Smart buildings are on the rise—and not just in terms of stature.
The global market surpassed $90 billion this past year and is expected to reach anywhere from $256 billion to $568 billion in the coming decade, propelled by growing urgency to get the built and natural worlds back in harmony.
Globally, buildings are responsible for roughly 30% of energy consumption and one-quarter of greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Smart buildings curb these steep climate costs by using advanced technologies to connect, analyze, and optimize key elements of performance. Research suggests that implementing smart technologies can reduce the average office’s whole-building energy use by 18% and, in some cases, produce savings as high as 70% over three years.
For architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) professionals, it all translates to lower costs; more efficient and data-driven processes; stronger alignment with net-zero carbon emissions targets; and happier, healthier occupants.
