Integrated building management systems for sustainable technologies: Design aspiration and operational shortcoming

Abstract

There is an increasing adoption of innovative sustainable design measures such as the application of hybrid natural and air-conditioning ventilation technologies. Such innovative systems are controlled via Integrated Building Management Systems (IBMS) whether stand alone or integrated with Computer-aided Facilities Management (CAFM). Post-occupancy evaluation study was conducted to evaluate the utility of such IBMS in realising the design benefits of hybrid natural ventilation and air-conditioning system. Indoor air quality parameters (temperature, humidity and CO2) and external wind conditions, temperature, humidity and solar radiation were monitored for the investigated building. The monitored results of the summer and winter months operations the building employing hybrid natural ventilation and airconditioning systems showed that the indoor air quality parameters were kept within the design target range. It was found that system and software engineers for the building services control systems were consulted to devise the systems after the completion of the building which contributed to the failure of the control strategy of the IBMS devised at the design stage. The investigation of this building provided indispensable knowledge and information to be incorporated into the maintenance and operation of building as well as the early design stage of new projects. The study calls for the involvement of FM professionals in the early design stage of projects in order to maximise the opportunities offered by innovative sustainable technologies in mitigating and adapting to the pressures of climate change.