Planners and administrators at colleges and universities know that their campuses must serve as a portal to the future and that the future includes sustainability and a common sense approach to energy use.

Among these priorities is that the design and construction of classrooms, conference halls, libraries, faculty and administration offices, and especially student housing, embrace building management systems (BMS) principles. Features like adequate ventilation, comfortable temperatures, and proper lighting are all part of creating the best learning environments. Facilities managers at these institutions also prefer the central controls, the ability to customize each room, and the diagnostic capabilities of BMS-equipped buildings.

Colleges and university administrators have also found that incorporating BMS into their structures gives them the fast track to achieving another sustainability goal: meeting the requirements for certification by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED accreditation brings with it a host of advantages for these institutions of higher learning.

What’s inside this blog post:

What is LEED?
Why do colleges and universities consider LEED in their construction and improvements?
How does BMS help meet the requirements of LEED?
LEED, facilitated by BMS, is pertinent in other building sectors.
FICO is the place to start for BMS.

What is LEED?

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a program that aims to create sustainable buildings that conserve energy and provide occupants with a healthy and clean environment. Founded by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council and building industry members in 1993, LEED provides a rating system for accreditation.

LEED recognizes buildings at four levels based on points awarded for the sustainable measures incorporated into their construction. These levels include

LEED Certified: 40–49 points
LEED Silver: 50–59 points
LEED Gold: 60–79 points
LEED Platinum: 80 points and above

LEED also provides information on sustainable building techniques for architects, builders, owners, and other building stakeholders.

LEED standards are internationally recognized. There are more than 100,000 LEED-accredited buildings worldwide, including in the United States, Asia, Europe, and South America. These standards cover new buildings, buildings undergoing renovations, LEED neighborhoods, LEED cities, and interior design. There are also LEED guidelines for building operations and maintenance. Of course, this last category is the most relevant to BMS, but BMS is essential to many aspects of LEED buildings.

Why do colleges and universities consider LEED in their construction and improvements?

Colleges and universities, like many other businesses, need to control expenses. Using LEED building methods and incorporating BMS systems can reduce energy costs by as much as 30% and often more, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money upfront. Preplanning for LEED accreditation can increase total cost by as little as 1% of the overall project. LEED accreditation is similar to designing a top-performing building management system. It’s not about budget but about selecting the right components and working smart.

There are other motivations for LEED accreditation at colleges and universities.

As centers of learning, these institutions must provide an environment conducive to learning. LEED-certified buildings provide inhabitants with lots of fresh air, comfortable temperatures, and superior ventilation. People working and learning in well-ventilated buildings have twice the cognitive function of counterparts in other buildings.
LEED accreditation enhances the brand of a college or university. It makes the statement that, as an institution, you are concerned about sustainability and energy conservation.
LEED accreditation is a statement that these institutions are forward-thinking and serious about their commitment to the world.

How does BMS help meet the requirements of LEED accreditation?

BMS provides several advantages to colleges and universities in the LEED certification process.

Indoor air quality–It is estimated that 25% of commercial buildings have inadequate airflow, creating pollutants that lead to “sick building syndrome.” BMS facilitates the introduction of fresh air into classrooms, offices, conference rooms, and other parts of the building.
Energy consumption–BMS optimizes systems in a building for peak performance, conserving energy and saving money on utilities.
Water consumption–Building management systems regulate water consumption. Irrigation systems use precise timers and ground moisture sensors to optimize the watering of plants. A BMS can also detect irregular water flow in a building, which can reveal leaks in the plumbing system. Water leaks are one of the primary causes of damage to the building structure.
Lighting and electricity controls–Building management systems control lighting, including adjusting lights based on ambient lighting from windows or even the dimming or turning out lights in empty rooms.
Maximizing the electrical grid–When coupled with alternative renewable energy options, the same systems can, independent of human interaction, determine when it is cheaper or more sustainable to switch from the public electrical grid to an alternate grid powered by renewable energy.

BMS uses data to provide building diagnostics

A central computer control system controlling the BMS also collects building performance data, making it possible to review analytics on building performance. These analytics include.

Analytics for LEED certification–Once construction is complete and the building is occupied, LEED requires a year of data on the consumption of energy and energy saved before awarding it a designation. Building management systems maintain massive databases of easily accessible data, made possible through cloud computing.
LEED maintenance reviews–Certain levels of LEED certification periodically require recertification, usually every five years. Part of this certification is a review of the energy data in the building. Again, building management systems maintain this data.
Predictive analytics–If a college or university is planning an expansion or upgrade to a current building and needs to know what considerations they should make regarding LEED-related systems, they can create a virtual model of the building, program the changes, and determine what additions are necessary for maintaining LEED certification.

LEED is pertinent in other building sectors

Colleges and universities are not the only building sectors that benefit from LEED certification. Owners of buildings in almost all types of businesses discover that LEED certification and BMS result in lower utility bills, healthier and more productive employees, and the positive image derived from being part of a sustainable movement.

LEED certification also enhances building values, too. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-designated buildings:

On average, rent is 11.1% higher than in non-LEED buildings.
Maintain a 21.4% higher average market sales price.
Have increased occupancy rates in comparison to non-LEED buildings.

Office buildings, healthcare facilities, manufacturing, hospitality, multi-family residences, senior facilities, and many more are seeking LEED certification and discovering that BMS makes it far easier to realize that goal.

FICO can help

To learn more about the energy savings capabilities of building management systems, contact FICO or visit our website today.

The experts and technicians at FICO, based in Great Falls, Montana, have designed and installed building management systems for more than two decades. The firm’s portfolio of projects includes office buildings, hospitals, schools, colleges, and universities. FICO partners with the most recognizable names in the industry, including Schneider Electric, Salient Systems, and other well-known suppliers and innovators of building management systems.