Integrated building management and building automation systems (BASs) rely on networks of sensors, switches, fans, alarms, and other devices, along with powerful software tools to provide a real-time view of the current state of a building. The market for networked building controls is expanding as building owners and operators realize the cost savings offered by automated, granular, real-time control of every major system within their facilities. Click to tweet: According to a new report from Navigant Research, worldwide shipments of communications nodes for BASs will reach 387 million annually by 2021.

"Networked together by one or more protocols, building automation systems can drastically reduce energy usage and costs, alert building operators to repair or maintenance needs, and provide significant upgrades to occupant comfort and safety," says Eric Woods, research director with Navigant Research. "This market is being driven not only by rising energy prices, but also by the increased availability of simple-to-use, web-based dashboards for building management."

Since many building systems often do not share the same communications protocol, connecting them can be a time- and resource-intensive process, particularly when the protocols are proprietary in nature. The market is moving toward the use of more open protocols, according to the report, and the introduction of Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled devices is helping to ease this transition. However, the conservative nature of the building industry means that the shift away from proprietary standards will stretch well into the next decade, particularly for building retrofits.

The report, "Smart Buildings Networking and Communications," analyzes the global market opportunity for networked building automation controls across three primary levels of the building controls ecosystem: field devices, floor/room-level devices, and building-level devices. Each of these categories contains devices used in four primary building systems: HVAC, lighting, fire and life safety, and security and access. Global market forecasts for unit shipments and revenue, broken out by region, segment, device type, and technology, extend through 2021. The report also provides a comprehensive assessment of the demand drivers, business models, policy factors, technology issues, and key industry players associated with this rapidly evolving market. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, "Smart Buildings Networking and Communications," is a summary and reflects Navigant Research's current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report's conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

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