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J2 Innovations Named Finalists for the BCIA Awards 2025

Written by Joanna Benbow | 20 March 2025

We are thrilled to announce that J2 Innovations has been named a finalist in two categories for the BCIA Awards 2025Technical Innovation of the Year – Products: FIN Intelligence and Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects, together with our partner Innon Energy and their installation of Link Edge at Total Control HQ. 

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards recognize excellence in the field of building controls and automation. These awards celebrate groundbreaking technologies, innovative projects, and outstanding contributions to the industry. Being nominated is a testament to our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that redefine the future of smart buildings.

This is the second time we have been named finalists. Previously, we were selected as a finalist in two categories: Technical Innovation of the Year - Products Award for FIN Stack and Technical Innovation of the Year - Projects for a FIN Stack installation project at the London College of Fashion.

 

2025 BCIA Award Nominations

Technical Innovation of the Year – Products: FIN Intelligence

Our latest FIN Framework feature, FIN Intelligence, is a finalist in the Technical Innovation of the Year – Products category. FIN Intelligence is a sophisticated set of AI features integrated into the FIN Framework, designed to harness the power of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to perform intelligent and complex tasks. This innovation elevates Building Automation Systems by simplifying operations for end users, system operators, energy managers, and maintenance staff. 

Key components of FIN Intelligence include:

  • FIN Intelligent Tagging: Utilizes generative AI to automatically detect patterns and apply appropriate tags, significantly expediting the process of tagging data. This feature enables system integrators to create databases conforming to data standards, like Project Haystack, more consistently and in dramatically less time. 

  • FIN Intelligent Assistant: Allows users to interact with their smart building using natural language. Users can ask questions to receive real-time or historical information about their building, making the system more accessible to both experts and non-experts. 

  • FIN Intelligent Optimization: Employs generative AI to optimize the performance of smart equipment, such as chilled water plants, by analyzing current demand and weather data to predict cooling loads. It then sequences and loads multiple chillers to maximize energy savings and minimize maintenance costs. 

By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, FIN Intelligence enhances the usability of all FIN-based products, offering users a new level of efficiency, accuracy, and convenience. 

Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects: Innon Energy’s Installation of Link Edge at Total Control HQ

Our collaborative project with Innon Energy has been recognized in the Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects category. The installation of Link Edge at Total Control HQ is a groundbreaking initiative that integrates smart energy management and automation to create a more sustainable and efficient building environment.

Link Edge is a scalable OEM solution from Innon Energy Ltd, powered by the FIN Framework. The project was implemented at the 8,611 sq. ft head office of Total Control, a leading BMS specialist in the UK. Remarkably, the installation was completed in just one day by a 15-year-old apprentice, showcasing its ease of deployment and accessibility. Watch the documentary-style video about the project: 

With real-time monitoring of indoor air quality and energy consumption, Link Edge delivers actionable insights for optimizing HVAC performance and energy efficiency. The system provides an intuitive interface with customizable dashboards and detailed analytics, supporting remote configuration and minimal physical intervention. 

Key features of Link Edge include:

  • Plug & Play Functionality: Simplifies installation, allowing seamless integration into existing systems without extensive configurations or technical expertise.

  • LoRa Wireless Connectivity: Enables large-scale retrofitting with minimal infrastructure modifications.

  • Scalability & Cost Efficiency: The system's ability to be installed by an apprentice underscores its potential for cost-effective, widespread deployment.

This project showcases how FIN technology enables seamless connectivity, data-driven optimizations, and enhanced control capabilities, setting a new standard for energy efficiency in commercial spaces. Our collaboration with Innon sets the stage for future-ready energy monitoring solutions, aligning with sustainability mandates (like EPBD) and industry best practices.

The Award Ceremony

The winners of the BCIA Awards 2025 will be announced at the highly anticipated awards ceremony on May 1st, 2025. We are honored to be finalists and look forward to celebrating alongside our industry peers.

“A huge thank you to everyone who entered the 2025 BCIA Awards. The standard of entries this year was incredibly high, making the judging process no easy task – a true testament to the talent and innovation driving our industry forward. I’m thrilled to be hosting the Awards for the second time as President and look forward to celebrating alongside our incredible finalists and industry colleagues as we discover this year’s winners." - said BCIA president Stacey Lucas.

Wish us luck, and stay tuned for updates!