Spotlight on Intelligent Buildings

Building automation systems/intelligent buildings are changing the way spaces are used. The K-12 environment is no exception, with school staff trying to find ways to optimize student comfort and learning in news ways that can be automated within an intelligent building system.

Everything from classroom temperature to building security features can be controlled with an intelligent building system. The learning curve for understanding and utilizing intelligent buildings can be steep, a fact Dale Klein of Parallel Technologies is well aware of. Having seen the rise and development of intelligent buildings in the K-12 education space, Dale speaks with the magazine about some of the general and K-12-specific elements of these versatile systems, and how the technologies are progressing.

Q. What are some ways technology can help keep offices comfortable for employees and classrooms at a comfortable temperature in all seasons?

A. Most contemporary building automation systems are made up of complex software that manages heating and cooling in buildings, which allow for a lot of flexibility. The challenge is that these systems are largely unaware of how individuals are using the building.

We believe that employing various sensors along with building automation systems will provide the answer. The sensors can gather real-time data about occupancy levels and other relevant information about how the building is being used to provide more insight on how to make students and employees more comfortable.

In time, artificial intelligence or machine learning will be utilized to very accurately predict how employees and students will use a building. This technology will utilize all data being gathered to allow for buildings to be managed fairly autonomously.

Q. How does technology help to protect students, employees, and office space/equipment?

A. It’s already happening all over with a lot of interesting technologies. Software-based access control and video surveillance are commonplace. These technologies work together to tie events with video to provide very responsive solutions. The industry is moving into advance video analytics, such as license plate recognition (LPR).

For instance, LPR could be used to understand who is at your building, and perhaps who should not be. This is used today on many school and college campuses. Gunshot detection technology is also being used to discover situations and provide alerts to the appropriate people.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add about the future of this technology?

A. We are at the very beginning stages of discovering how buildings are going to be managed for energy, safety and security, and efficiencies.

Featured

  • Howard Community College President Joins National Research Council

    Howard Community College President Daria J. Willis was recently appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Research and Community College Trends and Issues, according to a news release.

  • Fellowes Launches New 3D Modular, Product Configurators

    Contract interiors and architectural solutions provider Fellowes recently announced the launch of new 3D modular and product configurators for several of its product lines, according to a news release. The new products offer SIF file integration and pricing for the Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines in connection with 3D Cloud, which provides 3D product visualization and 3D digital asset management.

  • ECM Technologies Wins ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ Award

    HVAC preventative maintenance and efficiency solutions provider ECM Technologies was recently named the “Most Innovative Business of the Year” at the 2025 Champions of Change Awards, according to a news release. The program recognizes Arizona business leaders and organizations taking steps to make a positive impact on the state through innovative thinking and philanthropy.

  • California Middle School Completes Two New Academic Buildings

    Sunnyvale Middle School in Sunnyvale, Calif., recently announced that construction is complete on two new classroom buildings of two stories each, according to a district news release. The new wing will house seventh- and eighth-grade students and is part of a larger campus modernization project.

Digital Edition