In this Newsletter:

July 2024

• PlugFest Early Bird Discount
• Contribute to the Journal of Building Automation
• Download the BACnet International Guide Specification
• Cybersecurity Acceleration Program
• Earn FREE CEUs/PDHs with BACnet Courses
• TBI Corner

Welcome to the newest edition of the Cornerstones newsletter from BACnet International. The BACnet International community benefits from information and education shared through Cornerstones, the organization's monthly electronic publication. This publication is distributed to members of the BACnet International community, connecting corporate, integrator, site, student, and individual users to BACnet news and updates. Cornerstones is a unique publication because it speaks not only to the engineer and contractor communities, but also to facility professionals, building managers and owners, and other personnel.

This is where you come in. We need you to connect! If you have company news, product news, BACnet Case Study, or a best practice you want to share, please send them to us using the form below. And don't leave out the photos!

Read past Cornerstones and Case Studies.

The PlugFest Early Bird Discount ends

Wednesday, July 31st! Save $50/attendee!

Join us for our annual interoperability workshop that allows vendors to test their BACnet products in a friendly and neutral environment. The event provides opportunities to improve BACnet implementations and testing methods. Mark your calendars! This year’s PlugFest will be held September 24th - 26th at the University of New Hampshire’s Interoperability Lab in Durham, NH. The BTL-WG meeting will be held on September 23rd. Corporate Members and active BACnet International volunteers receive discounts on registration. Register by Wednesday, July 31st to receive the Early Bird Discount, $50/attendee.



• Test the interoperability of your company’s BACnet products with the BACnet products of other vendors in a friendly and neutral environment.
• Fix implementation errors before they are discovered in the field.
• The BTL Technical Advisor and other BACnet experts will be onsite to assist and answer questions.
• Education opportunities are available.
• Network with fellow engineers and developers.

Registration Costs for

Corporate Members:

Corporate Member Rate: 

$750.00 USD

(total discount $450.00 USD)

Corporate Member Rate with Volunteer Discount: 

$700.00 USD

(total discount $500.00 USD)

Corporate Member Rate with Early Bird Discount: 

$700.00 USD

(total discount $500.00 USD)

Corporate Member Rate with Volunteer and Early Bird Discount: 

$650.00 USD

(total discount $550.00 USD)

Registration Costs for

Non-Members:

Non-Member Rate: 

$1,200.00 USD

Non-Member Rate with Volunteer Discount: 

$1,150.00 USD

(total discount $50.00 USD)

Non-Member Rate with Early Bird Discount: 

$1,150.00 USD

(total discount $50.00 USD)

Non-Member Rate with Volunteer and Early Bird Discounts: 

$1,100.00 USD

(total discount $100.00 USD)

Don't forget to book your PlugFest hotel room by

Friday, August 30th to take advantage of the group rate!

*Active volunteers include members of the SSPC 135 Committee, BTL Working Group, BACnet International Marketing Committee, Journal of Building Automation authors,

BACnet International conference speakers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities: https://bacnetinternational.org/volunteers/.

To receive volunteer discount codes, email Kelsey List, Event Coordinator, at kelsey@bacnetinternational.org.

Companies are only required to share information necessary to interoperate with other products and diagnose any issues that arise. To protect sensitive information all attendees are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement designed to ensure information shared at PlugFest remains confidential.

Now accepting abstracts and advertisement

placements for our fall issue.

BACnet International is now accepting article and advertisement reservations for the Fall 2024 issue of the Journal of Building Automation. The Journal covers updates, developments, stories, and news on the BACnet protocol as well as the wider building automation industry as a whole.

Possible article topics include:

• BACnet Security
• Smart Buildings
• BAS Integration
• Building Automation and more!

To view past Journals, visit bacnetinternational.org/journals.

Issue #26 will be printed and distributed at the AHR Expo in Orlando next year. Each year BACnet International presents multiple educational sessions at the AHR Expo. Articles chosen for journal publication will be considered to be part of BACnet International’s AHR Expo education session slate.

Below are several important deadlines and links pertaining to the journal.

Deadline for article abstracts and advertisement placement orders: 

Friday, August 23rd

Deadline for final articles and advertisement artwork: 

Friday, September 13th



Publication date: 

Friday, October 25th 

Article submissions for the journal must abide by our Author Guidelines and Commercialism Code of Conduct. This does not apply to journal advertisements. Advertisement guidelines can be found in the Journal Media Plan.

Now updated to specify BACnet - based Lighting Systems and available to download from The BACnet Institute (TBI)

BACnet International's Guide Spec, released in 2022, has been updated with information on how to specify BACnet-based lighting systems. The Guide Specification was updated with contributions from Grant Wichenko, Appin Associates.

It covers how standard BACnet objects and services can be used the Lighting System Equipment Supplier to provide information to the Building Automation System (BAS) on the status and energy consumption of the lights in a building.

The Guide Spec gives guidance to the BAS Designer and the Electrical Designer of Record on how to add BACnet spec language into the Division 25 specification and the Division 26 lighting specification.

It is a valuable resource for BAS Designers and Specifiers as it will save time, make it easier to develop project documents, and, ultimately, provide a better-finished product.

Join our Cybersecurity Acceleration Program to download the tool and gain access to this video series.

The BACnet Certificate Authority Reference Implementation Tool is an example implementation of a Certificate Authority for BACnet Secure Connect. This tool allows suppliers to validate device Certificate Signing Requests (CSRs) or generate new ones and to package these CSRs into the file format (CARI) specified in Addendum cs. BACCARI includes a Certificate Authority (CA) that reads the package of CSRs, generates the required certificates, and uses the CARI file format to package the certificates for the supplier.

BACnet International has released the Beta version of BACCARI. This version contained all the functionality necessary to allow program participants to validate the implementation and review the underlying technology. The Beta version of BACCARI is close to completion and contains all the planned functionality including an updated workflow and user interface, the addition of user credentials, and support for multiple deployment scenarios.

BACCARI can be installed as standalone software running on Windows, Linux, or macOS or as a web server either on-site or in the cloud. A subset tool of BACCARI called 'Builder' is also available as standalone software. This subset tool is limited to generating and validating CSRs and building the CARI-compatible file containing the CSRs.

Links to the demo videos will be sent to registered participants of the Cybersecurity Acceleration Program.

These companies and educational institutions have already joined the Cybersecurity Acceleration Program. For more information, see below or contact David Nardone, Membership and Education Manager, at david@bacnetinternational.org

Are you using the BTL Mark correctly? Check out the usage guidelines! As you are designing your trade show booths and marketing materials, we want to remind you to abide by the BTL Mark Usage Guidelines. They are available to download.

• BACnet Basics is a comprehensive introductory course that outlines the benefits of BACnet and provides an overview of how BACnet works. This course is geared toward individuals unfamiliar with BACnet and those who need a refresher.

• The Facility Manager’s Guide to Building Automation Systems provides valuable insight on how to implement a BACnet-based BAS effectively and efficiently. This course discusses best practices to employ, as well as pitfalls to avoid, through the full design process – specification, procurement, construction, and commissioning. This course is beneficial for facility managers, building engineers and consulting engineers and others involved in the building automation implementation process.

• BACnet Device Profiles introduces learners to the various BACnet device profiles and explains the role of each in building automation. It also describes how they can be used in effectively specifying control systems. In addition, this course shows the learner how various profiles can be combined in a single device, explaining the rules behind the combinations.

This month's featured TBI resource is "Web Services. What they are and why they matter.," presented by Coleman Brumley, PassiveLogic. This session, presented at the 2024 AHR Expo, covers what web services are and why they matter in the technological sphere and within the BACnet standard. The BACnet standard has published what is termed “BACnet Web Services” or “BACnet/WS” as part of ANSI/ASHRAE 135-2020.

The BACnet Institute (TBI) is an online portal for BACnet-focused learning and knowledge sharing. It provides an easy path to BACnet information and learning for everyone involved with BACnet systems. The portal includes three on-demand FREE courses and over 200 resources including white papers, articles, presentations, and a community forum. TBI Resources are free, but registration for an account is required. Courses are eligible for CEUs and PDHs.

Each year TBI continues to grow. Since its launch in January 2017, over 10,000 registered users across more than 80 countries have accessed its resources. TBI’s simple search function allows users to get quick access to anything they need.

For BACnet International Corporate Members, if you have any news concerning one of your BTL listed products, case studies or company news stories, let us know and we will be glad to include it in Cornerstones! All submissions should be sent to Mary Catherine Heard, BACnet International's Communications Manager, at marycatherine@bacnetinternational.org.

Please ensure that we are included in your distribution lists for product and company news release as well.

Zurich, Switzerland | 2024-07-23

• The PGS300 Gauge Pressure Transmitter is ABB’s first instrumentation product with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
• Based on the product’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the EPD is a declaration of the product’s environmental impact from resource extraction to end-of-life
• EPDs help customers to compare products’ sustainability performance and understand their environmental footprint

ABB has announced its first instrumentation product with an Environmental Product Declaration, demonstrating its continued commitment to circularity and sustainability. The PGS300, an all-rounder gauge pressure transmitter, is used for measuring liquid, gas and steam pressure, and is key for the safety and efficiency in industries such as chemicals, oil & gas, and hydrogen. 

Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), EPDs are a declaration of the product’s environmental impact over its entire life cycle, from resource extraction to end-of-life. EPDs are verified by a qualified assessor.

“This is a major milestone on our circularity journey,” said Amina Hamidi, Managing Director, BL Instrumentation, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “For the first time we have been able to test and validate the environmental performance of one of our instrumentation products against the existing, very demanding, rules and regulations. The way forward for sustainability is to work with facts based on credible numbers. This will provide our customers with a way to understand and compare the footprint of products on the market.”

As part of the verification process, the assessor performed a rigorous audit of ABB’s factory in Ossuccio, Italy where the PGS300 is manufactured. The assessor also checked relevant documentation from the five Assembly-To-Order sites around the world where the PGS300 can be assembled.

EPDs are developed according to the so-called Product Category Rules (PCRs), mandatory for specific product categories. While waiting for sensor-specific PCRs, ABB achieved a “Pre-certified EPD” through program operator EPD International. Going forward, ABB will participate in the development of a Complementary PCR (c-PCR) for the “Industrial Sensor” segment which will tailor the “Electric and Electronic Equipment” PCR to the measurement business.

EPDs are part of the ABB Circularity Roadmap. The roadmap encompasses products which fulfill the ABB Circularity framework. On gaining the EPD certification, these products are better positioned to meet the transparency on circularity performance required by the market.

Charlotte, NC. - Jul. 16, 2024 - Carrier has officially opened a new 16,000-square-foot training center at its Charlotte offices, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house attended by Carrier’s commercial HVAC leadership and other valued guests last month. The new training center, where Carrier University is headquartered, represents a nearly $4 million investment in training the next generation of skilled HVAC technicians. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. 

Carrier University was founded in 1929. The new training center is located alongside other Carrier offices, less than two miles from Carrier’s Charlotte factory, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. 

The new training center hosts more than 1,200 students for in-person courses each year, ranging from one week to 13 weeks of instruction time, depending on the course. Another 7,400 students receive virtual instruction through Carrier University. Courses cover a wide range of areas, including technical skills, HVAC service, HVAC controls, HVAC design and sustainable building solutions. 

“Dr. Willis Carrier invented modern air conditioning in 1902 and since then, we’ve developed industries. Not only the HVAC industry, but significant industries built around the HVAC space. And we are super proud of that. But the piece that we are even more proud of is that we’ve helped develop careers. For folks within our organization and beyond,” said Gaurang Pandya, President, HVAC Americas and Commercial HVAC EMEA. “I started my career as a trainee at Carrier more than 25 years back and have continued to grow across the board. The training program we have has helped develop some of the best people that we have today.” 

The training center includes four classrooms and a product lab featuring many fully functional systems, including equipment supporting light commercial and applied training courses. The curriculum is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and meets the requirements for continuing education credits and professional development hours for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Professional Engineers (PE). 

“There’s been countless hours, millions of dollars of investment that brought us to the point. For us to be now opening the new training center’s doors to our industry, to our customers, to the community — it’s really special,” said Steve Ribaudo, Vice President and General Manager, CHVAC Americas. “Carrier is committed to sharing our expertise to assist our technicians, sales engineers and others in the HVAC community in developing the skills they need to provide the best experiences possible for their communities, their customers and their buildings.”

For more information on Carrier University, visit CarrierUniversity.com

CORK, Ireland, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE: JCI) ("Johnson Controls" or the "Company"), the global leader in smart, healthy, safe and sustainable buildings, today announced it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its Residential and Light Commercial (R&LC) HVAC business in an all-cash transaction to the Bosch Group ("Bosch"). The transaction includes the North America Ducted business and global Residential joint venture with Hitachi, Ltd. ("Hitachi"), of which Johnson Controls owns 60% and Hitachi owns 40%. The total transaction is valued at $8.1 billion, and the Company's portion of the consideration is approximately $6.7 billion. As part of the transaction, Hitachi will retain certain ductless HVAC assets located in Shimizu, Japan.

Following the close of the transaction, the Johnson Controls portfolio will be substantially simplified with enhanced strategic focus, aligned with the Company's objective to be a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings. Johnson Controls delivers a unique value proposition to customers, with its unmatched service and digital offerings that improve commercial building efficiency and reduce operational costs through its OpenBlue digital platform. The transaction represents a significant portion of the Company's previously announced strategic evaluation of non-core product lines.

"We are pleased to have reached this pivotal milestone, which accelerates our transformation and positions Johnson Controls as a simpler, higher-growth company," said Johnson Controls Chairman and CEO George Oliver. "Johnson Controls is already benefiting from our transformation, which enables the unparalleled value proposition we provide to customers, and exposure to rapidly accelerating demand in the data center market and other key macro-economic tailwinds. We believe Johnson Controls is well-positioned for its next phase of growth to deliver enhanced, long-term value to shareholders."

Johnson Controls' R&LC HVAC business, which is reported in the Global Products segment, engineers and manufactures ducted and ductless HVAC equipment and components globally for both residential and light commercial applications. In fiscal 2023, the R&LC HVAC business generated approximately $4.5 billion in consolidated revenue. Following the close of the transaction, the R&LC HVAC business will continue to provide residential and light commercial HVAC products under the York and Hitachi brands as well as Coleman, Champion, Luxaire, Guardian, Evcon, TempMaster and others.

Christian Fischer, the deputy chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, said: "Johnson Controls' Residential & Light Commercial business has a consistent track record of excellence within the HVAC industry. Together with our future colleagues in the acquired business, we want to seize the huge opportunities offered by the market for the further growth of this new unit. The acquired entities will strengthen Bosch's Home Comfort Group in an extremely attractive segment and will become part of the Bosch core business."

Transaction Details and Use of Proceeds

The total consideration of approximately $6.7 billion to Johnson Controls includes approximately $4.6 billion for its North America Ducted business representing a multiple of 16.7x fiscal 2023 EBITDA and includes approximately $2.1 billion for its interest in the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning joint venture representing a multiple of 7.5x fiscal 2023 EBITDA. The transaction is expected to be accretive to profit margins adjusted for the impact of equity income.

Net cash proceeds to Johnson Controls is expected to be approximately $5.0 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses.

Consistent with its capital allocation policy, Johnson Controls expects to pay down debt to the extent required to retain its investment grade rating with the remaining proceeds available to be returned to shareholders.

In conjunction with its ongoing transformation and this transaction, the Company has begun working on a comprehensive restructuring plan to minimize dilution post-close. The plan will utilize the work that has been done on functionalization over the past few quarters and leveraging a more streamlined business model focused on growing the Company's commercial buildings solutions franchise.



The transaction is expected to close in approximately 12 months, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Company expects to report the operating results of the R&LC HVAC business in discontinued operations beginning in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024.

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Desigo Automation PXC5.E24.A, PXC7.E400.A and

PXC4.E16.A Automation Stations (BTL-31203)

BACnet Building Controller (B-BC)

BACnet Broadcast Management Device (B-BBMD)

BACnet Router (B-RTR)

BACnet Security Connect Hub (B-SCHUB) 

https://www.bacnetinternational.net/btl/index.php?m=23 

phone: 770-971-6003  fax: 678-229-2777

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