Energy Efficiency in Buildings Tops Infrastructure Priorities

Energy efficiency in facilities and buildings has emerged as the No. 1 infrastructure priority for organisations seeking to leverage it for decarbonization and competitiveness, according to a Siemens survey. It has significantly gone up from 7th place in 2023.

In addition, a higher proportion of respondents say that onsite renewable energy production and the electrification of heating and cooling are now at mature or advanced stages, compared with previous findings in 2023. The study shows that over half of survey respondents plan to increase investment in energy efficiency (57%), smart building technologies (55%), and building electrification (54%) in the year ahead.

Despite many retrofits offering a strong return on investment (ROI), the top barriers to progressing with energy efficiency goals since 2023 have been cost-related, including lack of capital, rising energy prices, and the expense of new equipment and technologies. Digital technologies are also proving critical to accelerating this transformation. Over half (55%) of respondents say digitalisation has a strong or transformational impact on energy efficiency, with 56% expecting it to reduce costs, and 55% stating it can improve workforce health and safety.

“Buildings are increasingly recognised as strategic assets in the infrastructure transition, with technologies such as AI, digital platforms, and autonomous systems acting as catalysts,” said Susanne Seitz, CEO for Buildings at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “When it comes to autonomous systems, organisations clearly expect breakthroughs in energy efficiency, smarter anomaly detection, stronger physical security, and healthier, more comfortable spaces for occupants. This is exactly the path we’re charting at Siemens; creating human-centric, autonomous buildings that serve people better.”

However, only half (50%) of organisations currently have the data they need to make informed decarbonization decisions – emphasising the need to implement building technology. Followed by a strong ROI, increasing transparency is seen as the second-biggest benefit of smart building technologies, helping organisations understand their energy and emissions profiles, plan refurbishments, and optimise maintenance.