Why manage two systems separately when they can work better together?
Today’s building owners face a common challenge: lighting systems detect when people are present, but HVAC systems often run regardless of occupancy. This disconnect wastes energy and money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial buildings waste up to 30% of the energy they consume, with uncoordinated control systems being a primary contributor. As utility costs rise and energy codes tighten, solving this problem has become a priority.
Recent industry trends confirm this growing need. Organizations like the Design Lights Consortium (DLC) have expanded their focus to include how networked lighting controls can support broader building management strategies, recognizing that the greatest efficiency gains come from systems working together rather than in isolation.
To accommodate our growing team and operations, we relocated our headquarters to a state-of-the-art facility in Columbia, Maryland. This move reflects our commitment to innovation and positions us to better serve our expanding customer base.
The solution? Smart integration between your lighting and HVAC systems.
With nearly two decades of experience in integrated building controls, Autani has been connecting these critical systems for businesses across North America long before it became an industry standard practice. Our customers frequently ask: “Can my lights talk to my thermostats?” The answer is a resounding yes.
This graphic demonstrates how occupancy data flows from lighting sensors to thermostats throughout a typical commercial building.
Flexible Integration Options for Your Building’s Needs
Option 1: Direct Integration via Autani T32P Thermostat
For compatible HVAC equipment
Imagine this scenario: When your conference room is empty, your lights automatically turn off and your thermostat switches to energy-saving mode. When people return, everything returns to comfortable settings immediately.
Open Office: Create a flexible and comfortable workspace with our Wireless Thermostat.
This approach:
- • Uses our Autani T32P thermostat with your existing HVAC equipment
- • Leverages occupancy sensors from your Bluetooth commercial lighting products
- • Enables dual set points for thermostats—different temperature settings for occupied vs. unoccupied spaces
- • Works through the same dashboard you use for lighting control
- • Can utilize both occupancy and/or contact sensors for maximum flexibility
Perfect for: New buildings or renovations where you have flexibility to select or update thermostat equipment.
See how this solution works for an entire building.
Option 2: BACnet Gateway Solution
For existing HVAC systems with BMS
Already have an HVAC system that isn’t compatible with our thermostats? No problem. When Keilton+autani Bluetooth commercial lighting control products are used with Autani Manager and associated connection hardware, our system can function as a BACnet gateway.
With this approach:
- • Autani Manager serves as a bridge between your lighting and HVAC systems
- • Occupancy data from lighting controls is shared with your third-party BMS
- • Your existing Building Management System optimizes HVAC operation using the lighting system’s occupancy data
- • No replacement of current HVAC equipment or controls needed
- • Leverages your existing infrastructure while adding new functionality
Compatible with: Johnson Controls, Enlighted, Siemens, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, and other leading BMS platforms that support BACnet/IP protocol.
Watch our demonstration of both integration approaches in action.
Benefits Our Customers Experience
- Energy savings through reduced HVAC runtime in unoccupied spaces
- Improved occupant comfort through responsive temperature control
- Simplified management through a unified interface
- Enhanced space utilization data for better facility planning.
Success Story: Multi-System Integration Transforms Theme Park Energy Management
A 60-acre theme park achieved remarkable results by integrating lighting, HVAC, plug loads, and industrial fans across their 155 diverse buildings:
The Challenge: Manual energy management was impractical across their expansive property with buildings ranging from 500 ft² to 27,000 ft².
Our Solution: The EnergyCenter system created a comprehensive integration of lighting, HVAC, plug loads, and industrial fans through a single wireless network. This unified approach implemented multiple control strategies including Dynamic Scheduling, Task Tuning, Context Defined Setbacks, and Demand Response capabilities.
Key Results:
- • Complete system integration implemented in just 90 days
- • 100,000-115,000 kWh reduction in monthly energy use despite property expansion
- • $16,000-$17,000 in total monthly cost savings
- • Centralized control of lighting, HVAC, seasonal displays, and industrial fans
- • Advanced automation features like temperature-triggered heating (below 50°F)
- • Enhanced maintenance capabilities through remote diagnostics
- • Strategic use of industrial fans to improve air circulation while reducing AC runtime.
“The wireless integration of our diverse building systems transformed how we manage energy across our property, paying for itself faster than expected.”
Facility Director
The implementation was so successful that the theme park is incrementally expanding the system across their remaining facilities, with plans to eventually cover 100% of their property.
Read the full theme park case study →
One system. One interface. Complete control.
Contact our integration specialists today for a complimentary system assessment and discover how quickly you can implement these solutions in your facility.
