A BAS can offer the ability to send alarms via email, pager, or telephone to alert building managers and technicians of developing problems and system failures.

Using wireless technology with BAS upgrades will help to minimize costs. BAS should be able to integrate with other building automation control systems. Consider BACnet-compatible or other open-source communication protocol for better integration into the existing system. (See Resources for more on BACnet.)

It is acceptable to have one automation system that deals only with lighting and another that handles HVAC systems.

BAS functions for lighting control include ensuring that lights are off after occupied hours.

Lighting with local automatic controls (occupancy sensors) does not need to be tied into the BAS to meet the credit requirements.

Confirm that lighting controls are included in the BAS and if not, assess the feasibility of expanding the BAS to include lighting or adding localized lighting controls.

The minimum capabilities for BAS equipment trending are as follows: 

Trend resolution should be capable of accurately monitoring the status of each piece of equipment.
Data capacity to store at least one month of trend outputs with time-stamped data. 
Minimum systems to be trended include fan and pump status, economizer operation, heating and air-conditioning status, and terminal device status.

The BAS user interface should include the status of each sensor or controlled device.

Confirm that the HVAC-related BAS functions include monitoring the status of sensors and controlled devices, scheduling equipment, set points and setbacks, and trending equipment status.

Incentives for BAS installations may be available in some areas through the local utility or government agency. (See Resources.)