The International Working Group 5 (IWG5), under the European Commission’s Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, has officially released a comprehensive white paper titled “Digitalization in Energy Efficient Buildings.” This landmark publication underscores the vital role of digital solutions in revolutionizing energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts within the European building sector.
Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, and the white paper outlines how digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics can transform building energy management. The report identifies specific challenges that must be addressed to integrate digitalization, including interoperability, data security, and the scalability of digital tools in existing infrastructure.
Key recommendations in the white paper emphasize:
- Interoperability and Standardization: Promoting cross-platform compatibility to ensure seamless communication between digital systems in buildings.
- Data-Driven Energy Optimization: Leveraging real-time data for more efficient energy use in residential and commercial properties.
- Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Advocating for updated regulations that align with evolving digital technologies.
- User-Centric Approaches: Encouraging solutions that are designed with the needs of building occupants and operators in mind.
Authored by experts from across the European energy and building sectors, the white paper presents case studies demonstrating the impact of digital solutions on energy consumption, operational efficiency, and tenant comfort. It also highlights innovative pilot projects already underway in Europe that utilize advanced digital tools to achieve measurable energy savings and carbon reduction.
The publication arrives at a critical time, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal and its ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Digitalization, the paper argues, is indispensable in this effort, as it enables smart buildings that dynamically adjust to energy demands and integrate renewable energy sources.
The white paper serves as a call to action for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and technology developers to collaborate in accelerating the adoption of digital solutions that will make European buildings more energy efficient and sustainable.
For more information and to download the full white paper, visit the IWG5 website at www.iwg5-buildings.eu.
