Beyond Smart Buildings: Why BMS Needs to Move Past Division 23 - For Every Building
Creating future-ready systems prepared for emerging technologies
Sponsored by Schneider Electric | Presented by Raf Sowacki and John Lloyd, PE, RCDD, BCxP, SmartScore AP, RESET AP
Live Webinar Airing on December 9, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET
Construction Specifications Institute Master Format Division 25 is often associated with “smart buildings,” a concept that remains aspirational for many engineers. While the term “smart” evokes futuristic capabilities, its practical implementation is still evolving. Let’s reframe Division 25 not as a lofty ideal, but as a practical and alternate approach to specifying facility systems such as a building management systems (BMS). This perspective allows engineers to leverage its structure and benefits even in traditional BMS projects. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a permanent part of how we work, much like computers did decades ago, especially in data analysis and decision-making by normalizing data. While we can’t predict the future, we know that AI excels at processing large volumes of data, which is central to modern building operations. By using Division 25 as a framework and leveraging an Independent Data Layer, engineers can create future-ready systems that are adaptable, data-friendly and prepared for emerging technologies like AI.
Photo courtesy of NaMong Productions via Adobe Stock Images
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Raf Sowacki is Schneider Electric’s Digital Energy Division Northeast Consultant Solutions Architect. He offers solutions to support engineers in designing high-performance technologies to access data, sustainability and innovation. He partners with MEP consulting engineers to support them with education, tools and resources in Smart Building Design, Predictive Analytics, Cybersecurity and more. Raf has experience in designing BMS for these vertical markets: commercial properties, data centers, health care, higher education, aviation and government. Raf has supported facility managers throughout his career, starting as a technician and then becoming Service Operations Manager for a facilities systems EcoXpert integrator. His passion for serving others through his professional and personal life is what drives him. Raf was “the technology leader” in the organization for all computer networking, programming, BMS architecture and general technology needs and inquiries. |
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John Lloyd, PE, RCDD, BCxP, SmartScore AP, RESET AP - During his 18-year tenure at HMA, John designed advanced controls and security systems for numerous projects across North America, Canada and Mexico. His expertise in specification development and contracting methods ensured projects were structured for clarity, efficiency and long-term success. In 2025, John joined Schneider Electric as a Consultant Solutions Architect, where he applies his extensive knowledge to develop innovative and scalable solutions for modern buildings using EcoStruxure, Schneider Electric’s latest iBMS platform. |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Recognize the trends of current specifications.
- Comprehend Division 25 and its association with Smart Buildings.
- Be able to highlight the benefits of Division 25 for traditional projects. Correctly use Division 25 and Independent Data Layer for future-ready design.
- Correctly use Division 25 and Independent Data Layer for future-ready design.
- Interpret the Division 25 use case examples and specification tools.
