Position Paper: Smart Buildings – Energy Efficiency First!

What is a ‘Smart Building’? In this position paper, EuroACE set out its definition:

A Smart Building is a building where high energy efficiency, cost effectiveness and performance are assured, meaning that the right materials and equipment are specified, installed and maintained to deliver the highest possible intrinsic energy performance coupled with high indoor comfort and well-being.

A Smart Building has a functional, comfortable and healthy indoor environment, and its very low energy demand allows for a wide choice of cost-effective, renewable energy sources. It optimises energy flows through the integration of its design, materials and technical systems, and is connected to its district through the grid: fully integrated into the wider energy system, it can deliver flexibility through demand response and energy storage.

With its advanced and connected technologies, a Smart Building also empowers its owner or occupant to take informed decisions about energy use throughout its lifetime, through reliable, protected, real-time data. Smart buildings shall first be highly energy efficient.