Today, on the Morningside academic campus, a third generation of computer-based controls operates the HVAC – the heating, ventilation and air conditioning – work that used to be done pneumatically and depended heavily on users’ remembering to turn off the switches.

Replacement of pneumatic controls with central computer systems has been a University priority for many years. In the late ‘80s, pneumatic logic was replaced with computer-based panels that operated the building controls systems. Although this was a substantial improvement over pneumatics, some disadvantages stilling lingered including a limited central monitoring capability and an unfriendly operator interface.

In the mid ‘90s, a second generation of campus-wide controls in academic buildings facilitated central monitoring. User-friendly graphics have made for easier troubleshooting and hardware connections have increased communications speed. At this point, some campus buildings have their own computer controls that not only work with heating, ventilation and air conditioning, but also monitor domestic hot water. These control systems are efficient insofar as they don’t need day-to-day monitoring. A built-in alarm calls immediate attention, should a problem occur.

The next generation of web-based controls is slated to be introduced in 2007. These controls will help the oversight of the system from any place with Internet access and allow Facilities personnel and others responsible for University space to monitor it from virtually anywhere.

All Morningside campus buildings and about 80 University-owned, off-campus buildings use some level of computer control. At the Medical Center, all three Audubon buildings have fully computerized heating/cooling systems.