A building automation system (BAS) acts like the central nervous system for a smart building. Through the installation of sensors, software, a network and a cloud-based data store, BAS allows building owners and tenants to monitor, maintain and manage the mechanical, electrical and electromechanical functions within a structure. However, high cost has meant that only the largest buildings could consider BAS installation, until recently that is. The average cost to deploy a basic BAS is at least $2.50 per square foot and can be as high as $7.00 per square foot, equivalent to at least $250,000 for a 100,000-square-foot building. This high cost means ROI has been a challenge for all but the largest buildings, and even for them it often takes four years or more to recover the cost of a BAS installation. This has priced out the vast majority of buildings, meaning huge energy saving and performance improvement potential remains untapped. “There is […]