We are starting a new year, and I believe the HVAC consulting engineers responsible for design engineering need to make a change in 2019 as to how HVAC systems are engineered to be safe.

Fujitsu General’s new Smarter Building Controller — introduced by Fujitsu General and technology partner,Ventacity Systems — offers a plug-and-play building management system for use with Fujitsu General’s Airstage heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.

Johnson Controls introduces the new iotega wireless Touchscreen, a Wi-Fi enabled solution that allows customers to manage and monitor their smart security and home automation platform from a full 7-in touchscreen display.

BAS integration has long fed our hopes for a future with greater building intelligence.

As we wrap up the recent peek into ongoing “thermostat wars” of indoor workplace comfort, I wanted to pass along a quick anecdote.

There is a great line in the classic 1980’s movie Top Gun, where Maverick says to his co-pilot, Goose, “I feel the need,” and they then say in unison “the need for speed.”

Fallout from “value engineering” spurs an idea about security and performance.

Unfortunately, the potential threats to building occupants are varied and increasing. To adapt properly, let’s look at the culture change needed in the design process. Commissioning, recommissioning, and preventive maintenance are further pieces of a strategy to assure ongoing safety.

From a safety perspective, it’s time to bring this often overlooked topic into the light.