Connected buildings can help mitigate climate change

As the momentum for achieving net zero economies increases, building renovation has emerged as a central emphasis due to several factors:

• Building operations, the building construction industry, and building and infrastructure materials generate 40% of annual global GHG emissions

• According to the US Department of Energy, residential and commercial buildings use about 40% of the nation’s energy for lighting, heating, cooling, and appliances while commercial buildings consume 70% of all electricity

• In Europe, the buildings sector consumes 40% of the continent’s energy demand

• Building materials such as concrete, steel, and aluminum lock carbon emissions in place and contribute 23% of the total global CO₂ emissions per year

Several methods exist for increasing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of commercial buildings. Design optimization based on reducing carbon emissions minimizes the use of materials that embody carbon and transitions to integrating sustainable materials or decarbonized conventional materials into building designs. Using recycled materials reduces the carbon footprint of buildings. Advanced connected and interoperable technologies allow equipment and systems to communicate with one another and conserve energy while meeting the lighting, security, safety, cooling, and heating needs of residents. For example, Installing LED lighting systems and then connecting those systems to other building control systems reduces energy consumption and costs.

Upgrading buildings for reduced environmental impacts also produces a promising economic outlook for commercial property owners. Renovations focused on green buildings that include replacing outdated lighting fixtures with connected lighting systems, installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, and using low-carbon building materials reduce energy costs. In turn, improving indoor environmental quality and sustainability promotes the health and well-being of employees and residents. Sustainable, human-centric workplaces attract tenants and respond to the expectations of staff returning to the office.

Certainly, the costs for a building renovation project are significant. However, improving the energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction of a property can yield a higher return-on-investment. Several analyses of new green building and renovation projects compared to standard construction practices show a higher ROI within a shorter time span.