Classifying smart buildings

Abstract

This research project focused on studying how smart buildings should be classified in order to increase stakeholder value. The purpose of the study was to create a draft model of a smart building classification system using the constructive research method. The need for this research arose as the researcher noted that the European framework of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) for smart buildings lacked elements related to the concept of a smart building in general. In order to construct the novel classification model it was essential to collect a comprehensive understanding of the definition of a smart building and the value of a classification system through literature studies, stakeholder interviews and surveys. Moreover, two case office buildings and two case residential buildings were studied in order to evaluate the correlation between the smart readiness of the case buildings and user experience, and to demonstrate how the smartness of the case buildings could be improved utilizing the elements of the proposed classification system.

The proposed classification system differs from the framework of the SRI and includes five main domains, namely “Fundamental wellbeing”, “User experience”, “User services making life and activities easier and more productive”, “Energy efficiency and ecological sustainability” and “Cost optimization and value retention/upgrade”. The proposed classification system is based on the assessed performance of a building, i.e. how well a building could adapt its operations, reach the targets of the Key Performance Indicators and fulfill occupants’ needs.

The study revealed the complexity of the smart building concept as its core task is to provide a comfortable, safe and supportive environment that is balanced and optimized with operational efficiency, energy efficiency and profitability depending on stakeholders. Data of various systems and user experience should be collected, analyzed and utilized in order to evaluate and improve the holistic performance of the building. Hence, a smart building could be considered as an ecosystem.

The researcher proposes that the implementation of a smart building classification system could increase the understanding of the smart building concept and accelerate the development of new buildings and the current building stock towards more user-friendly, sustainable and profitable concepts and the vision of responsive and interoperable smart buildings as part of a smart city.