As the built environment evolves, the role of technology in creating smarter, more sustainable spaces is rapidly expanding. At NZero, we’re at the forefront of leveraging data and insights to drive sustainable decisions for buildings and infrastructure. Here are the key takeaways from our recent panel discussion on "Technology in the Built Environment," featuring our Chief Technology Officer John Rula, hosted by our partner Deloitte, at this year’s Climate Week in New York, and how these insights are shaping the future.
Today’s customers are more knowledgeable and demanding when it comes to sustainability solutions. One notable trend is the growing request for weather normalization—what once was a unique request has now become a more common expectation. This shift underscores the increasing sophistication of clients who proactively seek deeper insights into their energy consumption patterns, paving the way for more advanced technological integration.
The panel emphasized that retrofitting buildings doesn't need to happen all at once. A phased, incremental approach not only reduces upfront costs but also delivers a steady return on investment (ROI) over time. This strategy allows building owners and operators to implement improvements as financial and operational resources allow, without compromising long-term sustainability goals.
Before implementing advanced technology, buildings need to start with the basics—establishing energy and emissions baselines. This provides the foundation for future improvements. The digitization of buildings is critical here, transforming traditional infrastructure into intelligent systems capable of gathering and analyzing data in real-time. Establishing a clear digital baseline is the first step toward meaningful, scalable carbon reduction.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a transformative role in the built environment. As resource constraints continue to challenge the sector, AI offers immense potential to tackle complex problems, from optimizing energy use to managing resources more efficiently. We’re just scratching the surface of what AI can do in this space, and its future role will be critical in solving the big challenges that lie ahead.
A common barrier to action is waiting for perfect instrumentation or highly granular data before starting sustainability initiatives. But the panel made it clear: waiting isn’t necessary. Even with limited data, valuable insights can be gained, and progress can be made. The message is simple—start now, and refine as you go.
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Looking ahead, buildings need to be more than energy-efficient—they need to be cognitive. That means they should be able to communicate with the grid, shift energy loads in real-time, and operate autonomously to control emissions. Cognitive buildings will enable smarter, more efficient management of resources, driving both sustainability and operational improvements.
Achieving sustainability goals through technology requires buy-in from all stakeholders, and that doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it's the operations team, finance, or building occupants, engaging everyone in the process—phase by phase and step by step—is crucial. Each group plays a role in making sure that technological improvements are adopted, maintained, and scaled.
Financial motivators are key to driving sustainability. Today, operational expenses, energy efficiency, and labor costs are top of mind for many organizations. The panel highlighted that market pressures, financial incentives, and penalties are now compelling companies to act, driving the adoption of smarter technologies to cut costs and improve building performance.
In the quest for a sustainable built environment, collaboration is essential. Working across teams—whether it's software providers, data sources, or building operators—ensures the success of sustainability initiatives. Siemens’ North Star vision of the autonomous building, driven by the digitization of entire service buildings, highlights the need for comprehensive tools and technologies. But it’s not just about tech—it’s about change management, engaging both the technical and human elements to make these shifts scalable.
At NZero, we’re committed to helping organizations navigate these technological transformations, empowering them with real-time data and insights to manage carbon emissions effectively. As the built environment becomes smarter and more connected, we’ll continue to partner with leaders in the industry to drive meaningful, sustainable change.
As the built environment faces mounting climate challenges, it's clear that the need for proactive, strategic solutions has never been more urgent. Executives and technical leaders must seize this moment to reshape how we manage assets, optimize resources, and plan for a more sustainable future.