Facility managers face a dual challenge: optimizing building performance while adapting to evolving energy standards, cybersecurity demands, and occupant expectations. In this video from NFMT Baltimore, viewers can learn how building automation systems (BAS) and smart building strategies are revolutionizing operations, energy management, and occupant comfort.

This isn’t just about new construction. Whether retrofitting existing infrastructure or commissioning high-performance buildings from the ground up, the key lies in leveraging integrated BAS platforms that transform raw data into meaningful action.

Buildings account for approximately 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, according to Jon Christopher Larry of Exp US Services Inc., only 60 percent of large buildings and 13 percent of smaller facilities (under 50,000 square feet) currently use even basic BAS systems. That’s a massive opportunity for energy and performance gains.

Smart buildings offer more than energy savings — they empower facility teams with flexibility, control, and insight. Defined as buildings where systems are seamlessly integrated for optimal functionality, comfort, and resource management, smart buildings rely on data collection and real-time analytics to make informed decisions.

However, data overload is a real threat. With hundreds or thousands of sensors feeding information into a BAS, it's easy to be overwhelmed. The solution? Focus only on the data that supports key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to facility managers' operations. Avoid trending every single data point, and instead, send essential information to a centralized data lake — onsite or in the cloud — for actionable insights.

Larry emphasizes setting KPIs tied directly to building performance and business goals. Log in or join fnPrime to start watching to hear which KPIs matter.