Interoperability as a driver or barrier of smart building technologies?

Abstract

Smart building solutions are a strong leverage for increased energy efficiency in buildings, improved quality of life for occupants and added value for work performance. However, the degree of interoperability of technical building systems (and analysis / software tools that use data from these systems) can be a limiting factor affecting the smart services and impacts that can be delivered within a building since several ways of representing components and systems exist and inherently means a comprehensive knowledge not easily reachable. Interoperability is essential for allowing technical building systems to interact with the energy grids, can avoid duplication of efforts and is desirable in the light of future upgrades of the building. On the downside, it can increase the risk for malfunctioning and introduce cybersecurity and liability risks. This paper presents an overview of the various layers of interoperability in smart buildings and related standards and ontologies. Experts from industry and academia were surveyed and mapped the barriers and drivers related to interoperability of smart building systems, followed by further prioritisation of key actions to strengthen the market uptake of smart building technologies.