Details matter. The ability to see performance numbers, in context and corrected for outside air conditions, is now a given. Use the contribution of better sensors for better results and understanding of equipment and space operation. Combine that with equipment performance for better understanding. Use generated alerts to initiate action.

Better graphics leads to better understanding or building and space performance. Interactive graphics allows you drag your mouse to see multiple variables over extended time periods easily. The days of single variable plots are over. Instead, it's now possible to see the relationships between multiple variables at a glance - even on your smartphone.

Technology has improved beyond simple temperature and humidity sensing. CO2 has evolved as a go-to method for measuring outside air delivery to the space. But today's technology moves beyond these sensors and has evolved to dust particle count as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Combine this technology with light and audio sensing to have a full understanding of individual space environmental conditions.

Air supply and return ductwork is often assumed to be functional per specs. But that isn't a given for many buildings. Air measurements at diffusers and return grilles are often a requirement to assure that air is delivered and returned properly. Measurement is a specialized skill leveraging both training and experience.

Room air circulation depends on air handler performance in combination with supply diffusers capable of inducing surrounding air to entrain particles. Subtle air blockages diminish room air performance. Each room's air flow needs to be evaluated for effectiveness in combination with air handler delivery.

Viruses are contained in droplets. Larger droplets tend to fall within a few feet. Small droplets tend to evaporate quickly, especially in dry (winter) air with low relative humidity. Capturing viruses (droplet nuclei) within the air stream, using effective space air flow, is important to returning them to the air handler for inactivation. Relative humidity has measurable impact on droplet evaporation. Higher humidity (> 40%) has been shown to reduce droplet nuclei formation.

Effectiveness uses direct feedback sensors and indirect measurement of related space conditions. The process extends for days, weeks, and months. Feedback evaluation uses data collected over long time periods and delivered in the form of charts. But, in a twist, feedback also includes human sensing in the form of sound/noise and VOCs -  direct and indirect measures of space conditions. Leverage modern technology to better manage space conditions.

Air delivery to the space determines temperature comfort, while providing an opportunity to capture dust particles and floating viruses (droplet nuclei). Constant volume air supply has consistent delivery while variable air volume (VAV) systems alter air flow as a function of comfort conditions. Return air often is an afterthought but can significantly reduce supply air effectiveness. Better VAV systems deliver the right amount of outside fresh air throughout the entire occupied period - not just at peak cooling hours.

Many systems need rebalancing to adjust air flow to meet current interior space and fresh air needs. Air measurement is a learned skill using high-accuracy instruments. Proper circulation determines the ability of air to pick up small particles and move them to air handler filtration. Room environment is more than temperature and humidity - it's also air movement.

Ultraviolet light at the germicidal wavelength of 250 - 280 nanometers alters the genetic (DNA) material in cells so that bacteria, viruses, molds, algae and other microorganisms can no longer reproduce. The microorganisms are considered dead, and the risk of disease from them is eliminated. UV-C offers a new way to deal with environmental space conditions.

Negative air ions (NAI) have been discovered for more than 100 years. Studies show that NAIs have multiple health benefits and inhibit the growth or kill some microorganisms. NAIs are show to be highly efficient at remove ultrafine particles (PM2.5), especially during haze episodes. NAI offers the best opportunity to deal with unseen space particulate. 

Space sensing has evolved. Use a combination sensor to gather environmental information that affects occupants. Take action, through more targeted equipment and space maintenance, to improve space conditions, and measure the results. Where CO2 was the defacto measurement, now there are other sensors, combined into a single device, capable of pointing to potential equipment and space operating issues.

Modern devices also leverage WiFi communications. The ability to sense many variables over a single communications link, impacts installation costs. 

Today's BAS installations focus on immediate equipment operation and local space conditions. But it's not enough. Transition to extended monitoring and long-term analysis to better understand system conditions. Then use intelligent alerts to warn of operating issues.

BAS controls use time-tested methods for operating valves, dampers, and fan speeds. The industry knows how to do temperature control. But a separate focus is needed to maintain healthy building environments. Supplement traditional controls with healthy environment monitoring and recommendations (alerts). Move up by using space environmental analysis to better manage HVAC equipment and space healthy conditions.

Communication protocols have evolved. Traditional twisted pair BACnet is cable-based. But MQTT, the Internet of Things (IoT)  protocol, skips twisted pair and runs directly on WiFi and Ethernet.  Modern communications offers advantageous over traditional methods including location flexibility. Leverage WiFi to bypass BAS methods and connect beyond twisted pair.