Creating an energy efficient building can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint. Building operations contribute as much as 26% of direct and indirect energy emissions according to the International Energy Association.

Beyond the environmental impact, however, inefficient systems are costing you money. On average, about 30% of the energy an average building uses is wasted because of inefficiencies. Ensuring energy efficient facilities can dramatically reduce your operating costs.

Yet, outdated technology and systems are holding many building managers and owners from realizing these benefits. 15% of buildings do not have a building management system (BMS) in place. Of those that do, Facility Executive reports that less than half can access it or view it remotely.

Modernizing your BMS with a flexible and open protocol like Building Automation and Control Network (BACnet) enables you to connect existing systems with energy-savings tools without needing a complete replacement. A universal communication protocol lets you select from a wide range of solutions and upgrade your BMS.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Legacy BMS

Using BACnet, you can add smart sensors, advanced controls, and data analytics solutions that help fine-tune building operations and optimize energy use. For example, connecting your legacy systems using ODIN Building Automation Systems gives you remote access to real-time data, analytics, and automation capabilities that improve building efficiency.

You can also add additional sensors for new use cases, such as indoor air quality testing and monitoring. IAQ sensors measure CO2, volatile organic compounds (VOC), airborne pollutants, humidity levels, and more and can automatically adjust ventilation and airflow to improve indoor air quality while optimizing energy consumption.

BACNet System Remote Access

Without having to replace systems or log into separate platforms to manage buildings, you can connect your BAS to ODIN and manage everything with a single log-in. You also get true remote access as you do not need to be connected to your building’s network. You can monitor and control system management in key ways, such as:

• Set Points: Adjust set points as needed to optimize comfort and energy usage
• Scheduling: Integrate and adjust schedules for connected devices and create new schedules
• Alarms: Get customized alarm notifications through email, text, or mobile app
• Trends: Integrate and adjust existing BACnet trends and create new trends for better reporting

Gaining Automation Controls

Automated controls help you optimize performance. Adjusting BACnet HVAC settings based on building occupancy or timed schedules can make a big difference. So can optimizing lighting schedules to automatically turn off or dim lights during non-work hours. With ODIN, you can connect these functions to your legacy BMS using BACnet to get the power of automation without having to do a complete system overhaul.

Optimizing and Fine-Tuning System Performance

With BACnet’s flexibility, ODIN can integrate with sensors and smart devices that monitor system performance and environmental conditions in real-time. By tracking these details, you can fine-tune the performance.

Justifying Equipment Replacements

Data gives you better insight into energy consumption, helping you identify inefficient equipment that should be replaced. For example, seeing trends in increasing energy usage for heating and cooling might justify system replacements with more energy-efficient HVAC systems for commercial buildings.

Creating Secure Systems

Using BACnet in building management systems can be a blind spot for cybersecurity teams. BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC) helps mitigate security risks. Providing device authentication and identity verification before connections, encrypted communication in transit, and enhanced data integrity provides the peace of mind you need.

ODIN is a BACnet-certified BMS solution that eliminates the need for VPNs, port forwarding, or third-party security software. Permission-based profiles enable you to delegate user-specific access for team members or contractors based on their role and their access needs — preventing them from accessing areas without explicit permission.

Scaling for the Future

BACnet is a way to futureproof your facility, creating a pathway when you need to add or upgrade devices. As a cloud-based system, you can scale as needed without major disruptions to operations and evolve to new efficiency standards, initiatives, or regulations.

Bringing Legacy Systems Into the Future

Upgrading a legacy BMS through BACnet and tools like ODIN can help you maintain a more energy efficient building and extend the life of your existing systems. Instead of fully replacing equipment, you can reduce waste— and create a more sustainable solution.

Utilizing BACnet and ODIN creates a bridge between your existing equipment and energy-saving technology that can lower your utility costs and manage your environment more efficiently.

Contact ODIN today to book a meeting with our experts.