Andy McMillan, President of BacNet International shares his thoughts on the future of the building automation industry. What is Automation Armageddon all about? The transition to LED lighting may trigger a cataclysmic change in the way the building automation industry works. Historically, building controls applications have been HVAC-centric since that was the element of the building where controls could add significant value. In many situations the return on investment rate for HVAC-oriented building automation has not been compelling so the majority of buildings in the US do not have automation systems. As we go forward, the case for retrofitting buildings with LED lighting will become very compelling and with it will come a much broader application of controls. The key difference, though, is that these controls applications and projects will be lighting-centric rather than HVAC-centric and that will make all the difference. These lighting-centric projects will be motivated by LEDs but will naturally incorporate wireless […]