In this roundtable, engineers discuss how automation, smart technologies and integrated systems are reshaping K-12 school design to improve efficiency, indoor air quality and long-term operations.
Automation insights
- Automation is expanding beyond HVAC and lighting to control previously manual systems such as domestic hot water, irrigation and filtration, enabling predictive maintenance and longer equipment life.
- Integrated smart systems are shifting K-12 operations from reactive to data-driven, using indoor air quality, occupancy, energy and filtration monitoring to balance health, efficiency and cost.
Respondents:
- Grady Henrichs, PE, K-12 Education Engineering Leader, DLR Group, Omaha, Nebraska
- Abdullah Khaliqi, PE, MCPPO, CPQ, Principal, Academic, Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates Inc., Woburn, Massachusetts
- Amber Lang, LEED AP BD+C, Associate Vice President, CannonDesign, Chicago
- John Mongelli, PE, Senior Associate, Kohler Ronan Engineers, Danbury, Connecticut
- Steven Mrak, PE, Vice President, Peter Basso Associates Inc., Troy, Michigan
From your experience, what systems within K-12 school projects are benefiting from automation that previously might not have been?
Grady Henrichs: K-12 education projects have been benefiting from digital automation systems for over 30 years, but we are now seeing how thoughtful and intentional monitoring and collection of data on water and electrical usage can provide a means for facilities personnel to trend and predict operational efficiencies. With this data, the facilities team can more effectively perform minor maintenance on their systems before any larger catastrophic outcomes may occur.
Abdullah Khaliqi: In K-12 school projects, systems that previously operated manually (like domestic water heating, exhaust ventilation and lighting in low traffic areas) are increasingly automated. For example, recirculation pumps now operate based on occupancy or temperature sensors rather than continuous runtime. Restroom exhaust fans, once potentially left on all day, are now tied to occupancy sensors or carbon dioxide (COโ) levels. Smart irrigation systems adjust watering based on weather data. These changes are driven by tighter energy codes and operational cost pressures. Automation improves efficiency, extends equipment life and helps facility teams monitor performance through centralized building automation systems (BAS).
Amber Lang: Internet of things (IoT)-enabled building systems such as smart lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and security are increasingly benefiting from automation in K-12 projects. Smart lighting uses occupancy and daylight sensors to reduce unnecessary energy use, while automated HVAC systems leverage real-time data and predictive analytics to optimize performance, lower operating costs and reduce carbon impact. Continuous monitoring supports predictive maintenance and more informed energy management. On the life-safety side, integrated security and environmental sensors provide real-time alerts and detect smoke, COโ or hazardous conditions, triggering ventilation, alarms and coordinated responses. Together, these connected systems improve efficiency, resilience and overall safety in school environments.
John Mongelli: HVAC, lighting and plumbing systems now benefit from automation through measurement, verification and trending BAS data. This allows schools to confirm performance, energy savings, comfort and system health rather than relying on assumptions, while also enabling faster diagnostics and repair.
Describe a school in which mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and fire protection systems were integrated and the challenges and solutions in specifying and designing an integrated building system.
John Mongelli: All our recent school projects use a BAS. The engineerโs control intent determines the complexity of the automation system. To best mitigate challenges, we coordinate closely with BAS end users to understand their capabilities, preferences โ such as packaged controls with BACnet interfaces versus hardwired terminal block controls โ and goals for building operation. We recommend specifying video-recorded operator training provided by the BAS contractor along with manufacturer-led training when new or unfamiliar systems are introduced.
How has the use of smart technologies helped meet the requirements schools have set to achieve healthier buildings?
Grady Henrichs: Our firm incorporates advanced commissioning and monitoring-based commissioning services using smart building technologies to optimize energy use and operational efficiency in buildings. With distributed smart sensors, we have finer control of systems based on occupant use. As with any form of technology, understanding the clientโs ability to maintain these systems is important. If those discussions are positive, we look at balancing energy savings with indoor air quality (IAQ) in several ways by varying the amount of outdoor airflow introduces into spaces. This requires measuring ventilation airflow (to ensure accurate and long-term operation), temperature and humidity in representative spaces, COโ and using occupancy sensors where appropriate. It is important to understand the cost and benefit of each of these before using them.
Abdullah Khaliqi: Smart technologies are playing a major role in helping schools meet goals for healthier, safer buildings. Occupancy sensors enable demand-controlled ventilation (DCV), reducing energy use while maintaining air quality based on real-time room usage. Air filtration monitors help verify that filters and HVAC systems are performing as intended, supporting IAQ compliance. Lighting controls with daylight and circadian tuning improve both comfort and concentration. These systems, when integrated through a BAS, give facilities teams visibility into trends and anomalies, allowing for proactive maintenance, better indoor environmental quality and data-driven decisions aligned with health-focused standards.
Amber Lang: Smart technologies have played a significant role in helping schools meet healthier building goals by providing greater visibility and control over indoor environments. Automated building monitoring systems track electricity, gas and water use in real time, supporting better system performance and accountability. Integrated BACnet interfaces allow building systems to communicate, enabling remote diagnostics and faster responses to changing conditions. Lighting controls support circadian-friendly environments through daylight harvesting and dimming, while automated HVAC systems coordinate with occupancy and lighting data to improve air quality, ventilation and thermal comfort. Together, these smart systems help schools operate more efficiently while creating healthier, more responsive learning environments for students and staff.
John Mongelli: Implementing DCV at the individual room level enables responsive and healthy IAQ. Bipolar ionization technologies with automatic filter-loading sensors can increase filtration efficiency and maintain IAQ by ensuring filter replacement via automatic notifications. Additionally, advanced lighting controls can adjust the color temperature of LED fixtures throughout the day, supporting positive health outcomes such as reduced headaches and fatigue and improved alignment with circadian rhythms.
Steven Mrak: IAQ sensors can be used to monitor air quality and vary the outside air provided to the space. Used in conjunction with outdoor airflow measuring, precise ventilation control can be provided to balance high IAQ and energy costs. Also, while not new, differential pressure sensors across filters can provide timely notification when it is time to change or clean air filters. Overloaded filters can buckle, causing large portions of the airstream to go unfiltered; or if the overloaded filters hold up, they result in reduced system airflow and ultimately reduced ventilation air provided to the space.
In what way is the need for more smart technology and features in such buildings affecting your work on these projects?
Grady Henrichs: Smart technology starts at the BAS operator interface. The interface needs to clearly show and trend all the information that facilities personnel need to troubleshoot operations. This includes accurate floor plans with related zone operation information and sensor and equipment locations, verbiage on graphics that accurately convey its purpose, accurate equipment control diagrams and pertinent operating data, as well as enough trend data to understand how systems are operating over the last week or two.
Abdullah Khaliqi: The growing demand for smart technology in K-12 buildings has increased coordination requirements and shifted our design approach. We now engage information technology (IT) teams earlier to ensure network capacity, cybersecurity and system interoperability. Designs must accommodate more sensors, low voltage wiring and centralized control integration through the BAS. There is greater emphasis on real-time data visibility (from IAQ and occupancy to lighting and energy use), which affects how we specify controls and monitoring devices. It also requires closer collaboration across trades and with vendors to ensure all systems communicate effectively. Smart technology is now an essential part of both system performance and occupant wellness.
Amber Lang: The growing demand for smart technology in K-12 schools is reshaping how we approach building and systems design. Projects now require more robust connectivity, scalable infrastructure and early coordination to support IoT-enabled lighting, HVAC, security and digital learning tools. This shift drives a stronger focus on automation, energy efficiency and real-time data to improve operations and safety. It also influences how classrooms are designed as flexible, future-ready spaces that support evolving teaching methods. Overall, smart technology pushes our work to be more integrated, proactive and data-driven, ultimately leading to more efficient buildings and better learning environments.
John Mongelli: The addition of smart technology, while beneficial in many ways, also increases cost, complexity, maintenance requirements and potential points of failure within the overall automation system. As a result, we coordinate with building end users at a higher level than typically needed to determine which technologies are best suited for the project.
How is your team using building information modeling (BIM) in conjunction with the architects, trades and owners to design a project?
Grady Henrichs: We mainly use BIM to clearly indicate location of sensors within the building. This allows easier coordination between trades as well as for clients to find these sensors for maintenance.
Abdullah Khaliqi: We use BIM as a collaborative tool to coordinate closely with architects, trades and owners from early design through construction. BIM allows us to identify and resolve clashes between MEP systems and architectural or structural elements before installation, reducing costly field changes. We also use it to ensure equipment access clearances, validate system routing and support phased construction planning. The owner benefits through enhanced visualization, more accurate cost estimates and a digital as-built record for facilities management. Coordination via platforms like Revit ensures all disciplines stay aligned and systems are installed as intended.
Amber Lang: Our team uses BIM as a central tool for collaboration, coordination and visualization in K-12 projects. Through BIM, engineers, architects, trades and owners can work from a shared, detailed 3D model, which helps identify clashes, optimize system layouts and ensure constructability before construction begins. BIM also allows for better scheduling, cost estimation and integration of complex systems like HVAC, lighting, security and audio visual (AV). By engaging all stakeholders early in the process, we can test design options, streamline decision-making and deliver a more coordinated, efficient and predictable project outcome that meets both functional and aesthetic goals.
John Mongelli: BIM has been integral at Kohler Ronan since 2009. BIM 360 has become the standard on many of our projects, allowing all team members to work within a โliveโ model that continuously reflects changes made by each discipline. This enables team members to immediately identify potential conflicts with other trades and collaboratively resolve them prior to issuing documents for construction, reducing the amount of constructability issues in the field.
Steven Mrak: BIM can provide a clearer picture of the constructability of a project when it is easier to solve for issues. Multidisciplinary space constraints can come to the forefront earlier in the process while designs are more flexible and accommodating, rather than after structural steel may be up and elevations set. More coordination upfront rather than during construction keeps the project moving and change orders to a minimum. BIM can also provide less experienced owners with better visuals of what spaces and systems will ultimately look like, including MEP spaces and the resulting working space/clearances.
How are you incorporating flexibility into the design of integrated technologies?
Grady Henrichs: Integrated system flexibility is derived by specifying BAS and third-party equipment that meet ASHRAE Standard 135: BACnet โ A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks. We are currently looking at understanding which control vendors can also provide their system tools for more advanced clients. These tools will allow clients to modify or update programs if adjustments are needed or if another BAS system is overlaid at some future date.
Abdullah Khaliqi: We incorporate flexibility into the design of integrated technologies by using open protocol systems, scalable infrastructure and modular components. For example, we design HVAC, lighting and security controls on platforms that support future upgrades or third-party integration. We provide extra conduit and panel capacity and specify device-agnostic AV and network components to accommodate changes in curriculum or technology. BIM models include space for future equipment and routing adjustments. We also coordinate with IT and facilities teams to ensure systems can evolve with student needs and budget cycles. This forward-thinking approach minimizes future retrofit costs and supports long-term adaptability.
Amber Lang: We incorporate flexibility into integrated technology design by prioritizing adaptability and scalability from the start. This includes providing generous, flexible telecom spaces and pathways, along with modular hardware and software that can evolve over time. We emphasize device-agnostic, cloud-based platforms and interoperable systems to avoid vendor lock-in and support future technologies. Flexible learning environments with movable furniture and robust connectivity accommodate different teaching styles, while adaptable software supports personalized learning. By planning for accessibility and emerging technologies, we help schools create technology ecosystems that remain relevant, resilient and responsive as educational needs continue to change.
John Mongelli: The best way to incorporate flexibility within our designs is to deploy Internet Protocol-based systems for paging, mass communication, intercom, two-way communications, video surveillance, clock and lockdown systems. This is the first step in delivering an ecosystem of integrated communications and shared functionality between vital safety systems within a K-12 environment.
Has IoT come up in discussion or been implemented on such projects?
Amber Lang: IoT is increasingly integrated into K-12 projects to enhance learning environments and improve operational efficiency. Districts are adopting technologies such as smart boards, connected classroom devices and environmental sensors to support interactive learning while optimizing building systems like lighting and HVAC. These solutions can improve student engagement, comfort and energy performance, but they also require reliable network infrastructure and thoughtful cybersecurity planning. For example, IoT-enabled HVAC and lighting systems that respond to occupancy have delivered measurable energy savings and more consistent classroom comfort, while also introducing the need for additional system management, staff training and data privacy considerations.
In what ways is your firmโs information, communication and technology team focusing on schools and the educational options being implemented?
Abdullah Khaliqi: We focus on delivering robust network infrastructure, secure wireless connectivity and device-agnostic AV systems that support one-to-one programs and hybrid learning. We coordinate closely with school districts to understand classroom technology needs, ensuring that systems are scalable, cybersecure and compatible with districtwide platforms. We also integrate smart building controls, digital signage and real-time communication systems that improve both learning and safety. Our designs emphasize flexibility to support new pedagogies including project-based learning and future-ready classroom layouts.
Amber Lang: CannonDesignโs technology team is focused on developing scalable, user-centered classroom technology standards, with emphasis on AV systems for typical Chicago Public Schools learning environments. We prioritize understanding how teachers and students actually use the technology, recognizing that even a single equipment decision can scale across hundreds or thousands of classrooms in a large district. Thoughtful planning is essential to ensure consistency, reliability and long-term value. This work is complemented by our Futures Council, which brings together leaders and subject matter experts to track industry trends, identify emerging challenges and explore future-focused solutions. By fostering collaboration across regions and disciplines, the council helps align technology planning with evolving educational needs.
John Mongelli: Safety and security is our priority when it comes to specifying the correct systems for our clients. Many schools are unfamiliar with the latest options available when constructing a new facility, which may be the first new building project the district has undertaken in many years. It is important for our team to demonstrate the latest and greatest features available in systems such as educational mass notification and lockdown systems, so that users are comfortable with these systems that they ultimately will use for many years after project completion.
What smart devices are school districts requesting and how are you meeting these needs?
Abdullah Khaliqi: School districts are requesting a range of smart devices to enhance learning, safety and building efficiency. Common requests include interactive displays, occupancy sensors, smart lighting and real time IAQ monitors. Security-related devices like networked cameras, badge readers and panic buttons are also increasing. We meet these needs by designing robust, low-voltage infrastructure, planning for network bandwidth and specifying interoperable, scalable platforms. Our team works closely with IT and facilities staff to integrate smart devices into the broader BAS and communications systems and capacities. Flexibility and cybersecurity are prioritized to ensure systems can adapt to future instructional and operational demands.
Amber Lang: We are seeing growing demand for smart sensors that detect vaping or tetrahydrocannabinol, identify aggressive behavior and monitor environmental conditions like noise, loitering and occupancy. These tools improve safety while also providing insight into how school spaces are actually used. Districts are shifting from forensic security to proactive systems that use real-time video and audio analytics to identify issues as they occur, not after the fact. By automating alerts and responses, schools can reduce unauthorized access, improve response times and make more informed decisions about supervision and scheduling.
