In the quest for energy efficiency and sustainability, buildings are becoming smarter, and the technology driving this transformation is evolving rapidly. A recent systematic review published in *Energies* (translated to *Energies* in English) sheds light on the cutting-edge advancements in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMSs), particularly their integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensor networks (WSNs), and artificial intelligence (AI). Led by Leyla Akbulut from the Department of Electric and Energy at Akseki Vocational School, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University in Turkey, the study offers a comprehensive look at how these technologies are reshaping the energy landscape in commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
The review, which synthesizes findings from 89 peer-reviewed publications between 2019 and 2025, highlights significant strides in HVAC optimization, occupancy-driven lighting control, predictive maintenance, and fault detection systems. These advancements are not just theoretical; they are delivering tangible results. “Hybrid AI–IoT systems have achieved energy efficiency improvements ranging from 20% to 40%,” Akbulut notes, emphasizing the potential for substantial energy savings across various building typologies.
One of the key insights from the study is the role of communication protocols like ZigBee and LoRaWAN in enabling seamless data exchange within BEMSs. These protocols, combined with machine learning-based energy forecasting and multi-agent control mechanisms, are making buildings more responsive and adaptive to energy demands. For instance, occupancy sensing technologies are allowing lighting and HVAC systems to adjust in real-time, reducing energy waste and enhancing comfort.
However, the path to widespread adoption is not without challenges. The study identifies critical barriers, including data security vulnerabilities, lack of standardized interoperability frameworks, and the complexity of integrating legacy infrastructure. “There remain pronounced gaps in the literature related to real-time adaptive control strategies, trust-aware federated learning, and seamless interoperability with smart grid platforms,” Akbulut explains. These gaps underscore the need for continued research and collaboration among researchers, system designers, and policymakers.
The commercial implications of these findings are profound. As buildings become more energy-efficient, the demand for advanced BEMSs is expected to grow, creating new opportunities for technology providers and energy companies. The study’s insights could guide the development of next-generation BEMSs that are not only intelligent and sustainable but also scalable and interoperable with smart grid platforms.
In conclusion, Akbulut’s review serves as a strategic roadmap for the future of building energy management. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the latest technologies, the industry can move closer to achieving truly sustainable and energy-efficient built environments. As the world continues to grapple with energy challenges, the insights from this study could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the energy sector.