Using Garden Roof Systems to Improve Performance:" The benefits of roof garden for buildings in Ottawa, Canada were studied. The gardens can lower heat penetration into the building in the summer and thereby reduce cooling demands. Mso, the garden absorbs rainwater, reducing the sudden load on drainage systems during a downpour.

BACnet is a communications protocol development for interconnecting building automation products from a variety of manufacturers. Applications include HVAC, lighting, security, and utility management. BACnet runs on multiple network types, although BACnet/IP over Ethernet is most widely used. Supporting BACnet are the BACnet Manufacturers Association, BACnet interest groups, and BACnet International. The BACnet Testing Laboratories run the BACnet Interoperability Workshop. Integration with enterprise operations is provided with BACnet Web-based tools.

The paper by Nortel Networks explains methods for ensuring secure communications for users of mobile services when away from the office. The goals are to improve privacy and reliability, and to reduce theft of service and identity. The Nortel Unified Security Framework is described. It was noted that half of the threats originate inside the business.

Blueprint for Convergence:" This white paper by Nortel Networks explains the benefit of integrating communications for voice, video, data, and applications. Benefits include cost reduction, improved productivity, and enhanced competitiveness. Step-by-step procedures for analyzing current operations and for planning a transition to a converged system are described.

CABA is interested in pursuing other research studies or white papers, which would benefit its research library, and can be contacted via caba@caba.org or 613-990-7407. For each research paper, document, or white paper that is placed on the CABA Research Library, you will earn $50 CABA Bucks. These CABA Bucks can be used to offset your membership, registration fees, or purchase other CABA goods/services. Join the CABA Information Council to earn additional CABA Bucks and to help build the CABA Research Library.