Smart technologies for sustainable buildings: looking at trends and future developments in 2025

Sustainability is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. With buildings responsible for almost 40% of global energy consumption and a large share of carbon emissions, it is essential to find smart solutions. Fortunately, in recent years we have seen a strong emergence of technologies that make buildings not only greener, but also smarter and more comfortable. How have these innovations already helped us? And what can we expect in 2025?

The rise of smart technologies

Smart technologies have now become indispensable in the built environment. In recent years, we have seen strong growth in technologies that support sustainability. Think of:

• Internet of Things (IoT): Smart sensors measure everything from energy consumption to air quality.
• AI-driven energy management: Artificial intelligence helps buildings heat, cool and light more intelligently.
• Smart facades: Innovations such as dynamic glass surfaces that automatically respond to sunlight.
• Energy sharing: Buildings that generate energy, such as solar panels, can share it with nearby buildings.

These technologies not only help reduce a building's carbon footprint, but also make buildings more user-friendly and efficient.

Smart solutions to everyday challenges

While these technologies sound impressive, in practice they often solve everyday problems that building users and owners struggle with. Some examples:

Preventing high energy costs through automatic need-based adjustments

It is common for a building to remain lit and heated all day, even when no one is present. This not only leads to waste, but also to unnecessarily high costs. Smart energy management systems address this problem. Through sensors and AI, energy consumption can be adjusted according to actual needs. No people in the room? Then the system automatically switches off lighting and heating.

Preventing poor air quality with sensors

Especially in busy office spaces or schools, the air can quickly become unfresh, resulting in people being less productive or even feeling less well. Smart sensors can monitor this air quality in real-time and automatically activate ventilation systems to let in fresh air. This not only ensures a healthier working environment, but also more satisfied users.

Prevent unpredictable maintenance costs with predictive maintenance

Maintenance costs can weigh heavily on building owners' wallets. Think of a sudden heating system failure in the middle of winter. Smart technology offers a solution here in the form of predictive maintenance. By deploying sensors that continuously monitor installations, problems can be detected early. For example, you will know weeks in advance that a component needs to be replaced and avoid expensive and unexpected breakdowns.

Expectations for 2025

The coming years promise even more exciting developments. Here are some trends to expect in 2025:

Buildings communicating with each other

Smart grids and energy sharing will make big leaps. Buildings will soon not only be able to exchange energy, but also work together to avoid peak loads and reduce energy costs.

Even more AI

AI will make buildings even more autonomous. Think smart algorithms that learn from users' behaviour and optimise energy consumption without anyone having to think about it.

Circular building technology

The focus on sustainability will also extend to building materials. Sensors can monitor how materials behave and whether they can be reused, contributing to a circular economy.

Green roofs and vertical gardens 2.0

Green roofs are already popular, but by 2025 they will become smarter. With IoT, we can, for example, monitor the water and nutrient levels of plants to ensure optimal growth and carbon absorption.

Why invest in smart technologies?

Smart technologies not only address sustainability requirements, but also increase the value of a building. Owners save costs, users experience more comfort and the impact on the environment is drastically reduced.

With the right technology, your building can transform from an energy guzzler to a smart, sustainable space ready for the future. Ready to get started? Innovattic is ready to be your digital partner in this process. Together, we will make your building future-proof!