Intelligent Building Automation: Saving Energy and Reducing CO2 Emissions
Do employees in office buildings control their own heating systems, or is the temperature automatically adjusted based on external weather conditions and room usage? When the summer sun warms the rooms through large windows, does the air conditioning turn on full blast, or do the blinds automatically lower to maintain a comfortable temperature?
Significant energy and CO2 savings can be achieved with intelligent building automation, yet only a small fraction of companies—12%—currently utilize such technologies. However, 22% plan to implement digital building technologies soon, and 30% are open to the idea but have no concrete plans. These findings are based on a survey of 506 companies with 20 or more employees, representative of the German economy.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Construction Sector
Despite these statistics, intelligent building automation is not a challenge for a third of companies surveyed (32%). “The construction sector in Germany consumes one of the largest amounts of energy, primarily through gas. Alongside transportation and industrial production, it is a major contributor to CO2 emissions,” explains Matthias Hartmann, member of the executive board at Bitkom. “Digital technologies can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in buildings.”
Impact of Digital Technologies on Germany’s Climate Goals
Digital technologies have the potential to help the construction sector contribute almost a third of the reductions needed to meet Germany’s 2030 climate goals. A study commissioned by Bitkom estimates that up to 14.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions could be saved by incorporating digital solutions. This represents nearly 30% of the CO2 reduction target of 51 million tonnes for the construction sector, as outlined in the Climate Protection Act.
Key Technologies Driving Energy Savings
The primary technologies driving energy efficiency in buildings include intelligent control systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Additionally, digital solutions are being applied to manage hot water production and lighting. “The necessary savings cannot be achieved through traditional energy-saving construction or renovation measures alone, especially considering the shortage of skilled workers for such large-scale projects,” Hartmann emphasizes. “We need more results-oriented financing that prioritizes the integration of digital technologies. What we truly need is a wave of digital renewal.”
Conclusion: The Future of Smart Buildings
The integration of smart building technologies is crucial for achieving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions in the construction sector. As more companies recognize the benefits of these technologies, they can play a vital role in meeting Germany’s climate goals for 2030. The future of the construction industry will depend on digital innovation and the widespread adoption of intelligent building solutions.