Air Comfort Should Be Priority As Global Automation Market Expands

By the year 2020 the global building automation and controls market is likely to reach $55.48 billion dollars, Climate Control News reports.

According to a recent report conducted by Research and Markets, the automation market in 2013 was valued at $29.78 billion, but is now currently growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.04%. The market itself encompasses the following sectors: heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control, security and access control, and lighting control.

Whilst things are looking positive for the market overall and there has been clear growth in the number of energy-efficient buildings, the report lists a number of obstacles that could impact the industry's development. Rising energy costs and increased government concern about climate change have led to a greater focus on the heating and cooling requirements of buildings, with planners, building owners and tenants all wishing to keep energy usage down. However, as the article notes, factors such room climate, hygiene, and indoor air and comfort often get neglected. But with people reportedly spending the large majority (80%) of their time indoors, it's important to think about the consequences of our indoor environments. Air quality is also an important consideration, as the recommended limits state that CO₂ levels should not rise above 1,000 ppm.

With this in mind, the latest energy-efficient air-conditioning and ventilation equipment - such as air curtains and advanced building automation - can conquer both aims of reducing energy consumption whilst maintaining a high standard of room comfort.