and improve building operations. This can help reduce
costs and improve occupant satisfaction.
• WAYFINDING AND NAVIGATION: BIOT can provide indoor navigation and wayfinding services
to building occupants, helping them find their way around large buildings or complexes. This
can improve the occupant experience and reduce the time it takes to find desired locations.
 Example - 1

HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED SMART UNIVERSITY, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) doesn’t have a single physical
light switch. Every light in the campus is controlled via smartphone app, motion sensors, or
through a building management system. Faculty are able to set the light brightness and
temperature that best suits the needs of their particular class and once the class is over and
everyone has left, the lights and cooling system can automatically power down to save on
energy. The university’s app has also implemented an AR tool to direct them to their class or
to empty study rooms — no more wandering around campus for half an hour just trying to
find space to do your work.
 Example - 2
THE EDGE BUILDING, AMSTERDAM

Dubbed the Smartest Building in the World, the Edge is an astonishing example of how smart
tools have been used to make it one of the top 10 intelligent buildings in the world. The most
powerful tool for The Edge’s building management is Panasonic’s power over ethernet (PoE)
connected lighting. More than just illumination, these units pack detailed sensors that track
motion, light, temperature, humidity, and infrared — all told, over 28,000 sensors blanket the
building’s ceilings.

The facility managers are able to leverage the data these lights gather for some astonishing
tenant-oriented features. An AR app guides employees and visitors to a designated parking
spot, and assigns them a hot desk (users are even able to set their temperature and lighting
preference, and they’ll get a desk that’s as warm or cool as they want, and the lights will be
dialed in just the way they like).

The sensor systems are able to locate individuals down to 20cm accuracy, which gives hyper-
detailed information on who’s where, and when. On days with low occupancy, entire areas of
the building can shut down to save energy, and unused rooms don’t need to be cleaned.
Building managers are able to tap into this data for everything from predicting how big a lunch
rush will be to when coffee machines need to be refilled — all of which leads to less unused
space, fewer wasted resources, and happier workers.

THE EDGE BUILDING,

AMSTERDAM
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR VIEWS
 Example - 3
THE CRYSTAL, LONDON

Beyond its striking looks, London’s Crystal is also astonishingly energy-efficient, thanks to its
intelligent building design. With over 3,500 data points tracking the external climate, the Crystal
can automatically adapt itself to maximum efficiency. The enormous windows that surround the
building let in large amounts of light, but limit the incoming heat, so the place doesn’t turn into a
greenhouse, and the building’s energy management system combines internal and external
conditions to establish the most efficient venting system at any time. Its advanced heating
system is capable of recapturing 60% of hot or cold air that would otherwise be
lost, substantially lowering climate control costs. All told, thanks to these advanced features,
the building has 70% lower CO2 emissions than other, similarly-sized office buildings in the UK.
 SMART SYSTEMS
Smart systems for enhanced life in buildings refer to the integration of various technologies into
building systems and infrastructure to provide occupants with an improved living experience. Here
are some examples of smart systems that can enhance life in buildings:

❖ Smart Lighting: Smart lighting systems can be controlled via mobile apps or voice activated
devices to provide optimal lighting conditions for various activities, such as reading, relaxing,
or sleeping. They can also adjust lighting levels based on occupancy or natural light levels,
helping to reduce energy waste.

❖ Smart HVAC: Smart HVAC systems can be programmed to adjust temperatures and humidity
levels according to occupant preferences and occupancy levels. They can also learn from
occupancy patterns and adjust accordingly, helping to reduce energy consumption and
improve occupant comfort.

❖ Smart Security: Smart security systems can provide real-time monitoring of building
entrances, cameras, and sensors, alerting building managers of any security breaches or
unauthorized access. They can also be integrated with access control systems to provide
secure and convenient access for authorized personnel.

❖ Smart Energy Management: Smart energy management systems can monitor and control
energy usage throughout a building, optimizing energy consumption and reducing costs.
They can also provide real-time energy usage data to building managers and occupants,
encouraging energy-efficient behaviors.

❖ Smart Waste Management: Smart waste management systems can monitor waste levels
and notify building managers when it's time to empty waste bins. They can also provide data
on waste production rates, enabling building managers to identify waste reduction and
recycling opportunities.

❖ Smart Parking: Smart parking systems can help occupants find available parking spaces
quickly and easily, reducing the time spent searching for a spot. They can also be integrated
with payment systems, making parking payments seamless and convenient
 BENEFITS OF SMART BUILDINGS

LOWER OPERATIONAL COSTS

• A smart building can, for example, leverage data it collects to reduce use of electric lighting
by adjusting shades to let in more natural light. Such lighting management has been proved
to lower power usage dramatically. In turn, it can help buildings become more energy-
efficient to meet or exceed stringent regulations for greenhouse-gas emissions.
• Smart-building data can also support automated scheduling, from parking-space allocation
to workspace assignment to conference room reservation.

LOWER ENERGY COSTS

• Connecting lighting, shades, and HVAC systems, for instance, enables building operators to
automatically adjust temperature, shades, and lighting based on time of day and occupancy.

GREATER FLEXIBILITY

• Smart-building data can be used, for example, to detect changes in occupancy density. The
building's HVAC systems then adjust airflow, humidity, and temperature appropriately.
• Or based on escalating density thresholds, lighting color could change to indicate too many
people in a conference room, workspace, or building.
 SOLAR ENERGY
➢ Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that harnesses the power of the sun to
generate electricity.

➢ It is a clean and sustainable energy source that does not produce harmful emissions or
contribute to climate change. Here are some key facts about solar energy:

➢ Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. When
sunlight hits these cells, it creates an electric field that generates a flow of electricity.

➢ Solar energy is abundant and available almost everywhere on Earth, making it a highly
accessible and versatile source of energy.

➢ Solar energy is renewable and sustainable, meaning it can be used indefinitely without
depleting finite resources or harming the environment.

➢ Solar energy is a clean source of energy that does not produce harmful emissions or
contribute to climate change, making it an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and combating climate change.

➢ Solar energy can be used to power homes, businesses, and even entire communities,
providing a reliable and affordable source of electricity.

➢ The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, making solar energy
more affordable and accessible than ever before.

➢ Solar energy can help reduce dependence on non-renewable sources of energy such as
fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to environmental degradation.
 HYDRO ENERGY
➢ Water is a renewable source of energy that has been used for centuries to generate
electricity. Hydroelectric power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the power of
water to produce electricity.

➢ Hydroelectric power is generated by the force of water flowing downhill. Water is stored in a
reservoir and released through turbines, which spin and generate electricity.

➢ Hydroelectric power is a reliable source of energy that can be used to generate electricity 24/7,
unlike some other forms of renewable energy such as solar and wind.

➢ Hydroelectric power can be used to power homes, businesses, and even entire communities,
providing a reliable and affordable source of electricity.

➢ Hydroelectric power plants can be built in a variety of sizes, from small-scale facilities that
power individual homes to large-scale facilities that power entire cities.

➢ Hydroelectric power is a flexible source of energy that can be used to balance the grid and
provide backup power during periods of high demand.

➢ Hydroelectric power is a clean source of energy that does not produce harmful emissions or
contribute to climate change, making it an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and combating climate change.

➢ Overall, water is a promising and important source of renewable energy that has the potential
to play a critical role in powering a cleaner, greener future.
 SECURITY SYSTEMS
Security systems are an important part of smart buildings since they assist to protect the safety
and security of building inhabitants and assets. Here are some of the most common security
systems found in smart buildings:

Access control systems: Access control systems are used to limit access to certain portions of a
facility, such as offices, data centers, or secure areas. These systems can utilize numerous
technologies to authenticate the identification of building inhabitants and permit or refuse
entry, such as keycards, biometrics, or face recognition.

Video surveillance systems: Video surveillance systems are used to monitor and record activities
inside and outside of a facility. These systems, which can include cameras, video recorders, and
video management software, can be used to discourage criminal behavior, investigate
occurrences, and ensure building laws and regulations are followed.

Intrusion detection systems: Intrusion detection systems are used to detect and respond to
unauthorized entry or activity in a building. These systems can include sensors, alarms, and
response protocols, and can be integrated with other security systems such as access control or
video surveillance.
Fire detection and suppression systems: These systems are used to detect and respond to
fires in a structure. These systems, which may include smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinkler
systems, and fire extinguishers, are vital for safeguarding building inhabitants and assets.

Emergency notification systems: These systems warn building residents to emergency

circumstances such as fires, natural catastrophes, or security concerns. Alarms, intercoms, and
digital signs are examples of systems that may be connected with other building systems such
as access control or video surveillance.

no security system is the similar. Apartment building security systems may vary from the
commercial building security system because the security objectives for each object are
different.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEM:

In most cases, a commercial building security system offers a more comprehensive solution
than conventional apartment building security systems and includes:

•Access control, including multi-level access control

•Perimeter Security CCTV
•Various sensors and detectors such as infrared, microwave or laser sensors
•Intrusion alarms
•Fire detection system
•Fire extinguisher system

All of the above systems can be integrated into a sophisticated security solution that provides
greater flexibility, scalability and control.

MULTI-APARTMENT BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEMS:

For creating a safe living environment for tenants, owners, the owners of the residential
building must be placed in the safety camera corridors and elevators, key card systems that
allow access to the equipment, and the entrance door to the door, etc. be introduced. Some
owners also employ professional security guards.

As you can see, both of the above categories partially apply the same security tools, i.e. CCTV
surveillance for intrusion detection, keyboard and fobs access control, etc.

Security systems are an important component of smart buildings, since they ensure the safety
and security of building inhabitants and assets.
Building owners and operators should collaborate with security specialists to create and
implement effective security solutions that address their building's unique demands and
requirements. They should also examine and upgrade their security systems on a regular basis
to remain ahead of emerging threats and weaknesses.
 CYBER SECURITY
As smart buildings become more networked and integrated with numerous technologies,
cybersecurity's role in guaranteeing the safe and secure functioning of these buildings becomes
increasingly important. Here are some of the most important reasons why cybersecurity is
important for smart buildings:

• Cyber threat protection: Smart buildings are exposed to cyber threats such as hacking,
malware, and ransomware assaults. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption
can assist guard against these attacks and keep building systems and data safe.

• Data protection: Smart buildings create massive volumes of data, including sensitive
operational data and personal information. Access restrictions and data encryption, for
example, can help secure this data against loss, unauthorized access, or abuse.

• Operational continuity: Cybersecurity is critical for ensuring operational continuity in smart

buildings. If a cyber assault disrupts building systems or compromises data, the ramifications
for building inhabitants and operations might be severe.

• Compliance with legislation: Smart buildings may be subject to numerous cybersecurity and
data protection rules. Compliance with these standards is critical in order to avoid legal and
financial penalties.

• Reputation management: A cyber assault on a smart building might harm the building
owner's or operator's reputation. Cybersecurity measures can aid in the prevention of such
assaults and indicate a commitment to the safety and security of building inhabitants.
 CYBERSECURITY FOR BUSINESS CONTINUITY

Cyber-attacks on smart buildings hinder business continuity: successful intrusions prevent smart
buildings from operating and can cause significant damages resulting in long periods of
operational downtime, data losses, financial losses and even threats to public safety.

Since cyber-attacks can traverse between OT (Operation Technology), IT (Information

Technology) and IoT (Internet of Things), today’s cybersecurity for smart buildings solutions
must cover both the IT and OT networks.

Cyber-breaching a single connected operational device could put the whole network at risk
causing disruption to production, hindering business continuity and exposing people to further
danger.

With the increasing attack surface and the lack of security features in IOT devices, the main
benefits for cybersecurity of smart buildings are even more evident:

•early detection on Physical Security elements and Control Systems networks

•early detection of cyber-attacks on edge devices

•warning and prevention against cyber threats on Physical Security elements and Control
Systems networks

•real time network monitoring

•non-intrusive deep packet inspection: data integrity and timing are preserved

•network monitoring at packet level: every detail is controlled