LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a Building Automation System (BAS)?

1. To enhance building aesthetics

2. To manage maintenance schedules

3. To coordinate and optimize building control subsystems

4. To track energy consumption only

The correct answer is: To coordinate and optimize building control subsystems

A Building Automation System (BAS) primarily serves to coordinate and optimize various building control subsystems. This includes managing heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, security, and other integrated systems to ensure they work together efficiently. By centralizing control and monitoring of these systems, a BAS can enhance overall building performance, improve energy efficiency, and create a more comfortable environment for occupants. The role of coordinating these subsystems is essential for the optimization of energy use, as it allows for dynamic adjustments based on occupancy, time of day, and environmental conditions. The comprehensive management provided by a BAS contributes significantly to the sustainability goals often pursued through certifications like LEED. It exemplifies how technology can be leveraged to maintain building performance while reducing operational costs and minimizing energy consumption. While managing maintenance schedules, tracking energy consumption, and enhancing aesthetics are important tasks related to the operation and management of a building, they are not the primary function of a BAS. The focus is fundamentally on the integration and optimization of multiple systems to operate more cohesively, which directly impacts the building’s performance and occupant experience.