The building automation and control (BAC) industry is constantly evolving as new technologies emerge and building owners and occupants demand more efficient and sustainable solutions. In 2024, we expect to see several key trends that will shape the future of the BAC industry.

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in BAC. AI can be used to optimize energy efficiency, improve occupant comfort, and detect and diagnose problems. For example, ENASTAT can learn from historical data and adjust HVAC settings accordingly. AI can also be used to monitor sensors and identify anomalies that could indicate a problem, such as a faulty HVAC unit or a water leak.

2. The Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to grow in popularity for BAC applications. IoT devices can collect data from a wide range of sources, such as sensors, actuators, and meters. This data can then be used to improve building performance and provide insights into how buildings are being used. For example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor indoor air quality, lighting levels, and occupancy levels. This data can then be used to adjust building systems to improve occupant comfort and health.

3. Predictive maintenance will become more widely adopted. Predictive maintenance uses data analytics to predict when equipment is likely to fail. This can help to prevent unplanned downtime and costly repairs. Predictive maintenance is particularly important for critical building systems, such as HVAC and fire alarm systems.

4. Cybersecurity will become a top priority for BAC. As BAC systems become more interconnected, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Building owners and operators will need to take steps to protect their BAC systems from cyberattacks, such as implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

5. The demand for cloud-based BAC solutions will continue to grow. Cloud-based BAC solutions offer several advantages over traditional on-premises solutions, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment. Cloud-based BAC solutions also make it easier for building owners and operators to collect and analyze data from their buildings.

6. The focus on sustainability will continue to drive innovation in the BAC industry. Building owners and operators are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their buildings’ environmental impact. BAC systems can play a key role in achieving this goal by optimizing energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and improving indoor air quality.

7. The use of digital twins will increase in the BAC industry. Digital twins are virtual representations of physical assets, such as buildings. They can be used to simulate and optimize building performance.

8. The BAC industry will continue to evolve to meet the needs of a changing workforce. The workforce is becoming increasingly mobile and flexible. BAC systems need to be able to adapt to these changes in order to provide a seamless experience for occupants.

These are just a few of the trends that we expect to see in the BAC industry in 2024. The BAC industry is an exciting and dynamic field, and we are excited to see how these technologies will be used to improve building performance, occupant comfort, and sustainability.