Digital and Smart Energy Solutions for Buildings and Communities

It is imperative to incorporate emerging building technologies and services in a practical and cost-efficient manner to contribute positively to the environment. Globally, buildings constitute approximately 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of overall CO2 emissions. Key contributors to energy usage in buildings include heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. Presently, advanced systems are consistently monitoring and managing the performance of systems and services in both new and retrofitted energy-efficient buildings. This monitoring provides a solid foundation for understanding energy and information flows. In forthcoming smart communities, buildings need to feature energy-efficient systems, ensure complete occupant comfort, deliver real-time information to occupants, adapt to dynamic energy grid conditions, and facilitate strategic maintenance. With the recent advancements in the building and construction industry, digital technology is anticipated to play a significant role in enhancing buildings' intelligence, sustainability, efficiency, reliability, and global connectivity. The widespread availability of data, analytics, and connectivity has enabled the design of various new digital applications and devices. The primary catalysts for this transformation are digitalization and digital information, rapidly permeating all aspects of the building sector and construction business.

This Topical Collection aims to compile a comprehensive array of research studies, investigations, experiments, and applications related to the integration of digitalization and digital technologies and frameworks in the building and construction sector. This encompasses diverse areas such as digital twins, building design, building information model development, operation of energy systems, sensing and metering, performance optimization, and data collection and storage. We welcome contributions from research institutions, practitioners, and industrial entities in this regard

Keywords:Digital Twins; Building Information Models (BIMs); Sensing And Metering; Data Collection and Storage; Internet Of Things (IoT); Building Automation Systems; Building Design and Construction; Commissioning and Control; Human Behavior; Performance Optimization