Smart Buildings: The Potential of Digitalization for Advanced and Sustainable Services to Citizens

Smart Buildings: The Potential of Digitalization for Advanced and Sustainable Services to Citizens

Digitalization represents one of the main factors of innovation in the building sector, capable of transforming buildings into intelligent and interconnected ecosystems. This process not only improves the functionality of systems but also aims to reduce environmental impact and meet the growing demands for safety and comfort from citizens. However, as highlighted in the position paper of the Digitalization Committee of the ANIE Federation, significant challenges remain related to technological, regulatory, and training barriers. The goal is to overcome these obstacles to realize the full potential of smart buildings while promoting environmental and social sustainability.

Source of Data and Types of Services

Data Generated by Fixed Infrastructures

Modern buildings integrate a wide range of technological systems, each of which contributes to generating essential data for their operation and the provision of value-added services. These include:

• Electrical systems: provide data related to energy distribution, lighting control, and emergency lighting management.

• HVAC systems: provide information on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, with a focus on parameters such as temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality.

• Security systems: generate data from fire detectors, video surveillance, alarm systems, and access control.

• Automation systems: through home automation platforms and BMS (Building Management System), monitor and integrate the systems present in the building.

The data produced by these infrastructures can be classified as follows:

• Status data: monitor the operation of systems, signaling operational conditions and anomalies.

• Environmental data: include monitoring temperature, humidity, air quality, and lighting, both inside and outside.

• Energy data: collect information on consumption, production, and energy distribution, with details on efficiency and sustainability.

• Alarm data: detect critical events such as gas leaks, fires, intrusions, or mechanical failures.

These data represent the foundation for optimizing building performance, improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Data Generated by Users

The daily activities of people within buildings generate a significant amount of data that, when properly analyzed, can be transformed into personalized services. Key sources include:

• Personal devices: smartphones, tablets, and wearables that collect data on user habits and preferences.

• Integrated sensors: motion, temperature, and air quality sensors that monitor space usage and environmental conditions.

• Interactions with intelligent systems: devices for controlling lighting, climate, and security.

This data allows the development of applications that enhance user comfort, health, and safety. For example, behavioral monitoring can identify risky situations, such as improper use of appliances, or report non-optimal environmental conditions. However, it is essential to comply with privacy regulations and implement cybersecurity solutions to protect the information.

Digital Tools Supporting Services

Digital technologies represent the core of transforming buildings into intelligent ecosystems. The main ones include:

• Internet of Things (IoT): connected devices that monitor and control key parameters of buildings.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): advanced data analysis to optimize operations and predict future needs.

• Cloud computing: remote storage and processing to manage large volumes of data in real-time.

Areas of Application

• Energy: Optimization of consumption through predictive maintenance systems and integration of renewable energy sources. The data collected helps reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and ensure equitable cost distribution among users.

• Health and Well-being: Monitoring environmental conditions to ensure healthy air quality and optimal thermal and visual comfort. Systems that detect user behavioral anomalies can prevent medical emergencies.

• Insurance: Smart solutions for detecting anomalies, such as leaks or intrusions, which can reduce insurance premiums. Advanced systems allow temporary policies to be activated during extended absences from the home.

• Lighting: Design of intelligent systems that improve visual comfort and circadian well-being. Automatic regulation systems that make the most of natural light, reducing energy consumption.

Critical Issues and Improvement Proposals

• Outdated Infrastructure: The lack of adequate infrastructure limits the possibility of implementing advanced technologies. Significant investments are required to modernize buildings and encourage interoperability between different systems. Additionally, it is necessary to promote technological standards that ensure compatibility between devices from different manufacturers.

• Professional Skills: The digital transition requires specialized figures, such as system integrators, automation experts, and cybersecurity specialists. It is necessary to develop specific training programs and certifications recognized nationally and internationally. Encouraging collaboration between educational institutions and businesses is essential to create learning paths that meet market needs.

• Cybersecurity: Digital networks are exposed to cybersecurity risks, including unauthorized access and hacker attacks. The adoption of advanced security protocols is essential. Raising user awareness about the importance of data protection is crucial.

• Financial Resources: The available tax deductions are insufficient to support a large-scale digital transition. Tools such as the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) and targeted incentive policies can promote the adoption of smart solutions. European funds and private initiatives could be channeled to support pilot projects for smart buildings.

The BTRADE26 Case: An Example of Technological Excellence

The BTRADE26, the headquarters of MT Distribuzione, represents a cutting-edge model in automation and sustainability. Designed as an NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) and classified as energy class A4, BTRADE26 combines technological innovation with environmental responsibility.

Implemented Solutions

• Advanced Automation: The KNX standard was chosen to integrate and centrally manage all technological systems, including HVAC, lighting, and security. State-of-the-art sensors monitor air quality and user presence to optimize comfort and energy efficiency.

• Energy Efficiency: The building is equipped with photovoltaic panels that generate 50 kW/h, with a Solaredge system for monitoring and optimizing performance. An Energy Management platform allows real-time control of consumption and continuous efficiency improvement.

• Intelligent Space Management: Automation of spaces allows dynamic adaptation to user needs, improving productivity and well-being. Innovative lighting control solutions, based on DALI and DMX protocols, offer personalized scenarios and optimized circadian lighting.

• Integrated Sustainability: Rainwater collection and use systems ensure efficient irrigation of green areas. A sophisticated water resource management and treatment system ensures sustainability and waste reduction.

A Vision for the Future

BTRADE26 is not just a building but an integrated technological ecosystem. Thanks to the combination of home automation solutions, energy efficiency, and advanced management, it represents a concrete example of how digitalization can improve quality of life and reduce environmental impact. The experience gained from this project guides MT Distribuzione’s commitment to promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for the building sector.

Conclusions

The digitalization of buildings offers extraordinary opportunities to improve quality of life, safety, and environmental sustainability. Overcoming current barriers requires an integrated approach that combines technological innovation, professional training, and regulatory interventions. The future of digitized buildings depends on the ability to create a collaborative ecosystem between citizens, companies, and institutions, where technological innovation serves collective well-being and global sustainability.

Want more information? Contact us and speak with our specialized technician to get a personalized consultation!

The MT Distribuzione Team