A new CLTC study demonstrates that integrating building systems under a centralized Building Automation System (BAS) can significantly reduce energy use. A team led by CLTC Director of Engineering Keith Graeber conducted field research at “The Barn,” a two-story, 2,068-square-foot building on the UC Davis campus. They found that whole-building integration — including HVAC, lighting, shading, and plug loads — lowered annual energy consumption by more than 35%.
Key contributors included occupancy-based HVAC control, automated shading to optimize daylight and thermal loads, and precooling strategies leveraging outdoor air. These findings highlight the potential for data-driven automation to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in commercial buildings.
