Integrated Building Management System (IBMS) for a Smarter & Greener Build Environment
An Integrated Building Management System (IBMS) is an automated network of different building utilities like the HVAC via Building Automation Solutions for the human comfort, the Security & access control system of a building, the Fire Protection & Alarm system coupled with an efficient Public Addressing System etc., on an intelligently designed and engineered centralized platform. Buildings amount to 72% of electricity consumptions (LEED Core Concepts, Edition 2) from the grid and creating energy efficient buildings could help us reduce carbon emissions up to 38%. These facts highlight the substantial role IBMS is considered to play in creation of smart & self-thriving communities. With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution in the form of Internet of Things (IoT), today the world is virtually connected via cloud based services. The ever-growing application of the same in building sectors, is not only paving way for creating integrated & sustainable cities but also establishing new milestones in optimizing the energy, water & consumption of other natural resources (Benefits of smart Building Automation with IoT). The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system of a building, for instance, is one of the critical component of all buildings and consumes most of its energy. Now, creating an intelligent automated sensor based system for the control of all associated mechanical equipment as per the actual demand & load requirement subsequently avoiding the operating of air conditioners during idle phase, could drastically reduce the energy usage & equivalently eliminate the related carbon footprint.
Further enabling proper interface between various systems on a common platform at user convenience via mobile apps and dashboards, is another major advantage of having an Integrated Building Management System. Scheduling the air conditioned system to be ON few minutes prior to home arrival while on way from office via a smart Home Automation system using IoT, lightning & HVAC control via dimmers and occupancy sensors especially for meeting rooms & hotel corridors, interlocks between fire protection, access controls and ventilation system providing safe passages during life threatening situations, smart metering & leak detections, infusing solar & other renewable sources of energy eliminating the dependence of buildings for its power requirement from the fossil fuel based grid, are some examples of what an IBMS provides. The significant quantum of a building’s embodied carbon along with emissions during the operational cycle, makes it imperative to have passive & energy efficient design strategies and having an integrated Building Management System is an optimal way to achieve so. Not only does it help in creation of NET ZERO buildings but also provides engineering solutions to achieve various sustainability standards like LEED, WELL, EDGE by meeting majority of pre-requisites & credit points for creating a better, greener & healthier build environment for all. References: Green Building & LEED Core Concepts: Second Edition (Page 4) Blog by Telit (UK): Benefits of Smart Building Automation with IoT (https://www.telit.com/blog/smartbuilding-automation-benefits/)