February 2001: How Interoperability Saves Money PDF

The pressures of competing in the global marketplace are forcing building control companies, equipment and systems manufacturers, energy providers, utilities, and design engineers to improve performance and reduce costs. One means of meeting this twin challenge is through the development and use of cybernetic building systems (CBS's) that integrate multiple building systems. A CBS is defined as a multi-system configuration that communicates information and control functions simultaneously and seamlessly at multiple levels. The configuration must also allow for two-way communication between the building(s) in which it is installed, utilities, and energy and service providers. The multiple levels of communication and control are based on the BACnet® (Building Automation and Control networks) layered protocol architecture.