Smart Readiness of Buildings
The concept of “Smart Readiness of Buildings” has gained prominence within the EU framework to enhance buildings’ energy performance and user-centric functionalities. This concept refers to the ability of buildings to use information and communication technologies (ICT) and electronic systems to adapt their operation to the occupant’s needs, optimise energy consumption, and integrate seamlessly with the wider energy system. The emphasis on smart readiness aims to facilitate the transition towards smarter, more energy-efficient, and interconnected buildings across the EU.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goals and objectives associated with the smart readiness of buildings include:
Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings through intelligent and responsive building operation and management systems.
Increasing Comfort and Well-being: Enhance the comfort, health, and well-being of occupants by dynamically adapting the building environment to their needs.
Facilitating Building-Grid Integration: Enable buildings to participate actively in the energy market, contributing to grid stability and integrating renewable energy sources.
Supporting Energy Flexibility: Increase buildings’ energy flexibility to respond to market signals, such as variable energy prices and demand-response incentives.
Methodologies or Approaches for Implementation
Implementing smart readiness in buildings involves:
- Assessment and Certification: Develop and apply a standardised methodology to assess and certify buildings’ smart readiness, similar to energy performance certificates (EPCs).
- Technology Integration: Incorporate advanced technologies, such as IoT devices, energy management systems, and smart controls for heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation, into building design and operation.
- User Engagement: Educate and engage building occupants on the functionalities and benefits of smart technologies to ensure their effective use and maximise potential energy savings.
- Interoperability and Standards: Ensure that smart systems and devices are interoperable, based on open standards to facilitate widespread adoption and integration.
Integration with EPBD Goals and Key Elements
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): The smart readiness indicator can complement EPCs by providing additional information on buildings’ technological capabilities to utilise ICT for energy efficiency, potentially influencing the building’s market value and attractiveness.
Minimum Energy Performance Requirements (MEPRs): Smart technologies can play a crucial role in helping buildings meet or exceed MEPRs by optimising energy use in real-time and leveraging renewable energy sources more effectively.
Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB): Integrating smart systems is essential for achieving NZEB status, as it enables the precise control and optimisation of energy consumption and the effective use of on-site renewable energy generation.
Long-Term Renovation Strategy: Smart readiness is integral to long-term renovation strategies, offering a pathway to enhance existing buildings’ energy performance and functionality. Renovations that improve smart readiness contribute to achieving broader energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets.
Zero-Emission Building (ZEB): Smart readiness supports the ZEB concept by enabling buildings to manage their energy demand and supply to minimise emissions through advanced energy management systems and integration with renewable energy sources.
Infrastructure for Sustainable Mobility: While more indirectly connected, smart readiness can support sustainable mobility solutions by integrating electric vehicle charging management into the building’s energy system, optimising energy use and promoting the use of renewable energy.
The smart readiness of buildings represents a forward-looking approach that aligns with the EPBD’s overarching goals. It emphasises the role of technology and digitalisation in transforming the EU’s building stock. By fostering the development of smart, energy-efficient, and user-centric buildings, the EU is positioning itself at the forefront of the global shift towards more sustainable and intelligent built environments.
Additional resources about the Smart readiness
- Smart home and appliances: State of the art https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC113988
- CA-EPBD Smart buildings: https://epbd-ca.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CT6-Smart-Buildings-%E2%80%93-Status-in-May-2022.pdf
