Building Automation Systems (BAS) are essential for managing the complex systems in commercial and industrial buildings. They control everything from HVAC and lighting to security and energy management. But as technology changes, so do BAS systems. If you want your BAS to continue to be effective in the future, it needs to be future-ready. Partnering with Egan Company, your system will be ready for all of the changes to come.

Here are a few reasons why your BAS needs to be future-ready:

• Technology is constantly evolving: The technology that BAS systems are built on is constantly evolving. New technologies are emerging all the time, and it’s important for BAS systems to be able to adapt to these new technologies. For example, BAS systems are now beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve efficiency and optimize performance.
• Building requirements are changing: The requirements for buildings are also changing. Buildings are becoming more energy efficient, more sustainable, and more secure. BAS systems need to be able to adapt to these changing requirements. For example, BAS systems can now be used to monitor and control energy consumption, track carbon emissions, and manage security systems.
• The needs of building occupants are changing: The needs of the people who occupy buildings are also changing. People are demanding more comfortable, healthier, and more productive environments. BAS systems can be used to improve comfort, air quality, and productivity. For example, BAS systems can be used to control lighting, ventilation, and temperature to create a more comfortable environment via improved occupant sensing without operator or user interactions.

If you want your BAS to continue to be effective in the future, it needs to be future-ready. Here are a few things to look for in a future-ready BAS:

• Open architecture: a future-ready BAS should have an open architecture that allows it to be easily integrated with new technologies. This will make it easier to adapt the BAS to changing requirements and needs.
• Scalability: a future-ready BAS should be scalable so that it can be easily expanded to accommodate new systems and devices. This will allow the BAS to grow with your building.
• Security: a future-ready BAS should be secure to protect your building from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
• Ease of use: a future-ready BAS should be easy to use so that you can easily manage it. This will save you time and money.

If you’re considering upgrading your BAS, be sure to choose a system that is future-ready. This will ensure that your BAS can continue to meet your needs for years to come. Contact Egan Company today to learn more about our future-ready BAS solutions and how we can help you improve the efficiency, comfort, security, and compliance of your building.

In today’s world, sustainable practices and green building initiatives have gained significant importance. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED certification is awarded to buildings that meet certain standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.

As businesses and individuals strive to reduce their environmental footprint, earning LEED  certification has emerged as a notable accomplishment. Simply put, LEED certification validates a building’s commitment to sustainability and offers a roadmap to eco-friendly construction.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEED RATING SYSTEM

Commercial building projects can pursue different LEED rating systems based on their unique characteristics and goals. The available options include LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C), LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), and LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M). Each rating system caters to specific stages of a building’s life cycle, ensuring comprehensive sustainability practices from inception to operation.

THE LEED CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

1. Project Registration: Developers register their commercial building project with the USGBC and select the appropriate LEED rating system.
2. Documentation and Compliance: Detailed documentation and evidence must be provided to demonstrate compliance with LEED prerequisites and credits. This may include architectural plans, material specifications, energy models, and sustainability reports.
3. LEED Certification Levels: Buildings can earn different levels of certification based on the number of points accumulated. These levels include Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80+ points). The more points earned, the higher the level of certification achieved.
4. Verification and Review: The USGBC reviews the documentation and conducts an on-site inspection to verify the building’s compliance with LEED requirements. This rigorous process ensures the integrity and credibility of LEED-certified buildings.

CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS: 

Maintaining LEED certification is an ongoing commitment. This maintenance includes monitoring energy usage, water consumption, indoor air quality, and other key performance indicators to ensure continued compliance with LEED standards. 

By earning LEED certification, commercial buildings demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, reaping the benefits of reduced operational costs, improved occupant satisfaction, and a positive impact on the environment. As the world moves towards a greener future, LEED certification remains a beacon of excellence for the built environment.

If considering pursuing LEED certification for a commercial building, there are a number of resources available; check out the USGBC website which has resources as well as detailed information about LEED certification.

The U.S. solar industry continues to grow and Egan Company has found a front-row seat to this action, with business increasing over the last few years. Whether you’re like Sheryl Crow and looking to “Soak Up The Sun”, businesses are taking advantage of this natural resource through solar panels.

Businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, save money, and/or improve their energy independence should consider investing in solar power.

THE SHIFT TO SOLAR ENERGY

The world continues to shift toward renewable energy, and one of the most promising sources is solar power. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and abundant. In recent years, many large solar projects have been completed around the U.S., and they continue to be developed at a rapid pace in our local markets.

This uptick in renewables is often attributed to solar energy becoming more efficient and affordable to harness. Similarly, panels can be placed anywhere the sun shines. Commercial solar energy systems can be installed as a ground mount system or a rooftop system; they can range in size from small systems that power a single office to large installations utilized by power companies for residential and commercial customers. All of these systems generate electricity from sunlight, which is captured by photovoltaic cells in the solar panels.

Why commercial and industrial facilities are investing in solar:

1. Cost savings: Installing solar can help businesses save money on their energy bills by generating their own electricity and reducing their reliance on the grid. Over time, the savings from reduced energy bills can help businesses recoup the system’s cost.
2. Environmental benefits: By using solar power, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. This can also help improve their public image and reputation, which can be beneficial for attracting customers and employees who value sustainability.
3. Energy independence: Solar allows businesses to generate their own electricity, reducing their dependence on traditional energy sources. This can help insulate them from rising energy costs and power outages.
4. Long-term investment: Solar has a long lifespan and requires minimal maintenance, making them a reliable and cost-effective long-term investment for businesses.
5. Incentives and tax credits: Thanks to a pro-renewables U.S. government administration and increased concern over climate change, many incentives and tax credits are available to businesses that invest in solar power, making it even more cost-effective and attractive.

For nearly 15 years, Egan has continued to support solar projects providing for a cleaner and more sustainable future. From solar farms to rooftop unit installations, 160+ MW of power have been produced from these sites. 

More recently, the Egan team has embarked on its biggest solar project yet: Hoot Lake Solar >

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are essential for managing the complex operation sof commercial, institutional, residential, and industrial buildings. They control everything from HVAC and lighting to security and energy management. But as technology changes, so do BAS systems – that’s why the Egan Company team has your back on all things upgrades. 

If you have a legacy BAS system, it’s important to consider upgrading to a newer system. A modern BAS system can help you save energy, improve comfort, increase security, and reduce downtime. It can also help you meet current regulations and avoid compliance issues.

Here are some of the benefits of upgrading your outdated BAS:

• Increased energy efficiency: a modern BAS system can help you save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature and humidity levels in your building based on occupancy and weather conditions. This can lead to significant cost savings on your energy bills.
• Improved comfort: a modern BAS system can help you maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels in your building, even when the weather outside is extreme. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
• Enhanced security: a modern BAS system can help you improve the security of your building by monitoring access points, detecting unauthorized activity, and controlling access to sensitive areas. This can help you protect your people, property, and data from unauthorized access.
• Reduced downtime: a modern BAS system is more reliable and less likely to experience downtime than an outdated system. This can help you avoid disruptions to your operations and inconvenience to your tenants or customers.
• Compliance with regulations: a modern BAS system can help you comply with current regulations, such as those governing energy efficiency and security. This can help you avoid fines or other penalties.

If you’re considering upgrading your outdated BAS, be sure to work with a qualified BAS integrator that can help you choose the right system for your needs and budget as well as complete the  installation and commissioning process. Contact Egan Company today to learn more about how we can help you upgrade your outdated BAS and improve the efficiency, comfort, security, and compliance of your building.