ASHRAE Guideline 13 is intended to provide a designer of building automation systems (BAS) with background information, recommendations for good practice, project considerations, and detailed discussion of options with respect to the design of a BAS system.The 2015 edition of the guideline includes the following:New content on BAS network design, radio-frequency (RF) media types, design and construction, network security, and contractor roles and responsibilities.A new section with new system architecture content, drawings, and point list examples; a new multitier architecture model; new information on profiles for HVAC and other system equipment; and information on new system integration.A new section on legacy control.New informative annexes on Local Operating Network (LON) and sources of protocol-specific language.In addition, content throughout the document is revised to bring it in line with current technical standards.Guideline 13 includes online access to an example specification, available in Microsoft® Word® format, that illustrates the concepts described throughout the document.Keywords: direct digital control, DDC, DDC systems, specifying DDC, DDC HVAC control; BAS; building automation systemsISSN: 1049-894X