Integrating Submetering with Building Automation Systems
Modern multi-residential buildings increasingly use building automation systems (BAS) to manage heating, ventilation, lighting, and other building systems. When submetering data is integrated with these systems, property managers gain a more complete view of building energy performance.
A BAS typically controls and monitors common area systems: corridor lighting, garage ventilation, elevator operations, heating and cooling plants, and domestic hot water. These systems consume electricity, but the BAS may not have visibility into in-suite consumption patterns that affect building-wide energy use.
Submetering adds the in-suite consumption layer. When this data is available alongside BAS data, property managers can see total building energy use broken down by common area and in-suite components. This complete picture reveals correlations that are not visible when data is siloed.
For example, submetering data might show that certain suites consistently have high overnight consumption, potentially indicating the use of portable space heaters. If the BAS data shows that those same zones also have higher heating system demand, the property manager can investigate whether there is a comfort issue (cold spots, draft, thermostat malfunction) driving both the heater use and the system demand.
Integration approaches range from simple data export and manual analysis to automated data feeds between the submetering platform and the BAS. The right approach depends on the building's existing infrastructure, the capabilities of both systems, and the level of automation desired.
Voltage Vision works with property managers to ensure submetering data is available in formats compatible with common building automation platforms. If your building uses a BAS and you are considering submetering, discuss integration requirements during the planning phase to ensure compatibility.
As buildings move toward net-zero performance standards and increased reporting requirements, the combination of submetering and building automation data will become increasingly valuable for demonstrating compliance and identifying ongoing efficiency opportunities.