Here is my big idea for 2005: Outtask your energy management for one year to the Energy Technician-In-Training (ETIT) program. How does it work, and why would you want to do this? Well, first let me give you a little background into the concept of ETIT.
Building automation and building management software systems can represent about 3.5% of a construction project. For a $50 million job, the mechanical and electrical automation control systems can equate to $1.75 million. This may seem like an excessive amount, and this is where the problem starts. Building automation is spread over a wide range of building systems both mechanical and electrical, and building owners don't necessarily recognize the money they have invested into automation. The second mistake is to think these systems, once installed, will function on their own without continuous fine-tuning based on computer data feedback.