While finishing up last month’s column on boiler issues and concerns, I began brainstorming topics to discuss in future “Tomorrow’s Environment” columns. In the kitchen, I overheard my grandson Dylan talking to Amazon’s personal digital assist (PDA) better known as Alexa. This got me thinking about building automation systems (BASs). So, I turned to Google and searched, “When were building automation systems invented?” It turns out the first BAS, a mechanical thermostat controlling a damper, was invented by Warren Johnson in 1883. I guess one could say it was also the first indoor air quality (IAQ) management system, too.
I am fascinated with how the younger generation applies PDAs to their everyday lives with requests, such as: