Controller
Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services 3rd Edition (BG 31/2017), written by David Bleicher and published by BSRIA in May 2017, suggests that controller: ‘…is the generic name given to any device which controls the operation of a system. Sensors located at key points in the system provide operating information to the controller. This information is processed by the controller. If required, signals will be sent by the controller to plant items such as boilers and pumps and to actuators on system valves and dampers in order to maintain the required performance.’
Guide to Controls (BG 83/2023) written by John Marrow and published by BSRIA in June 2023, defines a controller as: ‘A component of a BMS which interfaces with field devices such as temperature sensors and actuators.’
It defines controls as: 'Manual or automatic devices which interact with systems in a building to ensure specified conditions of comfort, operation, health and safety or energy efficiency are met.'
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.





















