Don't take this the wrong way..
Here is the problem with this statement..
I don't see why this would be surprising. And furthermore, why are you aspiring to become a building engineer if you don't understand the need? Seems silly...
Building engineers do much more than tweak set points....
Think about all of the systems in a highrise building.
Basic plumbing; Toilets, touch less sink fixtures, domestic water pressure pumps, fire protection systems, irrigation systems. Non of these systems can be automated to the point of stand alone.
Comfort mechanical systems; boilers, chillers, air distribution, IAQ, exhaust systems, network room air conditioning. Who maintains them C3PO?
Janitorial; Window washers, carpets, paint, basic cleaning, trash removal. Automate that and you will be the worlds next billionaire...
Other mechanical; Elevators, automated doors, emergency generators, parking garage equipment. All things things seem to be engineered to be unreliable.
Safety and compliance; Fire equipment inspections, ADA compliance, handicap parking compliance. There are times that on site personnel need to be present just for insurance purposes.
All this before we even start talking about LEED Certified buildings.
I think you need to go do some homework.