The demand for intelligent building solutions is skyrocketing, as buildings are complex ecosystems with a significant contribution to global energy consumption and carbon emissions (34% and 37%, respectively, in 2022 [i]). Building automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity to optimize efficiency, comfort, and safety.
To stay competitive, contractors and building owners must embrace these top 3 trends for 2025:
1. Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage
As buildings become more connected, cybersecurity becomes a critical concern. The cost of data breaches continues to escalate, reaching an alarming global average of $4.88 million in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year, underscoring the growing financial impact of cyberattacks [ii]. Furthermore, the frequency of cyberattacks has intensified considerably, with research indicating a 75% year-over-year increase in the average number of weekly attacks experienced by organizations in the third quarter of 2024 [iii]. Connected buildings require robust cybersecurity measures to protect against threats.
Actionable Steps for Contractors
- Follow Secure Installation Practices.
Adhere to best practices for secure installation and configuration of BAS, including password management and network security. Consider following guidelines provided by organizations like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). - Conduct Vulnerability Assessments.
Regularly perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential security weaknesses. - Provide Cybersecurity Training.
Train your team on cybersecurity best practices and the importance of adhering to security protocols.
Actionable Steps for Building Owners
- Invest in Cybersecurity Training.
Provide regular cybersecurity training to all staff who interact with building automation systems. - Implement Access Controls.
Enforce strict access controls to limit system access to authorized personnel only. - Develop a Response Plan.
Establish a comprehensive incident response plan to address potential cybersecurity breaches swiftly and effectively.
2. AI-Powered Optimization
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing building automation. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data from building systems to optimize performance in real-time, adjusting lighting and HVAC systems based on occupancy patterns, weather conditions, and even predicted energy prices.
Actionable Steps for Contractors
- Upskill Your Team.
Invest in training programs to equip your team with the skills to install, configure, and troubleshoot AI-powered Building Automation Systems (BAS). - Embrace Ongoing Learning.
Stay informed about the latest advancements in AI and building automation through industry publications and ASHRAE Journal, workshops, and online resources. - Partner with Technology Providers.
Forge strong relationships with technology providers to access support, training, and stay ahead of the curve.
Actionable Steps for Building Owners
- Clearly Define Objectives.
Identify specific goals for AI implementation, such as reducing energy consumption, improving occupant comfort, or enhancing operational efficiency. Also, determine the deployment model: cloud-based or on-premises. - Invest in Data Infrastructure.
Ensure your building has the necessary data infrastructure (sensors, network connectivity) to support AI-powered optimization. - Monitor & Evaluate.
Continuously monitor system performance and evaluate the ROI of your AI investment to ensure it's delivering the expected benefits.
3. Hyper-Personalization
Occupant comfort is key. Building automation in 2025 will focus on creating hyper-personalized experiences, empowering occupants to control their environment, from temperature and lighting to air quality and even preferred soundscapes.
Actionable Steps for Contractors
- Ensure Seamless Integration.
Meticulously integrate personalized controls with existing building systems to avoid conflicts and ensure reliable operation. - Provide User Training.
Offer comprehensive training to occupants on how to effectively use personalization features and maximize their comfort. - Offer Ongoing Support.
Establish a support system to address occupant questions and troubleshoot any issues with personalized controls.
Actionable Steps for Building Owners
- Promote Personalization Features.
Actively promote the availability of personalized controls to attract and retain tenants. - Gather Occupant Feedback.
Regularly collect feedback from occupants to understand their preferences and continuously improve personalized experiences. - Protect Occupant Privacy.
Implement robust data privacy measures to safeguard occupant data collected through personalized systems.
By taking these actionable steps, contractors and building owners can navigate the evolving landscape of building automation and create intelligent, efficient, and secure buildings for the future.
References
[i] United Nations Environment Programme. (n.d.). Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction. UNEP - UN Environment Programme. Retrieved November 26, 2024, from https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-status-report-buildings-and-construction
[ii] IBM. (2024). Cost of a data breach report. https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach
[iii] Check Point Team. (2024, October 18). A closer look at Q3 2024: 75% surge in cyber attacks worldwide. Check Point Blog. https://blog.checkpoint.com/research/a-closer-look-at-q3-2024-75-surge-in-cyber-attacks-worldwide/