A study at UC Davis' "The Barn" has shown that integrating building systems into a centralized Building Automation System (BAS) can significantly cut energy use. Researchers tested seven control strategies over a year, examining how lighting, HVAC, shading, and plug loads could work together for better efficiency.
The most effective approach—whole-building integration—reduced annual energy consumption by 35.1%. Occupancy-based HVAC control, automated shading, and lighting adjustments also contributed, with HVAC and lighting integration alone saving 15.9%. Precooling strategies using outdoor air added 8.7% in savings. However, plug load and water heater controls had minimal impact in this setting, though they could be more useful in high-demand buildings.
The findings emphasize the potential of smart, data-driven automation to cut energy use, reduce emissions, and improve comfort, offering a roadmap for more efficient buildings in the future.