An Idiots Guide to Smart Building Terminology
We have created a glossary that aims to serve as a resource for anyone who is exposed to smart building terminology but is left wondering what on earth certain words or phrases mean.
Every industry has its own acronyms or buzzwords that make total sense to the ones using them on a daily basis, but they can lead to miscommunication if they are not widely understood by everyone.
Below is an A-Z of our definitions for some of the most popular terms.
A
AI
Artificial Intelligence is used in many industries. It is intelligence from machines as opposed to natural human/animal intelligence. It is especially useful when managing large data sets; AI can highlight anomalies, patterns or important stats extremely efficiently. Learn more about AI and smart buildings here.
API
An Application Programming Interface is a software go-between that allows multiple computer programs to communicate with each other.
B
BACnet
Building Automation and Controls Network is a building protocol that is extremely popular. The network protocol is utilised to allow multiple devices to communicate across a building, often integrating and passing data back and forth from a BMS or BAS. Learn more about BACnet here.
BAS
A Building Automation System is often installed in large commercial buildings. It involves the control and automation of building-wide services, e.g. HVAC, lighting, security, etc.
Bluetooth Mesh
Bluetooth Mesh is a protocol that enables many-to-many (m:m) device communications and is optimized for creating large-scale device networks. This makes it a good protocol for building automation, allowing communication between the various devices and systems within a space. Learn more about Bluetooth Mesh here.
BIM
Building Information Modelling is a digital representation of the floorplan of a building; it allows architects and designers to visualise physical and functional assets before construction takes place. They can select manufacturers’ products, add them to the virtual building and generate an accurate picture of the asset.
BIoT
Building Internet of Things refers to technology within a building that is connected to the internet and aims to reduce cost, improve efficiencies, improve day-to-day tasks for users, streamline data collection and improve the overall experience for both those managing the asset and living or working within it.
Building Regulations
In the UK, a set of statutory regulations are published that ensure policies and legislation are adhered to when building work is carried out. Building regulation approval is required for most building work in the UK.
Part L of the building regulations have recently been updated. Lighting control/ monitoring is now mandatory in buildings. These new standards set out regulations for lighting energy performance in both new and existing buildings. The aim is to improve insight and reduce carbon emitted from the lighting system. You can learn more about Part L here.
C
Carbon Neutral
To be Carbon Neutral means that a company is aware of how much carbon they are emitting, and they are working to reduce this greatly whilst offsetting it to remove the same amount of Co2 from the atmosphere, e.g. by planting trees, recycling or investing in green energy. This allows the company to achieve neutrality as the same amount they emit is effectively removed from other areas. Learn more about carbon neutrality here.
Carbon Zero
To be carbon zero, a company must reduce its emissions by 90-95% (dependent on the sector); this is an absolute reduction in emissions compared to the company’s base year. The last 5-10% must then be offset using more permanent methods such as direct air capture. Learn more about carbon zero here.
CEA
Controlled Environment Agriculture is a popular term in the vertical farming market, which is another segment of the smart building industry. It is the heart of a vertical farm; it integrates data from multiple sources to create the best environments and gives growers the insights they need to be able to make adjustments, recreate conditions and save recipes for specific crops. It is similar to a BAS or BMS in a commercial building.
There is a precise recipe of factors that lead to the quality growth of crops; these include temperature, carbon dioxide, oxygen, lighting, humidity, nutrient concentration, pH, pest control and irrigation. Learn more about vertical farm technology here.
Centralised Lighting Control
Centralised lighting control is a system that allows all the lights in a building to be monitored and controlled from one central location.
Circadian Lighting
We all have a circadian rhythm which is a cycle of approximately 24 hours; it governs when we feel tired and awake and is even linked to bodily functions and systems influencing when we feel hungry or have strong cognitive performance.
Light is one of the biggest synchronisers of our circadian rhythm, and as we are all spending more time indoors, it is easy for our rhythms to become out of sync.
Circadian lighting aims to replicate natural light providing alertness in the morning to make occupants feel awake and productive and then a warm amber tone in the evening to help the body prepare for sleep. Learn more about circadian lighting here.
COP
COP stands for Conference of the Parties. “The parties” refers to 197 nations that agreed to a new environmental pact. These annual climate change conferences provide an opportunity for world leaders and influential stakeholders to come together and discuss and review how the climate is managed.