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Passing the Spark Forward with the Building Controls Industry Association

Meet the Team events

I got interested in the smart building industry early in my career, while I was working as a design-build contractor. I remember my temperature control subcontractor showing up at the job site with a laptop. He pressed a few keys, and suddenly the dampers opened and the fan started on the air handler. I thought that was just the coolest thing, and I've been passionate about controls ever since.

That spark has carried me through my whole career, and it's a big part of why I've put my name forward for election to the BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association) Management Committee. I'd like to ask for your support.

A career built on open systems and shared knowledge

My work at J2 Innovations, and throughout my career, has centred on a simple idea: building automation gets better when systems are open, data is accessible, and people share what they know.

I've had the opportunity to work closely with manufacturers, system integrators, contractors, consultants, and end users across the industry. When those groups collaborate, good things follow. Buildings are smarter and perform better as sustainable technologies find their way into more of the places where people live and work.

That work has taken a few different forms over the years, including technical leadership, industry training, standards development, and helping organisations unlock more value from their building automation systems. Each role gave me a unique insight into the industry. I believe that broad perspective is something I can bring to the BCIA and its members.

Where I'd focus

If elected, here's where I would put my energy:

  • Growing the visibility of building controls. The work our industry does shapes how buildings perform every day. I'd like to see that work recognised more widely.
  • Knowledge sharing and professional development. Education has been at the heart of my career, and strong learning pathways make the whole industry stronger.
  • Innovation and open collaboration. Open approaches benefit everyone, from the integrator on site to the owner managing a portfolio of buildings.
  • The next generation of talent. Bringing new people into building controls, and giving them a clear path to grow, is one of the most important investments we can make.

Why the next generation matters to me

One of the things I'm most excited to support is the BCIA Young Engineers Network. Every one of us had a moment that pulled us into this industry. For me, that moment came when I first saw building controls bring a system to life. For someone starting out today, it might be the first time they see how smarter controls turn everyday energy savings into a more sustainable future, or how tagged data and AI can change the user experience. Our job is to make sure those moments happen, and that the people who have them find a welcoming path forward.

How to vote

If your company is a BCIA Full or Enterprise Member, you have two votes in this election. I would be honoured if you would consider casting one of them in support of my nomination. 

Voting is open now and closes on 23 November 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Cast your vote here

Thank you

Whatever the outcome, thank you for your consideration. Working alongside so many respected professionals in this industry has been one of the real privileges of my career, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success and advancement of the building controls community.

B. Scott Muench

Scott joined J2 Innovations as a partner in 2011 and is now Vice President of Knowledge Excellence. He has a wide range of responsibilities, including evangelism, business development and training. Scott is well known as an industry expert in smart homes and smart buildings. He is a past president of ASHRAE, and is currently a board member for Project Haystack. Scott attended Clarkson University for Mechanical Engineering and graduated with a BS/Business in Organizational Innovation.

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Topics from this blog: J2 News & Events Smart Buildings Smart Equipment Industry BCIA

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