Smart buildings: a milestone on the road to climate neutrality

A smart building is characterised by the extensive networking and automation of its technical systems, made possible by digital technologies.

Essentially, the aim is to increase energy efficiency, improve user comfort, promote sustainability and optimise building management processes - all with the overall aim of driving the energy transition in the building sector.

With its intelligent solutions, noventic makes a significant contribution to making buildings transparent and optimising energy consumption. Networked wireless infrastructure, transparent data platforms and intelligent applications are used to make buildings climate-intelligent and future-proof. Noventic's comprehensive range of services enables energy-efficient and climate-friendly living.

The digital foundation of a smart building

An intelligent building is built on a solid digital foundation with four key components:

1. Secure connectivity
Secure connectivity is the foundation and ensures networking via sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) gateways between the edge (physical devices in the building) and the cloud (online software solutions). This infrastructure enables the continuous exchange of data between all technical components of the building and the (online-based) digital control systems.

2. Digital building twin
Building on this, the digital building twin is created - a virtual image of the real building. This digital image records all relevant parameters and enables more precise control of the building's technology. The digital twin acts as an interface between the physical reality and the digital control processes.

3. Semantic time series
The collected data is processed as semantic time series. This structured information about the performance of the building technology provides valuable insights into consumption patterns and optimisation potential.

4. Simulation of ideal conditions
Finally, the simulation of ideal conditions enables continuous optimisation of building operation. Predictive analysis allows adjustments to be made before problems occur, continuously improving efficiency.

How a smart building works

A smart building functions within a continuous cycle of data collection, analysis, control and optimisation. This process can be divided into three main stages:

Stage 1: Acquisition & Monitoring
The initial stage encompasses the collection and monitoring of data. Digital sensors and external sources continuously collect information about the current operating status of the building and the environmental conditions. These sensors also measure parameters such as temperature, humidity, air quality, light intensity and energy consumption. The data is recorded in real time and forms the basis for all further processes.

Stage 2: Active interventions & control
The second stage involves active intervention and control. The embedded software or platforms are used to analyse the recorded data and initiate appropriate measures. For instance, the heating system can be programmed to reduce its output when a room is unoccupied, such as in meeting rooms in apartment blocks outside of their designated operating hours. Alternatively, the lighting can adapt to the level of daylight in order to reduce energy consumption. These intelligent control mechanisms react to current conditions and are therefore able to optimise building operation in real time.

Stage 3: Continuous optimisation
The third stage is continuous optimisation, which is made possible by the two previous stages. The combination of data acquisition and active control creates a self-learning cycle. The system analyses previous data, recognises patterns and adapts its algorithms accordingly. This contributes to enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of building operations.

Efficient smart buildings through intelligent technologies

The efficiency of smart buildings is enabled by several key technologies:

IoT technologies form the backbone of networked communication between the various building components. Sensors, actuators and control devices are connected and constantly exchanging data.

The digital building twin mentioned above plays a central role in visualising and analysing the condition of the building. It makes it possible to simulate scenarios and identify optimisation potential without having to intervene in ongoing operations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionising the way buildings are operated. AI systems can learn user behaviour and make automatic adjustments to optimise energy consumption or increase comfort.

Foundation models allow even deeper analysis and prediction of patterns in building operation.

Intelligent heating, ventilation and air conditioning control systems automatically adapt to current needs, ensuring an optimal indoor environment while minimising energy consumption.

Advanced security systems not only protect building occupants, but are also integrated into the overall system and contribute to efficiency.

Comfort, efficiency and sustainability: the benefits

Smart buildings offer numerous advantages that extend beyond mere technological integration. A key focus area is often on optimising energy consumption.

Intelligent control systems allow for precise adjustment of heating, cooling and lighting, leading to substantial energy savings and optimised energy consumption.

Another key benefit is improved operating efficiency. Automated maintenance and monitoring systems are able to detect potential problems before they lead to costly breakdowns. This reduces downtime and extends the service life of the technical systems.

Optimised comfort for users contributes significantly to satisfaction and productivity. The indoor climate, lighting and acoustic conditions can be customised to create an optimal working or living environment.

The financial savings made possible through the use of automated systems make smart buildings an attractive proposition from an economic perspective. In addition to energy savings, reduced maintenance costs and more efficient use of resources lead to significant cost reductions.

The ability to customise these environments to individual resident needs enhances living comfort and fosters user satisfaction. Smart buildings can adapt to different user profiles and offer personalised settings for each resident.

The long-term benefits of these smart features include increased property value. Smart buildings are future-proof and meet the increasing demands for sustainability and efficiency, making them attractive investment properties.

Sustainability is promoted through the intelligent utilisation of resources and the use of renewable energies. For example, they can optimise the integration of photovoltaic systems into their energy management, maximising self-consumption.

Finally, the increased efficiency leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions, which is an important contribution to climate protection. Smart buildings are economically viable and ecologically responsible.

Smart building use cases

The advantages of smart buildings can be illustrated using specific application examples.

A notable example of this is smart heating, which is a well-known application. Intelligent thermostats and control systems regulate heating according to demand, leading to significant energy savings.

Initial landlord experiences with smart thermostats have demonstrated that the installation is financially beneficial for both landlords and tenants.

Integrating smart building technologies facilitates climate-friendly living. From intelligent energy distribution to the use of renewable energies, smart buildings are designed to minimise the ecological footprint of the built environment.

Smart metering* is another significant use case. By accurately recording and analysing consumption data, potential savings can be identified and utilised. The transparency of consumption data enables users to adapt their behaviour and use resources more efficiently.

The integration of PV concepts* in smart buildings demonstrates the optimal utilisation of renewable energies. Through intelligent control, the solar power generated can be distributed or stored in the building as required, which increases independence from external energy suppliers and reduces operating costs.

* German only