Glossary

A security system that manages who can enter specific areas of a building using credentials like keycards or biometrics.

A central HVAC system component that conditions and circulates air throughout a building.

The physical state and operational status of building equipment or infrastructure, typically rated from excellent to poor.

The complete journey of a building asset from acquisition through disposal, including planning, operation, maintenance, and replacement.

The systematic process of managing physical assets throughout their lifecycle to maximize value.

A unique identifier label attached to building equipment or assets for tracking and inventory management.

A device that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply.

A standby power generator that automatically starts during utility outages to provide electricity to critical building systems.

A communication protocol standard for building automation and control networks.

The process of comparing building performance metrics against industry standards or similar buildings to identify improvement opportunities.

A digital representation of a building's physical and functional characteristics.

A closed vessel that heats water or generates steam for building heating and hot water systems.

A centralized control system that monitors and controls building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

A systematic evaluation of building systems and components to document current condition.

The overall effectiveness of a building in meeting its functional, environmental, and economic objectives.

A collection of interconnected components that perform a specific function in a building.

An HVAC system that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle.

An electrical safety device that automatically interrupts current flow when it exceeds safe levels.

Software that manages maintenance operations, work orders, equipment inventory, and maintenance schedules.

A building used for business purposes such as offices, retail, or services.

A heat rejection device that removes waste heat from a building's cooling system to the atmosphere.

Maintenance performed to restore equipment to proper working condition after a fault is detected.

A device that regulates airflow in HVAC ductwork by opening or closing to control air volume.

A single measurement or value from a sensor, meter, or building system that represents a specific condition or parameter.

A digital model of a physical building or asset that stays connected to it through live operational data.

A closed loop path that allows electrical current to flow from a power source to loads and back.

The integrated network of electrical distribution equipment, circuits, and controls that deliver power throughout a building.

A backup power system that provides electricity during utility outages to maintain critical building operations.

The amount of energy used by building systems, equipment, and operations over a specific period.

The practice of using less energy to provide the same level of service or output in building operations.

The systematic approach to monitoring, controlling, and optimizing energy use in buildings.

Technology that recovers waste energy from building systems to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Physical assets like HVAC units, pumps, and electrical systems that are monitored and maintained.

A ratio comparing deferred maintenance costs to building replacement value.

The practice of coordinating and managing the physical workplace, including buildings, infrastructure, and services.

A mechanical device that moves air through HVAC systems and building spaces.

A terminal HVAC unit that uses a fan and coil to condition air in individual spaces or zones.

A system designed to detect, control, and suppress fires in buildings, including detection, alarm, and suppression components.

A network of pipes and sprinkler heads that automatically activate to suppress fires when heat is detected.

A level within a building containing rooms, zones, and equipment.

A backup power system that provides electricity during utility outages.

A device that transfers heat between two fluids without mixing them, used in HVAC and process systems.

Past data collected over time that is stored for analysis, comparison, and trend identification.

The integrated system of equipment, controls, and distribution networks that provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

A space or group of spaces with similar heating and cooling requirements controlled by a single thermostat.

A building used for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, or production activities.

Periodic checks of equipment and systems to assess condition, identify issues, and ensure proper operation.

The process of setting up and commissioning new equipment, systems, or building components.

A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a building or facility is achieving key operational objectives.

A system that manages building lighting through dimming, scheduling, occupancy sensing, and daylight harvesting.

A record of all maintenance activities, repairs, and service performed on building equipment over time.

A planned timetable for performing maintenance tasks on building equipment and systems to prevent failures and ensure reliability.

The measurement and recording of utility consumption (electricity, water, gas) at the building or system level.

A building that combines multiple uses such as residential, commercial, and retail in one structure.

An electric machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive equipment.

A centralized assembly of motor starters, circuit breakers, and controls for multiple motors.

An electrical distribution panel that houses circuit breakers and distributes power to building circuits.

A device that uses water, such as sinks, toilets, showers, and drinking fountains.

The integrated network of pipes, fixtures, valves, and equipment that supply water and remove wastewater from a building.

Scheduled maintenance performed to prevent equipment failures and extend asset life.

A mechanical device that moves fluids (water, refrigerant, etc.) through building systems.

Maintenance performed after equipment failure or breakdown occurs, also known as run-to-failure maintenance.

Continuous observation of building systems and environmental conditions as they occur.

The process of fixing broken or malfunctioning equipment to restore it to proper working condition.

Swapping out failed, worn, or obsolete components or equipment with new ones.

A comprehensive system that protects buildings, assets, and occupants through surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection.

A device that measures environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, or air quality.

A formal request for maintenance, repair, or service on building equipment or spaces submitted by occupants or staff.

A network of smoke detectors and alarms that detect the presence of smoke and alert occupants to potential fires.

An independent audit report on how a software vendor protects customer data, based on the AICPA Trust Services Criteria.

A defined area within a building such as a room, zone, or open area.

The installation of additional meters to measure utility consumption of specific systems, areas, or tenants within a building.

A sequence of data points collected over time, such as temperature readings or energy consumption values.

An electrical device that transfers electrical energy between circuits by changing voltage levels.

The examination of historical data over time to identify patterns, predict future behavior, and detect anomalies.

A battery-powered system that provides immediate backup power during brief power interruptions.

A device that controls the flow of liquids or gases in building systems.

An electronic device that controls motor speed by varying the frequency and voltage of power supplied to the motor.

An HVAC system that varies refrigerant flow to multiple indoor units for efficient zone-level temperature control.

A device that heats water for domestic hot water supply in buildings.

A maintenance or service request tracked in a CMMS system.