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  • Building Automation

What is Building Automation?

The Andover Continuum Building Automation system controls the various building systems (lighting, HVAC, access control). It can turn on a light, open a door, turn on the heat in a room, or provide additional fresh air when needed. If the building were a person’s body, the automation system would be the brain and muscles.

How do we use it?

The automation system controls all heating, cooling, ventilation and the day to day system operation of the building. Thousands of separate sensors, actuators and controls provide feedback to the mechanical and electrical systems, optimizing their energy use, while ensuring thermal comfort and air quality levels within all of the building’s occupied spaces. This system is what enables us to operate as one of the smartest buildings in the world, and to continue to tweak the building’s systems to continuously improve its performance.

How does it make us more sustainable?

Finer control of building systems means that we can operate them more effectively with less cost and environmental impact. Since installing the automation system we have saved over 130,000 kWh of energy – enough to drive an electric car around the world 20 times. The system has also improved comfort levels, indoor air quality and the security of all building occupants, while enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint by 40% at the same time.

Building Automation image gallery:

Live data visualization
Live data visualization

Building automation tracks and records performance metrics such as temperature, humidity, air flow and CO2 levels. This information is displayed through the Energy Management Information System.

Building Automation System
Building Automation System

Data from hundreds of sensors from around the building is collected and acted upon in real time by the automation system.

Mobile building automation
Mobile building automation

Preventative maintenance is tracked and recorded without paper. A mobile application can help with remote troubleshooting, commissioning or performance verification.

Thermal gauge
Thermal gauge

The automation system tracks the geothermal system temperatures and pressures, adjusting the volumetric flow of pumps to ensure efficient heat transfer. It can also send alarms if any problems are detected.

Electrically controlled valve
Electrically controlled valve

The automation system controls many valves and dampers, such as this three-way valve connected to the radiant heating and cooling system. The system operates in many different modes to ensure comfortable spaces using as little mechanical energy as possible.

Andover Continuum
Andover Continuum

The Continuum automation system incorporates many different systems in one integrated platform.

QR code scanning
QR code scanning

QR codes can be scanned at various locations. These links point directly to systems making maintenance and troubleshooting of systems accessible from a smart phone or tablet.

Daylight harvesting
Daylight harvesting

The automation system is also controlling lighting. Sensors detect if ambient light levels need to be supplemented with artificial sources, turning lights on only if light levels are low and occupants are present.

Security swipe
Security swipe

Access control is granted or denied through building automation. Magnetic locks on doors prevent access into sensitive building areas.

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Did you know?

  • Building Automation provides the brains and muscle to operate the building

    The Continuum system consists of 36-networked controllers which are distributed throughout the building. These controllers are directly connected to hundreds of various building components to provide digital and analogue inputs and outputs on component performance (i.e., sensors and actuators, motors and drives, and even pumps, contactors and valves). Performance profiles of the various “working parts” allows for a deep understanding of the building’s systems, such as, if the air handling unit needs to have its filters replaced.

    This system can receive data and output commands and data to the lighting control system, security, power monitoring , fire suppression and heating and cooling systems throughout the facility.

    In essence, the major strength of the ERC’s building automation system is that it enables interoperability between all operating systems. This flexibility allows building managers to optimize global building performance by fine-tuning energy requirements on a very granular level.

  • The Continuum Operator interface provides a window into the building’s operation

    Every section of the building can be investigated or monitored through the automation system. This includes the radiant heating/cooling manifolds that direct thermal energy around the building, ventilation controls, hot water, schedules, personnel, access control and many others.

    Everything from CO2 levels to humidity and temperature can be investigated at a glance or in minute detail depending on what the operator would like to see.

Generously supported by:

With over 100,000 employees worldwide, Schneider Electric is a global leader in active energy management solutions in the electrical and controls industry. By encouraging customers to measure energy use, install low consumption equipment and systems, manage resources and analyze savings, Schneider products help to ensure energy performance and comfort while also accounting for environmental and efficiency considerations.


Schneider products can also enable easy connection and installation of renewable energy assets. The company has recently created a team that is specifically dedicated to the needs of the green building industry (i.e. high performing green buildings as well as retrofits and new construction).

Company profile

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructures, Industries & Machine manufacturers, Non-residential buildings, Data centers & Networks and in Residential.

Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group’s 140,000 plus employees achieved sales of 24 billion euros in 2012, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.

Find out more at schneider-electric.com/ca


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