Sustainable building concepts: Drees & Sommer and Siemens Switzerland present joint white paper
Siemens Schweiz AG and Drees & Sommer Schweiz AG have published a joint white paper on the important role of building automation in the construction and real estate industry. Entitled "Sustainable building concepts - the contribution of building automation to future-proof construction projects", the two partners make a clear plea for a holistic approach to the planning, construction and operation of real estate. Buildings are understood not only as physical structures, but also as living systems that serve people, the environment and the economy in equal measure.
The white paper offers specific recommendations for action along the entire life cycle of a building. It shows how sustainable decisions can be made from the early planning phase through the automation strategy to operational optimization. The authors call for closer collaboration between building owners, planners and technology providers - with the aim of creating buildings that do justice to both people and the planet.
Modern building automation is a key component in not only meeting ESG requirements, but also implementing them efficiently. Intelligent control of lighting, shading, heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as the targeted use of sensor technology can optimize energy consumption and the use of resources - while at the same time improving the indoor climate, which has a positive effect on the well-being of users. This makes the topic more important not only from an ecological perspective, but also from an economic one.
The white paper particularly emphasizes the human factor: buildings should promote health, offer comfort and enable productive work. Aspects such as air quality, thermal and visual comfort and acoustics are increasingly coming into focus. Digital technologies make it possible to better take individual needs into account - from intelligent control systems to personalized room profiles.
Building automation also shows its potential in the context of the circular economy. It supports the economical use of energy and water and also facilitates the implementation of circular concepts - for example through monitoring, maintenance cycles and dismantling planning. Another aspect highlighted in the white paper is the increasing importance of digital infrastructures for real estate value. IP-based networks, IoT sensors and cloud-based platforms enable smart functions such as desk sharing, air quality management and asset tracking. These solutions increase the attractiveness and sustainability of buildings and are a clear added value for investors and operators.
"A modern and sustainable building is more than just a physical space - it is a living, breathing system that offers comfort, saves energy and can react flexibly to new requirements," explains Turan Babuscu, Head of Automation at Siemens Schweiz AG. Ivo Angehrn, Manager Sustainability & Digitalization at Drees & Sommer Schweiz AG, adds: "Digital technologies make it possible to operate buildings sustainably while taking into account the individual needs of users. This is the future of construction."
