Building Management Systems: National Animal Hospital
May 15, 2026
The Challenge
A national multi-brand animal hospital chain came to Energy Management Collaborative (EMC) for help. One of their brands has more than 1,000 locations with no building management system other than thermostats.
The client was looking for more visibility into the lighting and HVAC systems at their locations including any new builds. They also wanted insight into the overall health of each indoor environment.
In addition, EMC had to consider that animal hospitals, much like other medical facilities, are subject to specific regulations as to the cleanliness and air quality of their operating rooms.
The Solution
With no existing controls to consider, EMC took an implementation approach that had worked successfully in the past: they created a baseline of functionality based on the client's primary goals and then iterated as value was established.
Both EMC and the client identified additional uses such as differential pressure monitoring in the surgery and isolation rooms. The decision was made to use Distech controls at each site with a single touchscreen on each panel that would allow staff to adjust their HVAC setpoints within controlled adjustment ranges while also monitoring equipment status.
This was made possible by using KODE's cloud-based platform that integrated BACnet devices and allowed staff to view all sites on one dashboard and even create schedules for each unit to start operation before the building was occupied each day. The system provides device-level detail across all sites, which allows them to generate custom reports.
Now the client can perform data-driven maintenance planning and make informed equipment replacement decisions.
Client Objectives
- Track data they can use for a proactive maintenance program.
- Make their hospitals more energy efficient.
Flexibility
EMC's BMS integrates with all BACnet devices so the client didn't have to change lighting or mechanicals at any of their sites.
Transparency
The client has full visibility into system data from device to dashboard
Reporting
The client receives custom reports including the model and age of every RTU in the fleet, along with data on other mechanical and lighting inventory.
The Results + Future
55 locations have been implemented with an additional 83 sites queued up. EMC also helped the client achieve LEED Gold Certification on one of their sites. This is further indication that the new control system not only lowers their overall operating costs but also leads to healthier indoor environments.
