Take It From A Technician: Building Strategies To Increase Productivity And Reduce Downtime

Written in collaboration with Bisnow | Writer: John Knowles

The commercial building space is evolving rapidly due to advancements in technology, growing demand for energy efficiency and the need for smarter, more sustainable solutions to meet both regulatory requirements and tenant expectations. Maintaining the health of a building is more important than ever for its operational efficiency and longevity, as proactive maintenance helps prevent unexpected issues even when buildings appear to be in good condition. Service contracts give building owners the opportunity to keep systems running smoothly through regular maintenance and timely repairs.

Since the pandemic, many buildings have faced disruptions, but building automation systems, or BAS's, enable real-time monitoring and the ability to foresee potential issues remotely, said Keith Brisbane, controls team leader at Boland, a leading energy solutions provider in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

“With facility staff often stretched thin, a BAS streamlines operations, offering early alerts and making buildings smarter,” he said. “By strategically incorporating a BAS, building owners can optimize energy usage, avoid downtime and ensure efficient facility operations without needing additional staffing. Embracing technology, prioritizing maintenance and utilizing smart solutions like occupancy sensors and demand-response systems are key to long-term building health.” 

Bisnow spoke with Brisbane, who's been with Boland since 1995 starting as a service technician. He discussed the evolution of commercial buildings and the advancements in BAS technology that powers them. When asked what advice he would give to building owners, he emphasized three key principles: regular maintenance, proactive issue detection and a willingness to embrace new technology.

Keep Systems Running Smoothly With Regular Maintenance And Repairs

“The basics are still the basics,” Brisbane said. “We are able to keep your building running as efficiently as possible with regular maintenance and a strong, trusting relationship.” 

Service contracts play a crucial role in maintaining the health of commercial buildings by providing easy access to timely repairs and regular maintenance. With a service contract in place, building owners can ensure that their systems are consistently monitored and any issues are addressed promptly before they escalate. These contracts offer the convenience of having trained professionals readily available to perform routine checks and repairs, preventing costly downtime and extending the lifespan of critical systems, Brisbane added.

“How well you maintain your equipment is a direct correlation of how much downtime you will have,” he said. “By committing to regular maintenance through a service contract, building owners can help keep their operations running smoothly, reduce the risk of unexpected failures and maintain a safe, efficient environment for occupants.”

Enable Real-Time Monitoring, Early Alerts And Remote Issue Detection Through A BAS

Building automation systems have transformed how commercial buildings are managed by enabling real-time monitoring, early alerts and remote issue detection.

"If you have a BAS, you can see what is going on in your building at any time, allowing building owners and engineers to be proactive rather than reactive to a problem," Brisbane said.

These systems allow building owners and facility managers to track their building’s performance anywhere, ensuring that potential problems are identified and addressed before they escalate. 

Brisbane said that a BAS can alert staff to critical issues even when they aren't on-site, reducing the need for constant in-person oversight and making operations more efficient, especially when staffing is limited. With these capabilities, a BAS not only helps prevent downtime but also allows for more strategic decision-making, ultimately improving the building’s overall efficiency and reducing the burden on facility staff.

Embrace Innovative Controls Strategies

Incorporating strategic control systems, such as occupancy sensors and demand-response solutions, is essential for optimizing energy usage and improving overall building efficiency. For instance, occupancy sensors can adjust HVAC settings based on room usage, ensuring that energy isn’t wasted in spaces that aren’t in use. 

Brisbane gave an example of how this works in a 50-seat multipurpose room and how automatic adjustment can reduce energy consumption and equipment strain. 

“If nobody is in that room, the occupancy sensor will trigger the room’s HVAC system to bring that room’s temperature to a standby temperature of 78 degrees, eliminating the need to produce cold air for that space,” he said. “The system will also automatically turn the lights off since the room is dormant, but once somebody walks into the space, the occupancy sensor will pick up movement and will bring that room back to the appropriate 73 or 74-degree space temperature.” 

Additionally, demand-response solutions can help optimize energy use by adjusting systems during peak energy demand times, saving significant money on utility bills. When combined, these control systems reduce downtime, save on energy costs and improve the building's overall performance, making it more sustainable and cost-effective, Brisbane said.

Lastly, Brisbane stressed the importance of being open to connectivity and the power of artificial intelligence. 

“We’re just scratching the surface with AI,” he said. “For something that could take hours to fix, I think the more advanced we get, we’ll be able to provide solutions faster, thus reducing labor costs.”

With the right maintenance strategies and emerging technologies, building owners can ensure their facilities run smoothly, efficiently and cost-effectively for years to come, Brisbane said.

This article was produced in collaboration between Boland and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.