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Conference focuses on new standard for building automation systems
H. Michael Newman, manager of the Utilities Computer Section at Cornell University, presents an update on BACnet, a national building automation and control networks standard, during the opening session of the conference BACnet for the 21st Century, sponsored by the College of Engineering. Photos by Dave Shelly—Penn State Image Resource Center During the conference BACnet for the 21st Century, vendors and manufacturers displayed products used in automation systems for buildings.	The College of Engineering sponsored the conference BACnet for the 21st Century to help professionals involved with computer-based building automation systems understand the new national standard for these systems.   BACnet is a data communication protocol for building automation and control networks. It was developed under the auspices of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and is now an American national standard.   The conference was designed to introduce BACnet to people involved in designing, planning and managing or operating commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and physical plants, as well as consultants, engineering design and energy conservation professionals, and employees of utility and performance contracting organizations.   In addition to attending conference sessions, participants had an opportunity to visit an exposition of BACnet and related products, including building automation and controls equipment and mechanical equipment. Following the conference, the College of Engineering hosted a two-day seminar on Networking DDC Systems Using BACnet. The college hosted all three events in collaboration with the BACnet Interest Group–North America and the BACnet Manufacturers Association. Fifty-seven professionals from around the United States, as well as Canada, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland, attended the BACnet programs.   The BACnet Manufacturers Association encourages the successful use of BACnet in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing, educational programs and promotional activities. According to the association, one of the biggest barriers to successful implementation of computer-based building automation systems has been a lack of interoperability between different vendors of these systems. Another critical factor in building automation is the need to integrate other systems with building automation, including lighting, elevators and security and fire/life safety systems. The new national standard is improving building automation systems. An outreach program of the College of Engineering