Nate will provide technical guidance and strategy for BACnet International and BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL)
[Marietta, GA – June 10th, 2026] BACnet International is pleased to announce Nate Benes as its new Director of Technology, supporting both BACnet International and the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL). BACnet International is an industry association that facilitates the successful use of the BACnet protocol in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing, educational programs, and promotional activities. BTL oversees the technical aspects of BACnet International’s testing and listing activities, with the central goal of improving BACnet interoperability across building automation products.
Benes is a technical leader with over fifteen years of experience advancing smart building innovation through both strategic vision and boots-on-the-ground engineering expertise. Having designed, owned, manufactured, and consulted on building control systems, he brings a uniquely practical and future-facing perspective to the evolution of the built environment.
He leads building automation standardization efforts within ISO and serves as a voting member of ASHRAE’s BACnet committee (SSPC 135). His work across ISO, ASHRAE, and the IETF focuses on ensuring that BACnet (and building automation more broadly) remains interoperable, resilient, and ready for the next generation of connected buildings.
“I am excited and honored to join BACnet International and contribute to an organization that plays such an important role in advancing interoperability across the built environment,” states Benes. “BACnet has shaped much of my professional career, from real-world facility operations to product development and international standards work. I look forward to supporting the testing laboratories, strengthening connections across the standards and vendor communities, and helping BACnet International explore new opportunities for innovation.”
As Director of Technology, Benes will provide technical input on project and process management for testing oversight activities, including recognition of test organizations, demonstration of equivalency among test results, and verification of testing efficacy. Additional responsibilities include reviewing test results, providing product implementation guidance, supporting recognized test organizations, participating in the BTL Working Group, and contributing to test development, documentation, and automation. Benes will also lead tool research and development and maintain industry partnerships within the BACnet community.
“Nate is an experienced and dynamic leader in the BACnet community, and we are excited for him to expand his impact by supporting global BACnet testing operations, advancing technology strategy, and strengthening industry partnerships in his role as Director of Technology,” says Andy McMillan, President and Managing Director of BACnet International.
About BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL)
BACnet Testing Laboratories was established by BACnet International to support compliance testing and interoperability testing activities and consists of the BTL Manager and the BTL Working Group (BTL-WG). Its general activities include publishing the BTL Implementation Guidelines document, awarding worldwide BTL Listings to qualified BACnet devices, publishing and maintaining the BTL Test Package, approving testing laboratories for BTL Testing, providing testing services through its managed BACnet laboratory, and organizing the annual PlugFest Interoperability Workshop.
About BACnet International
BACnet International is an industry association that facilitates the successful use of the BACnet protocol in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing, educational programs and promotional activities. BACnet International oversees operation of the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) and maintains a global listing of tested products database. The BACnet standard was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and has been made publicly available so that manufacturers can create interoperable systems of products. BACnet International complements the work of the ASHRAE standards committee and BACnet-related interest groups around the world. BACnet International members include building owners, consulting engineers and facility managers, as well as companies involved in the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and maintenance of control equipment that use BACnet for communication.