In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart buildings, a recent review published in the *International Journal of Sustainable Energy* (translated from Italian as “International Journal of Sustainable Energy”) is shedding light on how smart sensors and IoT technologies are revolutionizing indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Led by Andrea Alongi from the Politecnico di Milano’s Department of Energy, the research delves into the critical components of IEQ—indoor air quality, thermal comfort, visual comfort, and acoustic comfort—and explores how advanced technologies are enhancing occupant well-being and energy efficiency.
The 2024 revision of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has underscored the importance of IEQ as a complement to energy efficiency, recognizing its role in promoting sustainable buildings and ensuring occupant comfort. Alongi’s review emphasizes the physiological and psychological impacts of environmental conditions, highlighting the need for sophisticated solutions that go beyond traditional building management systems.
“Smart sensors and IoT technologies are transforming the way we approach indoor environmental quality,” Alongi explains. “By integrating these technologies, we can create adaptive comfort control systems that respond in real-time to the needs of occupants, significantly improving both energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction.”
The review investigates the state of research on smart sensors and IoT technologies, focusing on their applications in residential smart buildings. It also examines recent advances in building management systems, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for adaptive comfort control. This integration allows buildings to dynamically adjust to changing environmental conditions, optimizing energy use and enhancing occupant comfort.
One of the key findings of the review is the potential for personalized comfort models. By leveraging data from smart sensors, buildings can tailor their environmental conditions to the preferences and needs of individual occupants. This not only improves comfort but also reduces energy waste, as systems can operate more efficiently when they are finely tuned to specific requirements.
Alongi’s research also highlights the importance of standardized assessment methods and scalable, interoperable sensor networks. These developments are crucial for the widespread adoption of smart technologies in the building sector. Additionally, the review emphasizes the need for privacy-preserving data strategies, ensuring that occupant data is collected and used responsibly.
The commercial implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. As buildings become smarter and more responsive, the demand for advanced sensor technologies and AI-driven building management systems is expected to grow. This presents a substantial opportunity for companies specializing in smart building solutions, as well as for energy providers looking to optimize their services.
“Our findings suggest that the future of smart buildings lies in the integration of advanced technologies that can adapt to the unique needs of each occupant,” Alongi notes. “This approach not only enhances comfort but also contributes to the broader goals of energy efficiency and sustainability.”
As the building sector continues to evolve, the insights from Alongi’s review are likely to shape future developments in smart building technologies. By focusing on personalized comfort models, standardized assessment methods, and privacy-preserving data strategies, the industry can move towards a more sustainable and occupant-centric future.
Published in the *International Journal of Sustainable Energy*, this review serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals in the energy sector, offering valuable insights into the latest advancements in smart building technologies and their potential impact on the industry. As the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings continues to grow, the findings from this research will be instrumental in driving innovation and shaping the future of smart buildings.