Service · System group 8

Building automation and controls

Aurora Engineering designs building automation as the discipline that connects all MEP systems: automation schematics and function lists to VDI 3814, control strategies for ventilation, heating and cooling, building management systems with BACnet and energy monitoring, so that plant runs as efficiently as it was designed.

The best plant is worthless if it is controlled badly. Building automation turns individual disciplines into a system: it controls on demand, monitors safety-relevant values and delivers the data that lets operation improve year after year.

Building automation: room controller and smartphone control

Scope of services

What we design in building automation

  • Automation concept

    Automation class to EN ISO 52120, system architecture, interfaces between disciplines and third-party systems.

  • Automation schematics and function lists

    Plant schematics with data points and functional descriptions to VDI 3814, the basis for tendering and acceptance.

  • Control strategies

    Demand-based control, optimisation of flow temperatures, night cooling, load management.

  • Building management system

    Management level, visualisation, alarming, trend logging, BACnet, Modbus, KNX.

  • Monitoring for laboratories and cleanrooms

    Monitoring of pressure cascades, air change rates, temperature and humidity, audit-proof recording.

  • Energy monitoring and optimisation

    Metering concepts, key figures, evaluation and optimisation after commissioning.

Who it is for

Who this service is for

  • Operators and facility management

    who need transparency about plant operation, energy use and faults.

  • Laboratory, pharma and hospital operators

    with documentation duties for room conditions and validation.

  • Clients with sustainability targets

    aiming for certifications and low running costs.

Process and interfaces

Process and interfaces

  1. 1

    Automation concept

    User requirements, automation class, system architecture, coordination with all MEP disciplines.

  2. 2

    Developed design

    Automation schematics, data point lists, functional descriptions, control panel locations.

  3. 3

    Technical design and tendering

    Complete function lists to VDI 3814, tender documents, interface lists.

  4. 4

    Commissioning and optimisation

    Functional tests, verification of control principles, trend analysis, optimisation in the first year.

Standards and guidelines

Standards, key figures and quality

Standards and guidelines

  • VDI 3814 (building automation)
  • EN ISO 16484 (building automation systems)
  • EN ISO 52120 (automation class and energy efficiency)
  • AMEV guidelines (public clients)
  • BACnet ISO 16484-5
  • German Building Energy Act § 71a (automation above 290 kW)

Quality factors and key figures

  • Automation class B or better to ISO 52120
  • Vendor-neutral tendering via function lists
  • Open protocols: BACnet, Modbus, KNX
  • Metering concept with energy key figures
  • Verification of control principles before acceptance

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about building automation

Is building automation legally required?

For non-residential buildings with heating or air conditioning systems above 290 kW, German energy law has required building automation with monitoring since 2025. Regardless of that, good automation usually pays for itself through energy savings within a few years.

Do you tender vendor-neutrally?

Yes. The basis is function lists and automation schematics to VDI 3814 with open protocols such as BACnet. This keeps you independent of the system supplier.

How do you monitor cleanrooms and laboratories?

Through continuous monitoring of pressure differentials, air change rates, temperature and humidity with alarming and audit-proof recording, aligned with GMP and ISO requirements.

Designing or optimising building automation?

We develop your automation concept and the function lists for a vendor-neutral tender.