Sustainable by design: Smart buildings and the future of energy management

Commercial and institutional buildings are at the forefront of global climate concerns, contributing approximately 40% of global carbon emissions. This research report, commissioned by Eaton and conducted by 451 Research, a part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, delves into the transformative potential of smart buildings in addressing these environmental challenges. It highlights the critical role of energy management and distributed energy resources (DERs) in enhancing sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in today’s buildings.

Key Insights:

• Sustainability as a driver: 49% of surveyed respondents prioritize sustainability when implementing smart building technologies. Regulatory mandates, societal priorities, and long-term cost savings are key motivators.
• Energy management systems: EMS have evolved to integrate with IoT sensors, smart meters, and building automation systems, providing real-time data to optimize energy usage and drive sustainability efforts
• Distributed energy resources: The integration of DERs, such as solar panels and battery storage, enables buildings to generate, store, and manage energy on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and enhancing resiliency
• Monetization opportunities: Buildings with on-site energy generation and storage can participate in energy markets, creating new revenue streams and improving ROI for smart building projects
• Resilience and business continuity: Advanced EMS and DERs help mitigate risks from grid outages and demand fluctuations, ensuring business continuity and optimizing energy efficiency

This research report provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future trends in digital transformation, offering valuable insights for building owners and operators looking to enhance their sustainability and energy management strategies.