The problem is most companies don’t treat building automation this way. They approach it as a necessary expense, focusing on immediate operational needs, short-term projects and the latest shiny platforms, without a cohesive strategy. This mindset turns automation into an endless series of costs, instead of what it truly can be: a powerful investment designed to compound operational and business value over time.

To change this narrative, we need to reframe how we think about building automation. What if we managed it like Berkshire Hathaway manages its investments? What would it take to build an automation and integration portfolio that not only supports business operations but drives them forward with the same clarity, confidence, and long-term payoff as Buffett’s legendary stock picks? Let’s break it down.

The core philosophy: Building automation as an investment, not an expense

At the heart of Buffett’s success is a simple philosophy: focus on intrinsic value, invest with a long-term horizon, and avoid unnecessary risks. This approach isn’t just for Wall Street; it’s equally powerful in the world of building automation and integration.

Most organizations treat automation as a utility implemented to meet a baseline need, with the primary goal of keeping costs low. But that’s like building a financial portfolio by simply buying the cheapest stocks available. It’s reactive, shortsighted and often expensive in the long run due to inefficiencies, integration challenges and missed opportunities.

Now flip that mindset. Imagine treating every automation and integration decision as if it were an investment with the potential to either compound value or drain resources over time. Instead of asking, “How much does this cost?” start asking, “What’s the long-term return on this investment?” This shift in thinking creates discipline, clarity and purpose. It forces leaders to evaluate automation not just for its features or price tag, but for its strategic fit, scalability, and impact on operational and business goals.

Applying Buffett’s principles to building automation

Warren Buffett’s investment principles aren’t complicated, but their simplicity hides profound wisdom. When applied to automation, they create a framework for making smarter, more strategic decisions.

1. 

   Value over price — Buffett famously said, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” In building automation, it’s easy to chase the cheapest solution or the flashiest new platform. But the real question is: what value will this technology deliver over time? A higher upfront cost might yield greater long-term efficiency, scalability, and security — delivering a better return than a cheaper alternative that becomes obsolete or requires constant workarounds.

2. Circle of competence — Buffett only invests in businesses he understands deeply. Similarly, companies need to make automation decisions within their “circle of competence.” This doesn’t mean avoiding innovation, but it does mean ensuring that decisions are informed by a clear understanding of how technology fits into the broader operational and business strategy. Too often, organizations invest in platforms they don’t fully understand, leading to poor adoption, misalignment, wasted resources and the lack of delivering outcomes.
3. Margin of safety — Buffett always looks for a margin of safety — an investment buffer that protects against unforeseen risks. In automation, this translates to resilience. Are your systems designed with redundancy? Is your cybersecurity posture strong enough to withstand unexpected threats? Do you have backup strategies for critical operations? A well-managed automation portfolio isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about durability in the face of uncertainty.
4. Long-term thinking — Perhaps Buffett’s most defining characteristic is his patience. He invests for the long haul, ignoring short-term market noise. In building automation, this means resisting the temptation of quick fixes that don’t align with the company’s strategic goals. It’s easy to get excited about the latest platform, but does it support where the business wants to be in five or ten years? Sustainable growth comes from technologies that integrate, scale, and adapt over time — not from chasing every trend.

Becoming the “Warren Buffett of Building Automation” in your organization

So, what does it take to earn that title — the person whose automation and integration decisions are as trusted and respected as Buffett’s investment calls?

• Clarity in decision-making is key. Just as Buffett has an investment thesis for every stock he buys, building automation leaders should have a clear rationale for every major technology decision. What problem does it solve? How does it align with business goals? What outcomes do I want to achieve? What’s the expected return on investment — not just financially, but in terms of operational efficiency, sustainability, and scalability?
• Patience and discipline are equally important. In the fast-paced world of building technology, it’s easy to feel pressured to act quickly. But speed without strategy leads to mistakes. The best automation leaders know when to move fast and when to pause, assess and make deliberate choices.
• Data-driven judgments separate great leaders from average ones. Buffett doesn’t invest based on hype; he relies on data, analysis and rigorous evaluation. In automation, this means leveraging performance metrics, energy usage trends, cost efficiency and business impact to guide decisions.
• Decisive allocation is crucial. Not every technology deserves equal attention or investment. Great building  automation leaders know where to double down — investing heavily in platforms that drive efficiency and adaptability — and where to cut losses on underperforming systems. Just like managing a financial portfolio, the goal is to maximize returns while minimizing waste.

Managing risk like a pro: The Berkshire Playbook for building automation

Buffett doesn’t fear risk; he manages it. He avoids unnecessary risks while embracing calculated ones that offer strong potential rewards. This mindset applies perfectly to automation, where risk management isn’t just about cybersecurity, it’s about operational resilience.

For example, consider vendor risk. Many companies become overly reliant on a single provider without considering the long-term implications. What happens if that vendor’s pricing model changes, their service quality drops, or they go out of business? A Buffett-style approach diversifies dependencies without creating unnecessary complexity.

The same goes for technical debt. Just as Buffett avoids companies with poor financial fundamentals, smart automation leaders avoid solutions that are fragile, overcomplicated, or unsustainable. The goal is to build systems that are as robust and adaptable as a well-diversified investment portfolio.

Are you managing automation like Warren Buffett would?

If you’re serious about transforming how your organization approaches building automation, ask yourself:

• Do you have a clear, strategic rationale behind your major automation investments?
• Are your decisions driven by long-term value, not just short-term fixes?
• Is your automation portfolio resilient, adaptable, and aligned with your business goals?
• Are you actively managing risks — or just hoping things won’t go wrong?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s time to rethink your approach.

The legacy of strategic building automation leadership

Becoming the Warren Buffett of building automation isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most disciplined, strategic, and focused on long-term outcomes. Because in the end, great automation leadership isn’t about technology, it’s about creating lasting business value.

So, the next time you’re faced with an automation decision, ask yourself: “Am I managing this like an expense — or like an investment that will shape the future of this company?”

The post Managing building automation and integration like an investment portfolio appeared first on FMLink.

In this study of U.S. building managers and decision makers with more than 250 building occupants, Honeywell found that across property types, respondents are increasingly using AI to help improve process efficiency, productivity and operations. However, since most respondents (92%) reported challenges in hiring skilled, tech-savvy individuals, a greater opportunity remains ahead for building operations to tap into AI’s capabilities to enhance employee training, augment their current workforce and ultimately help upskill labor to support the sector’s rapidly changing needs.

Billal Hammoud, president and CEO of Honeywell’s Building Automation segment,  stated:

AI in buildings is a game-changer that not only helps decision makers potentially maximize operations and efficiencies, but it can also help improve security for guests, minimize energy usage for tenants and reduce costly downtime by flagging issues before they happen. With basic AI functions already integrated into many commercial buildings, leaders should pivot their focus to the upskilling opportunities it presents for employees who can tap into AI to help buildings reduce carbon emissions while being more secure and operationally efficient.

For commercial buildings, Honeywell’s research found that AI has moved beyond experimental and is now becoming mainstream, as evidenced by its increased usage for day-to-day building management. Key findings include:

• Nearly 60% of respondents have already adopted AI to streamline maintenance and repair processes.
  • One of the most common use cases is predictive maintenance, which helps identify issues before they become larger concerns and is currently used by 49% of respondents.
• Security and safety are also top-of-mind for more than half of all respondents.
  • Frequent use cases cited by respondents were monitoring for unusual behavior (63%), location tracking systems for occupant safety (52%) and biometrics-based access control systems (45%).
• Decision makers are turning to AI for everything from temperature control to water usage.
  • More than half (55%) of respondents currently use AI for overall building energy management, 41% use it for water usage monitoring, and 40% implement it for temperature comfort.

To learn more about the AI in Buildings research results and how Honeywell’s solutions are helping buildings deliver stronger operational efficiency and fire and life safety, visit Honeywell’s Building Automation division.

Honeywell commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct the Honeywell Building Managers Research Survey, which polled 250 U.S. building managers and senior decision makers across building types including offices, hospitals, airports, schools, universities, hotels and data centers. To participate in the research, respondents had to use AI-enabled property management systems in buildings with 250+ occupants.

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Its business is aligned with three megatrends — automation, the future of aviation and energy transition — underpinned by the Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. The company helps organizations solve complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through its Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments to increase safety, security and sustainability.

The post Over 80% of commercial building managers plan to increase use of AI to optimize operations, finds Honeywell appeared first on FMLink.

Effective December 1, 2024, subsidiaries Amerlux and Delta Controls will fully integrate with DIBT, with their company names changing to Delta Intelligent Building Technologies (USA), LLC and Delta Intelligent Building Technologies (Canada), Inc. respectively.

The aforementioned integration further enhances the overall offering and ensures a seamless customer experience with Delta’s comprehensive smart building solutions. Importantly, Amerlux, known for its high-performance design-focused architectural lighting, and Delta Controls, renowned for its cutting-edge building automation systems, will continue as brands of Delta to represent respective product lines under the DIBT umbrella, ensuring continuity in product quality and innovation.

Products and solutions from building automation provider LOYTEC, as well as AI-based video surveillance solutions providers March Networks and VIVOTEK, will also be integral parts of DIBT’s full solutions offering.

Bill Lo, general manager of Delta’s Building Automation Business Group, stated:

With DIBT, Delta reinforces its leadership in the smart building sector by providing end-to-end solutions that cover every aspect of buildings’ management. Our goal is to deliver tailored solutions that leverage the strengths of Delta’s premier brands, while also enhancing our sales, system integration, and customer service capabilities. This initiative will empower customers to meet the growing demands of smart buildings, city infrastructure and sustainability.

Guided by its mission, “To provide innovative, clean, and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta is aligning its state-of-the-art smart building solutions through DIBT to help customers across North America drive operational excellence and future-ready building management.

For more information regarding Delta Intelligent Building Technologies, visit DIBT.

Delta Electronics (Americas) serves the IT, communications, industrial automation, renewable energy, lighting, power tool, automotive electric vehicle, and other major industries through multiple locations in the United States, Mexico and South America. Products include power electronics, DC brushless fans, liquid cooling, EV charging, visual displays, industrial automation, networking products, electronic components, consumer products and energy efficient and renewable energy products.

The post Newly formed Delta Intelligent Building Technologies offers FMs a one-stop shop for smart building solutions appeared first on FMLink.

As the market matures and barriers to adoption fall, a diverse range of vendors are vying for market share. From established building technology providers to a new wave of agile start-ups, firms are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to offer solutions that address the evolving needs of building owners and operators and solidify their market position.

The benchmark Verdantix Green Quadrant: IoT Digital Platforms For Building Operations 2024 report provides property owners, asset managers, real estate executives and facilities managers with comprehensive insights into 12 prominent IoT digital building platforms, helping them select the best-fit provider for their needs. The report identifies four firms — Honeywell, Johnson Controls, KODE Labs and Siemens — as offering some of the most comprehensive services in the market. However, they face growing competition from innovative IoT start-ups, which are striving to deliver the solutions needed to achieve smarter, more sustainable, autonomous building management.

Key report findings:

• Buyers are prioritizing flexible digital platforms that integrate building data, automate operations and enable advanced analytics. While established players such as Johnson Controls and Siemens bring global reach and industry expertise, start-ups such as KMC Controls and KODE Labs offer cost-effective, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions, supporting enterprises and smaller properties alike.
• AI is rapidly transforming building management. Increasingly intelligent platforms are enabling autonomous actions that streamline operations, boost asset performance and enhance occupant comfort. Honeywell, for example, has introduced an AI-powered chatbot to accelerate access to critical data and insights.
• Vendors are adapting their offerings to align with key market trends such as energy optimization and sustainability, offering solutions that drive operational excellence. Many platforms that began as smart building solutions are now marketed as tools for energy optimization, such as Nantum AI.
• Providers in this space offer a range of services, from design and implementation to ongoing support, acting as a trusted partner in the digital transformation journey. For example, e-Magic leverages its TwinWorX platform to tailor solutions.

Claire Stephens, research director at Verdantix, summarized:

In today’s competitive real estate landscape, asset and facilities managers must embrace digital transformation or risk becoming obsolete. As experienced staff retire and technology advances, a tech-driven approach is essential to streamline operations, increase revenue and enhance tenant experience, ensuring that buildings remain competitive. As the market continues to evolve, vendors are racing to provide innovative solutions that empower facilities managers and drive towards a future of autonomous buildings. However, the ultimate winners will be those who can deliver real value and adapt to the changing needs of the industry.

The post These 12 IoT digital platforms are revolutionizing building operations, says Verdantix appeared first on FMLink.

Large organizations might view AI as an expansive solution aimed at integrating all operational tools or analyzing massive data sets. This approach doesn’t necessarily serve the needs of frontline technicians. Unlike high-level integrations intended for C-suite efficiency and analytics, facility management must prioritize actionable, immediate solutions that directly affect the people on the ground — the technicians.

For many in FM, particularly technicians, there is a notable hesitation around AI, not out of fear, but because most AI applications aren’t relevant to their day-to-day tasks. Technicians spend their time fixing equipment, diagnosing issues, and maintaining systems. Their days aren’t filled with data analysis or report generation, so they don’t require tools that promise enterprise-level insights. Instead, to be beneficial, AI for technicians needs to focus on practical, intuitive applications that can improve workflow efficiency and reduce downtime without requiring significant training or time investment.

Understanding technicians’ relationship with AI

Most technicians in FM are not technology enthusiasts. They’re not likely to spend their weekends exploring ChatGPT, Dall-e, or Gemini, or diving into tech blogs for fun — they’re busy solving hands-on problems. For many techs, their approach to AI is simple: if it can help do their job faster, it’s worth considering. In this respect, AI adoption in FM doesn’t need to focus on replacing tasks but rather, on assisting them.

Ryan Koppelman, VP of Technology, eCIFM Solutions, Inc. explained at IFMA World Workplace:

Generative AI can revolutionize how designs, layouts, and workflows are developed and optimized. Facility managers and designers can leverage generative AI to explore multiple design possibilities and select the most efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Organizations and individuals that commit the time and resources to lean into this technology can benefit greatly. Where many will see the greatest impact will be in what might be considered stealth AI. Software developers are using these new generative AI capabilities to subtly improve the tools we already use.

While AI isn’t likely to perform physical maintenance tasks any time soon — like fixing a rooftop air handler or replacing the fluids on a generator — there are several ways it can empower technicians:

1. Instant access to knowledge: Imagine walking up to a piece of equipment and, without needing to input any queries, instantly having the system provide troubleshooting tips, parts schematics, or installation and warranty information. This capability is a major value-add AI can bring to FM, allowing technicians to access what they need without extensive searches.
2. Predictive suggestions: Like personal devices that suggest frequently visited places when you get in the car, AI can anticipate technicians’ needs. Suppose a technician often checks certain metrics or performs specific tasks for a particular piece of equipment. AI can recognize this pattern and prompt those tasks, reducing the mental load and time spent finding information.
3. Simplified mobile solutions: Today, most technicians carry smartphones. The challenge has been that many FM tools are too complex or weren’t designed with mobile use in mind, making them cumbersome for technicians to use them on the job. AI can streamline mobile apps to intuitively prompt the information needed, making it easy for technicians to complete tasks without being hindered by technology.

Shifting focus: AI tools that do the heavy lifting

For technicians, the goal isn’t to learn complex AI algorithms or to understand AI at a granular level. Instead, FM professionals benefit most from tools that “do the thinking” for them. AI can be integrated seamlessly, removing the need for technicians to learn coding, complex prompting, or system integration. It should simply work as an “assistant,” helping technicians find solutions on the fly without requiring deep interaction or customization.

Like Amazon’s intuitive product reminders: the system knows when certain supplies or parts may be needed and can proactively suggest restocking. This approach, which leverages AI to anticipate needs, can empower technicians to stay ahead without added complexity.

Mobile-first, technician-centric solutions

While tablets are becoming more common, phones are still the go-to tool for most technicians. Many FM tools are still based on legacy designs with desktop use in mind and are not optimized for mobile. This lack of mobile functionality has been a barrier to FM AI adoption. To truly empower technicians, the industry must prioritize mobile-friendly, AI-enhanced solutions that are efficient and easy to use.

AI-powered mobile tools tailored to technicians could streamline workflows by making essential information accessible anytime, anywhere. When entering an equipment status update, a mobile AI tool could prompt the technician with the most relevant fields or possible actions, such as suggesting preventive maintenance tasks based on recent activity. This user-focused AI delivers technicians the information they need without unnecessary steps.

Balancing industry trends and technician realities

While it’s tempting to think of AI as a panacea for FM challenges, it’s essential to differentiate between high-level tech integrations suited for large-scale companies and the actionable tools that frontline technicians need. AI’s effectiveness in FM will depend not on just the needs of accounting teams or executives, but also on how well it optimizes workflows, reduces the burden of manual data entry, and supports technicians with accessible, mobile-first tools that bring intelligence directly to the field.

While organizations are busy implementing large scale AI tools for analysis and to improve decision-making, it is important to also remember empowering technicians with thoughtful, focused AI applications that save time, reduce errors, and improve safety by delivering critical information at the right moment.

About the Author

Jonathan Styrlund is a vice president at ARC Facilities. Styrlund joined ARC in 2001 and has managed the development of several of the company’s technology products. Today, he oversees development of the award-winning ARC Facilities solution, which uses AI and machine learning to allow facilities professionals to instantly access critical building information from any mobile device.

The post Exploring AI’s practical role for facility management technicians appeared first on FMLink.

According to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), FM has become “data-driven,” and new AI-powered technology offers “enormous potential” for the future of the industry. And not a moment too soon, as FM professionals continue to be challenged by budget constraints, staff shortages, and an ongoing focus on making their buildings and facilities more sustainable. The sheer pace of all this change can be dizzying, and top of mind for FM leadership headed into next year will be how to turn AI’s theoretical promise into tangible solutions.

5 ways AI can empower FM professionals

Here are 5 powerful ways FM professionals can use AI to drive value and transformation in the industry:

1. Integrate AI with IoT to generate data-driven insights and power predictive maintenance

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a network of interconnected sensors that capture data and help provide insights that improve decision-making, especially when it comes to the future health of various assets. As Deloitte explains, FM professionals can use IoT devices to gather data from multiple sources (remote diagnostic tools, historic performance, field reports, etc.) and conduct AI-enabled analysis to understand their network more deeply. Other research from Deloitte indicates that implementing IoT for predictive maintenance and asset monitoring leads to a 20–30% reduction in maintenance costs. By getting ahead of problems before they arise, facility managers can better direct resources and reduce unnecessary repairs.

FM Pro Tip: Start with a pilot program focusing on critical equipment to demonstrate quick wins. Then, once ROI is proven, gradually expand to other areas.

2. Deploy an AI-driven field service management (FSM) system that can automatically assign technicians to tasks based on multiple variables

Historically, assigning field service technicians has been a manual process prone to human error. When techs don’t have time to finish a job it can quickly tank productivity across the board, leading to employee burnout and frustrated customers. But with AI, field service techs can be autonomously dispatched based on real-time data, preferences, and proximity, thereby optimizing routes and reducing inefficiency costs. Recent research shows that 80% of high-performing field service teams use AI, and that automation can significantly increase employee/customer satisfaction scores.

FM Pro Tip: Use your FSM solution to dispatch in a small department or region first to test-and-learn how AI-assigned technicians compare to your current back-office operations.

3. Infuse AI into CRM systems to create a 360-degree view of each customer

 As customer expectations continue to evolve, there is far less tolerance nowadays for downtime. To get more proactive, FM professionals use AI to analyze their CRM data to uncover usage patterns, track reporting on equipment health, and create a bespoke customer profile that triggers preemptive service notifications. When customers don’t have to initiate contact, service teams spend less time on conflict resolution and more time building relationships. According to Forrester, customer-obsessed organizations reported 41% faster revenue growth, 49% faster profit growth, and 51% better customer retention than those who aren’t customer-obsessed.

FM Pro Tip: To help convince leadership to infuse AI into CRM, explain how customer service teams can scale faster by handling more issues, without sacrificing the quality of care.

4. Introduce AI-powered training programs to upskill technicians continuously and encourage professional growth

Given the myriad issues that could go wrong with a building at any moment, retaining employees with institutional knowledge is a big priority for facility managers. Studies have shown that it’s far more cost-effective to upskill current employees than to hire/onboard new talent, and AI can help level up technicians by providing critical on-the-job training. On average, teaching an employee a new skill is one-third of the cost of onboarding a new employee, according to the same research. Techs can also receive AI-driven feedback after completing assignments, helping to foster continuous improvement and boost morale.

FM Pro Tip: Implement short, targeted AI-driven training modules technicians can complete on company time. This allows them to learn specific skills as needed, keeping their knowledge current while minimizing disruption to their daily tasks.

5. Analyze energy usage patterns with AI to reduce environmental impact

This year, the Department of Energy released a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings by 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. Given this new imperative, FM professionals are rapidly updating their building information modeling (BIM) with AI-powered tools for a more comprehensive view of their sustainability targets, helping further reduce waste, decrease energy consumption, and optimize operations.

FM Pro Tip: Implement small, data-backed changes to your energy usage in different departments to see if there is a direct impact on output and overall cost.

Unlocking the value of AI

AI integration is crucial for boosting efficiency and sustainability in facilities management. It is not just a trend; it’s a transformative shift that enables professionals to anticipate needs and streamline operations.

As you explore these strategies, consider how each AI application can be tailored to your unique environment. The path to effective AI adoption begins with a commitment to continuous improvement and a willingness to innovate. By investing in these technologies today, you are not only enhancing your operations but ensuring that you are equipped to meet tomorrow’s demands.

About the author

Anand Subbaraj is the CEO and co-founder of Zuper, a provider of solutions designed to modernize and scale forward-looking field service businesses. With more than 17 years of experience in technology, including 13 years at Microsoft, Anand is an expert in big data, cloud computing, and SaaS. He is committed to pushing the field service industry forward through the use of intelligent automation and by staying connected with customers to understand and solve their most pressing challenges.

The post Building value: 5 ways AI is transforming facilities management appeared first on FMLink.

Dean Stanberry, past chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors and a member of IFMA’s AI in FM Working Group, stated:

With AI dominating much of today’s technological discussions, FMs must learn to harness its capabilities and applications. This guide serves as both a roadmap and a compass for facility managers. It offers step-by-step guidance on starting, scaling and sustaining AI initiatives. The insights shared are drawn from industry research, expert opinions and practical experiences, making it a valuable companion for any FM looking to stay ahead of the curve.

In Gamechanger, readers will discover clear and practical explanations of key AI concepts such as machine learning and machine vision. More importantly, they will gain valuable insights into how these technologies can effectively apply to real-world FM challenges. The guide provides a step-by-step approach to successful AI deployment, offering actionable advice on aligning AI strategies with business goals, managing organizational change, and ensuring data governance and infrastructure readiness. Crafted with the busy facility manager in mind, the guide is designed to be accessible, making AI a practical and achievable asset for any FM professional.

IFMA Global Chair Lynn Baez remarked:

AI in FM brings many questions from the C-suite to rank-and-file employees, and rightly so.  Gamechanger equips FMs to take the lead in answering those questions and turning those inherent challenges into opportunities to prepare their organizations and people to succeed.

As the future of facility management continues to evolve, Gamechanger empowers FM professionals to stay ahead of the curve, harnessing the power of AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs and elevate the occupant experience. This publication is a valuable resource that instills confidence in anyone looking to build a successful partnership with AI and lead the way in the next generation of facility management.

Gamechanger: A Facility Manager’s Guide to Building a Relationship with AI is available to IFMA members to download via IFMA’s Knowledge Library.

Panel discussion October 10 at WW

The publication will be a part of a panel discussion titled Harnessing AI for the Future of Facilities Management, featuring working group members who contributed to the publication.

The discussion is scheduled for October 10 at 3:15 p.m. at IFMA’s World Workplace 2024 Conference and Expo in San Antonio, Texas, USA, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

The post IFMA’s <i>Gamechanger</i> guide will help FMs understand and leverage AI in the built environment appeared first on FMLink.

Establishing an enterprise-wide BAS solution streamlines software and hardware solutions across its inventory for all new BAS installations and major modernizations of existing BAS.  A standardized approach will also streamline operations and maintenance contract support, and minimize training requirements by reducing the number of different systems across the portfolio.

In support of this effort, GSA issued a Class Brand Name Justification for the Niagara Framework manufactured by Tridium. GSA’s market research indicates that this enterprise solution is sold and serviced by nearly every major BAS manufacturer, as well as BAS service providers and vendors of all sizes. Both large BAS manufacturers and small business integrators can compete based on this enterprise standard. GSA also anticipates this enterprise-wide solution will help mitigate unnecessary labor and costs resulting from the remediation of disparate systems.

This enterprise BAS solution aligns to GSA’s mission to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and American people.

The post GSA standardizes a building automation system (BAS) to reduce cyber risks appeared first on FMLink.

This policy statement is consistent with OSCRE’s mission, “To enhance real asset data through unified standards and knowledge,” and acknowledges our shared obligation to employ responsible AI technology.

OSCRE is a non-profit, corporate member organization focused on the development and implementation of real estate data standards. Data standards are an essential component in the digital transformation of the real estate industry, supporting everything from sustainability initiatives to cybersecurity to portfolio optimization.

The post OSCRE’s AI policy statement provides guidance on the use of AI in real estate. Webinar Aug. 21 appeared first on FMLink.

The investments, impacting 49 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC, will also help create jobs and accelerate progress toward achieving net-zero emissions in the federal building portfolio by 2045, and other goals of President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan.

GSA intends to enhance operations through granular controls, expand available reporting with more advanced metering sources, and optimize the operator experience through this IRA investment, including:

• Optimize federal building operations and energy use by installing approximately 1,000 new meters to measure  electricity, water and gas performance. These meters allow GSA to monitor the operations of the building, identify inefficiencies and take immediate steps to resolve them.
• Improve comfort level and building occupant experience in more than 70 federal buildings by installing smart sensors. GSA will measure indoor air and environmental quality, carbon dioxide levels and other conditions to adjust building operations based on real-time data.
• Make it easier for GSA to manage operations with real-time data through a new unified user interface for more than 150 federal buildings. This will consolidate information currently residing in separate applications to improve the work environment through more direct access to data about equipment operation, energy usage and sustainability performance.
• Implement “best-in-class HVAC controls” (based on ASHRAE Guideline 36) for approximately 15 buildings. This investment will reduce energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs while increasing comfort for building occupants.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes $3.4 billion for GSA to build, modernize and maintain more sustainable and cost-efficient high-performance facilities. This funding includes $975 million specifically for emerging and sustainable technologies, and related sustainability and environmental programs, including this announcement. GSA’s Inflation Reduction Act projects will implement new technologies and accelerate GSA’s efforts in achieving a net-zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045. Through these investments, GSA estimates that it could reduce carbon emissions by 2.3 million metric tons, the same amount that 500,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles produce each year.

This announcement is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, focused on growing the American economy from the bottom up and the middle-out — from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.

Learn more about Inflation Reduction Act programs and projects at GSA.

GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $100 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies.

The post GSA announces $80 million for smart building technologies across 560 federal buildings appeared first on FMLink.