In my view, the future of smart buildings is directly linked to ESG and sustainability. Technologically advanced buildings are no longer just about comfort and automation; they are platforms to deliver measurable environmental, social, and governance impact.
On the environmental side, smart controls for lighting, HVAC, and shading, combined with sensors and analytics, can dramatically reduce energy use, water consumption, and CO₂ emissions. This moves organisations closer to Net-Zero goals instead of merely compensating with offsets.
For the social pillar, smart buildings can provide healthier, safer, and more inclusive spaces. Examples include better indoor air quality, human-centric lighting, accessible design, and digital systems that support anti-harassment, anti-racism, and safety policies. When people feel respected, comfortable, and protected, engagement and productivity naturally improve.
From a governance perspective, smart buildings generate high-quality data that supports transparent reporting and better decision-making. Energy dashboards, maintenance logs, occupancy data, and safety records can all feed into ESG reports and help leaders prove that sustainability and equity are truly embedded in daily operations.
Overall, I believe the next generation of smart buildings will be judged not only by how “connected” they are, but by how well they create value for people, protect the planet, and uphold strong governance. ESG and sustainability will shape design choices, investment decisions, and even workplace culture in the built environment.