What intelligent buildings must be able to do
The path to greater sustainability and efficiency leads through intelligent buildings. Where individual systems such as heating, lighting, and cooling once operated independently, smart buildings enable integrated, networked processes supported by the right partners and holistic solutions. Systems interconnect, respond to real usage data, and adjust energy flows flexibly based on actual demand.
Through real-time monitoring, an intelligent building can analyze live data to determine its actual operational needs. Smart building controls and integrated energy management systems can can achieve energy savings of up to 30 percent. At the same time, buildings become safer, more transparent, and more efficient while meeting regulatory standards.
Energy efficiency and sustainability concern us all. Whether for installers, investors, architects, planners, or end users, it has long been clear that major changes are happening and must happen in buildings. New legislation and EU directives are driving this shift and already have tangible consequences for many of us. Energy efficiency is becoming mandatory, and energy management is now essential - challenges that also open significant opportunities.
- Up to 15% less CO₂ emissions through building automation
- Up to 30% less energy consumption thanks to building automation
- Up to 50% savings in heating energy in industrial buildings through building automation
HIGHER RETURNS & A STRONG ROI
<p>Smart buildings increase returns:</p> <p>Lower operating costs, better energy figures, and higher real estate valuations lead to a measurably better ROI.</p>SIMPLE INSTALLATION, ASSEMBLY & MAINTENANCE
<p>Technological complexity becomes simple and smart with our solutions; open standards such as KNX provide the foundation for efficient processes, reliable planning, and easy maintenance.</p>COMFORT, SAFETY & EFFICIENCY FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
<p>End consumers quickly experience lower consumption and more comfort in everyday life. The flexible system architecture also allows for scalability when new requirements arise.</p>LEGALLY COMPLIANT SOLUTIONS & RELIABILITY
<p>You can rely on our solutions: they are aligned with legal requirements. Regulatory obligations are met reliably, giving you a clear competitive advantage.</p>BEST PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE
The good news: everything needed for a compliant, sustainable, and efficient future is already available. With our solutions, this intelligence becomes part of everyday building operations. Efficiency and sustainability targets can already be met today - energy consumption and CO₂ emissions decrease significantly, and installers, planners, investors, and end customers are well equipped for the future of buildings and are already benefiting in their daily operations.
OUR SOLUTIONS MEET REGULATIONS
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2024/1275)
The recast EPBD makes building automation and control systems (BACS) mandatory for non‑residential buildings above defined system‑size thresholds -> 290 kW by 31 Dec 2024, tightening to > 70 kW by 31 Dec 2029, where technically and economically feasible. BACS (Building Automation and Control Systems) must enable continuous monitoring/logging/analysis, interoperability, and, from 29 May 2026, indoor environmental quality monitoring. Member States are now transposing these requirements.
EU Electricity Directive (2019/944)
Establishes the market framework for consumer flexibility, smart metering, dynamic pricing, and demand‑side participation/aggregation across the EU. Device‑level remote control and curtailment, where needed for grid stability, are defined in national regulations (e.g., Germany’s § 14a EnWG).
Our solutions:
<ul> <li><a rtestyle="none" href="https://new.abb.com/low-voltage/products/building-automation/product-range/abb-ability-buildingpro/buildingpro-vision"><b>ABB Ability™ BuildingPro Vision (BMS)</b></a> drives decarbonization of commercial buildings. It provides control of buildings through the integration of HVAC, lighting and shading networks, and management of the alarms and schedules</li> <li><a rtestyle="none" href="https://new.abb.com/low-voltage/products/building-automation/product-range/abb-smart-ems/applications"><b>ABB Smart EMS</b></a> automates energy management to maximize self-consumption of PV energy, reducing grid dependency, and lowering costs.</li> <li><a rtestyle="none" href="https://new.abb.com/low-voltage/products/building-automation/product-range/abb-i-bus-knx/climaeco"><b>ABB i‑bus® KNX ClimaECO</b></a> boost building energy efficiency by unifying HVAC and electrical control in one integrated system</li> <li><a rtestyle="none" href="https://new.abb.com/low-voltage/products/system-pro-m/energy-efficiency-devices/insite"><b>InSite energy management system</b></a> offers smart energy and load management to improve energy efficiency in both sub and final distribution</li> </ul>
INTELLIGENCE THAT CREATES VALUE FOR EVERYONE
Our energy monitoring and management solutions enhance building efficiency in real time. By incorporating weather forecasts and dynamic electricity tariffs, we optimize energy flows when needed. Artificial intelligence further refines energy distribution and identifies irregular consumption patterns at an early stage.
Intelligent peak‑load management helps prevent costly grid charges, safeguards infrastructure, and strengthens overall grid stability.
Together, these capabilities make us a trusted partner for future‑ready buildings—delivering comprehensive, end‑to‑end solutions for everything from residential developments to large industrial facilities.