RETROFIT & SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
Constructing a Net Zero future with sustainable, smart buildings
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Kas Mohammed, VP of digital energy at Schneider Electric UK&I demonstrates how smart technologies offer a clear pathway to decarbonisation in the built environment
he world of energy is set to change dramatically by 2030, driven by the shift towards renewables, hydrogen, and advancements in energy storage and AI-driven optimisation. For building operators, the message is clear: adapt or fall behind. Meanwhile, the UK and EU’s ambitious Net-Zero goals add further pressure on the building sector – one of the continent’s biggest polluters. The good news? Smart technologies offer a clear pathway to decarbonisation. These innovations are essential for improving efficiency, optimising energy use, and reducing waste. Simple yet effective solutions, such as occupancy-based smart controls, automatically adjust HVAC, lighting, and plug loads, switching to energy-saving mode when spaces are unoccupied. Even small interventions like these can yield substantial results—reducing operational costs by as much as 22% on low-occupancy days. With electricity now accounting for 34% of total final energy consumption in buildings, optimising its use isn’t just beneficial—it’s imperative. Here’s how smart tech is shaping the built environment’s journey to net zero.
Technologies that enable real-time monitoring and maintenance
If the EU’s goal of Net Zero by 2050 is to be met, the building sector must take decisive action. Fortunately, forward-thinking operators are already embracing smart technologies, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. The UK green building market, for instance, is projected to grow from £5.09 billion in 2024 to £13.2 billion by 2033; evidence that the shift is well underway. But this transition isn’t just about adopting best practices. As urban populations expand and new developments emerge, sustainable construction is key to ensuring cities grow responsibly. To accelerate this shift, building owners need
greater visibility over their operations. Without a deep understanding of where energy is consumed, used, and lost, meaningful reductions remain out of reach. The climate challenge is, at its core, an energy challenge - making intelligent technologies indispensable for providing the insights necessary to drive efficiency. For existing buildings, retrofitting with smart tech is not just feasible but increasingly straightforward. Low-cost IoT sensors can be deployed throughout a facility to collect real- time data on occupancy, temperature, air quality, and energy usage. When connected to an overarching software management system, this data enables operators to make informed decisions, optimise energy consumption, and streamline maintenance. By leveraging real-time insights, they can reduce workforce requirements, tighten budgets, and ensure the efficient use of space.
Consider a facility struggling with temperature inconsistencies. By monitoring heat distribution, operators might discover that a particular room is poorly insulated. Instead of relying on assumptions or a costly audit, they can act immediately - installing high-quality, sustainable insulation to create an effective thermal barrier. As smart technologies continue to evolve, buildings will become more adaptable. Rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, and even microgrids will integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure, reducing reliance on external energy sources. Maintenance, too, will shift from scheduled servicing to predictive, needs-based interventions, cutting costs and improving operational efficiency. At its core, the shift to smart buildings represents the first major step toward a sustainable future.
38 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2025
AI-driven optimisation
The impact of smart technologies isn’t limited to building operations. The construction sector itself is undergoing a transformation, driven by AI and GenAI. From initial design phases to on-site workforce management, AI is redefining how structures are planned, built, and maintained. By enabling architects to model buildings digitally before breaking ground, these tools minimise waste and improve sustainability. Material production is also benefitting from AI-driven efficiencies. In construction, digital procurement is streamlining supply chains, ensuring that resources are used optimally. Meanwhile, advancements in automated quality control are improving sustainability. Concrete slabs, for example, are now scanned for imperfections before installation, reducing material waste.
Beyond construction, digital twins are proving invaluable for ongoing efficiency gains. These virtual replicas allow operators to simulate different scenarios, testing energy-saving measures before making real-world changes. A prime example comes from The University of Liverpool, which used a digital twin to assess refurbishment strategies. The result? A 23% reduction in energy consumption in one campus building, translating to an annual cost saving of £25,000.
Once a building is operational, smart technologies continue to refine its performance. Sensors track key metrics—temperature, lighting, air quality—adjusting systems dynamically based on pre-set criteria. Over time, machine learning algorithms analyse this data, identifying patterns and fine-tuning performance. This cycle of continuous improvement enables operators to achieve peak energy efficiency with minimal manual intervention. As automation increases, energy waste declines, allowing building owners to focus on other areas that enhance sustainability and long-term asset value.
Data-driven insights enable meaningful change
For building operators, data is the key to unlocking efficiency. Modern AI and machine learning systems constantly analyse historical trends, growing more precise over time. The benefits are wide-ranging: predictive maintenance extends the lifecycle of elevators, escalators, and HVAC systems; occupant comfort improves as buildings learn user preferences; and workplace productivity rises due to optimised environmental conditions. Facility owners are also experiencing a shift in how electrical systems are designed and maintained. Digital twins allow engineers to model
power infrastructure in a virtual environment before physical implementation, reducing design flaws and inefficiencies. Moreover, the concept of the “live digital twin” ensures that a facility’s virtual model remains dynamically updated with real-time operational data. This continuous optimisation enables facility managers to plan future upgrades with precision— whether integrating renewable energy sources, implementing EV charging stations, or scaling up power capacity to meet demand. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for smart buildings. However, the key lies in connectivity: the more systems that are brought online through IoT devices, the greater the potential for efficiency gains. By iterating gradually—scaling from basic monitoring to fully autonomous building management—operators can future- proof their assets without significant upfront costs.
Smart technologies in action
In the UK, some building operators are already demonstrating the potential of smart technologies. Take Sidara, the multinational design, engineering, and construction firm. At Sidara’s UK flagship building, situated at 150 Holborn, over 650 IoT devices gather and process data from more than 60,000 data points. Through smart building controls, these systems monitor environmental conditions, occupancy patterns, and energy consumption—enabling precise adjustments that drive efficiency. The results speak for themselves. Meeting
rooms remained in a resting state— automatically lowering HVAC, lighting, and plug loads—for 76% of business hours, thanks to occupancy-based controls. Over a four- week period, these measures reduced energy use and carbon emissions by 22% on low- occupancy days. Crucially, these efficiencies were achieved without compromising indoor air quality. CO₂ levels, humidity, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) all remained within optimal ranges, demonstrating that sustainability and occupant well-being can go hand in hand. The financial returns are equally compelling. Sidara estimates a two-year payback period for its smart building investments, with additional savings expected as HVAC components are further optimised. And they’re not alone. According to Deloitte’s 2025 commercial real estate outlook, AI is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of both commercial properties and data centres. As the race to Net Zero accelerates, smart buildings will be essential in reducing the built environment’s carbon footprint—ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
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