New Study First to Quantify BACnet Impact on Global CO₂ Reduction
Key Highlights
- BACnet has mitigated 1.4 billion tons of CO₂ since 1995, equivalent to removing 300 million cars from the road for a year;
- The study projects that BACnet systems could help avoid 2.06 billion tons of CO₂ emissions by 2030;
- BACnet's open standard enables interoperability across building systems, optimizing energy use and reducing environmental impact;
- BACnet International supports the adoption of BACnet through testing, education, and promoting interoperable control systems worldwide.
ATLANTA (April 13, 2026) – A groundbreaking new study from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), for the first time, has quantified the global climate impact of BACnet®, ASHRAE announced today.
BACnet is the global data communication protocol for Building Automation and Control networks. Developed under the auspices of ASHRAE, it allows building systems including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, lighting, life-safety and other systems to communicate and cooperate, driving the efficiency of the modern built environment.
The study reveals that BACnet-enabled building automation systems have mitigated 1.4 billion tons of CO₂ since 1995. This is equivalent to removing 300 million cars from the road for one year or offsetting the entire annual emissions of Japan. The research highlights BACnet’s role as a catalyst for smart building adoption worldwide.
"This study clearly shows the power of smart buildings and the critical role BACnet plays in reducing global carbon emissions," said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. "For nearly three decades, BACnet’s open, interoperable framework has enabled building owners and operators to optimize energy use, improve efficiency and deliver measurable climate impact. ASHRAE is proud that our standards and technologies are helping drive the transition to a low-carbon future, proving that the built environment can be a true leader in sustainability."
Looking ahead, projections indicate that BACnet systems could help avoid 2.06 billion tons of CO₂ by 2030, underscoring the critical role of smart, connected building technologies in achieving global sustainability goals.
The full study is available for download at on the ASHRAE Free Resources page: ashrae.org/freeresources. For BACnet technical resources, visit ashrae.org/bacnet.
About BACnet International
BACnet International is an industry association that facilitates the successful use of the BACnet protocol in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing, educational programs and promotional activities. BACnet International oversees operation of the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) and maintains a global listing of tested products database. The BACnet standard was developed by ASHRAE and has been made publicly available so that manufacturers can create interoperable systems of products. BACnet International complements the work of the ASHRAE standards committee and BACnet-related interest groups worldwide. BACnet International members include building owners, consulting engineers, and facility managers, as well as companies involved in the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of control equipment that uses BACnet for communication.
About ASHRAE
ASHRAE is an international society of more than 50,000 heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning professionals from over 132 nations dedicated to serving humanity and promoting a sustainable world.
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education. ASHRAE and its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.
The Society is showcasing integrated building solutions and sustainability in action through the ASHRAE Global Headquarters building in metro-Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information and to stay up-to-date on ASHRAE, visit ashrae.org, connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube or download the ASHRAE 365 app to stay connected on the go.
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About the Author
Karen Buckley Washington
Based in the Atlanta area, Karen Buckley Washington is ASHRAE's Senior Public Relations Specialist, [email protected].
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is a global professional society committed to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. As an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE and its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.