SBA 505: 10 Things Building Operators Can Do Right Now To Optimize Their BAS

10 High-Impact BAS Optimization Strategies for Building Operators

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are often underutilized, not due to lack of capability, but because many facilities overlook key maintenance and configuration tasks that drive real performance. Optimization doesn’t have to mean expensive retrofits or long-term capital projects. In many cases, the improvements that yield the biggest results come from practical changes using your existing system.

Here are ten high-impact strategies building operators can implement right now to elevate performance, reduce energy waste, and streamline day-to-day operations.

1. Perform a System Audit

Start by identifying every device and controller in your system. Check communication status and ensure firmware is current. Clean up unused or orphaned points and standardize naming conventions. This creates clarity and prepares the system for more advanced optimization steps.

2. Evaluate Setpoints and Schedules

Misaligned schedules and setpoints lead to unnecessary equipment run times and energy loss. Review occupancy schedules, correct for daylight savings, release old overrides, and fine-tune setpoints for seasonal changes. Automate schedules with occupancy sensors where possible and create standardized scheduling rules across your portfolio.

3. Verify Sensor Calibration

Sensors are the foundation of your BAS decision-making. Use handheld tools to compare actual readings and recalibrate or replace sensors with drift or failure. Pay special attention to temperature and pressure sensors, which affect both comfort and energy efficiency.

4. Review and Prioritize Alarms

Too many alarms often lead to ignored alerts. Limit alarms to meaningful events, ensure critical alarms are prioritized, and check thresholds and deadbands. Assign response responsibilities and use alarm analytics to trace root causes of recurring issues.

5. Optimize Control Sequences

Sequences of operation are often outdated or misunderstood. Regularly review these documents, ensure they match actual logic, and adjust sequences to reflect current building layouts or needs. Validate economizer and reheat logic, especially for VAV systems, and confirm performance with trends.

6. Improve Graphic Navigation

Effective graphics reduce operator time and error. Simplify navigation with fewer clicks, ensure floor plans reflect the actual building layout, and highlight key data points like temperatures and valve positions. Optimize for mobile and tablet access to support field work.

7. Enhance Trending and Logging

Set up meaningful trend logs for critical points such as supply air temperatures and valve positions. Adjust logging intervals to balance data richness and storage use. Keep at least 30 days of data and export logs for deeper analysis and historical reference.

8. Update and Secure the BAS Network

Cybersecurity is now part of BAS management. Apply updates to servers and controllers, disable old user accounts, and work with IT to segment the BAS network. Turn off unused ports and protocols and consider VPN access for remote vendors when necessary.

9. Train the Operations Team

Avoid single-point knowledge failures. Cross-train staff on alarms, graphics, and sequences. Use scenario-based exercises and provide documentation and checklists. Encourage open communication about system inefficiencies and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

10. Engage Your BAS Vendor

Schedule regular reviews with your BAS vendor. Request optimization and commissioning reports, confirm you are receiving all contracted services, and seek guidance on aging equipment. Strong collaboration with your vendor can uncover opportunities and avoid surprises.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

Optimization is not a one-time effort. Choose a single area to focus on this month. Small, consistent improvements can lead to significant operational gains over time. Engage your team, document your process, and continue learning. The more tuned your system becomes, the more value it returns.