Page 43 - RC21 EDGE Summer Issue

it for easy comprehension is the greatest challenge. We expect an effective dashboard to quickly demonstrate a building’s performance, ideally, with the context to show if it is performing as it was invested in to perform. With the right context, the HMI becomes the cornerstone
of measuring and verifying the performance of new or existing buildings.
The HMI interface is technically the easiest of all the elements to solve and has the most options, so owners and project teams are lured into making HMI decisions first. However, many building owners assume incorrectly that when they choose their HMI, they are also getting
a database management system. The HMI should
be chosen last after the rest of the Smart Building Infrastructure is established to ensure the HMI delivers the necessary functionality.
The Smart Building Data Infrastructure solution we describe is not expensive. In fact, when comparing the best-in-class components to proprietary solutions, the best-in-class components are typically less expensive and provide far greater value.
Summary
If you find yourself choosing the HMI visualization
before setting performance goals and/or discretely implementing individual components of Smart Building Data Infrastructure, stop. The risk you run is installing a dashboard that will never validate performance against goals or financial expectations. Design the Smart
Building Data Infrastructure platform and network first. Then develop an implementation plan that respects and integrates legacy systems. This is a holistic and cost- effective approach to evidence-based performance. It will ensure transparent access to data that will support and defend a lifetime of investment decisions for your building.
The convergence of global challenges requires building owners and project teams to look at buildings differently. Building performance is no longer an option. Performance
is expected by owners, occupants, and governments. Merging building science and data science is the most cost-effective way to deliver expected building performance over the life of a building.
Craig Stevenson is President of AUROS Group, who pioneered the use of technology to bridge the gap between building science and data science. Craig is co-author of the recently released book, “The Power of
Existing Buildings—Save Money, Improve Health and Reduce Environmental Impacts” and the often-
referenced ASTM article, “Project Case Studies and the Lessons they Teach about Whole Building Envelope Air Leakage Testing.” Craig holds two United States’ patents in the field of data science for the built environment. For more information on AUROS360 and evidenced-based performance, refer to www.aurosgroup.com.
Donny Walker leads Newcomb Boyd’s Intelligent Building Systems group. He has over 20 years of engineering, project management, and partner-in-charge responsibilities in communications, security
and integrated building automation systems. His experience includes aviation facilities, healthcare buildings,
judicial facilities, advanced technology developments, military installations, data centers, mixed-use developments, performing arts facilities and college campuses. His background encompasses over 150 projects specializing in an integrated design with network-enabled systems.
If you find yourself choosing the HMI visualization before setting performance goals and/or discretely implementing individual components of Smart Building Data Infrastructure, stop.
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