Smarter buildings, stronger communities

Smart buildings are technology-driven environments designed to elevate user experience whilst balancing the need to care for the environment. They represent a fundamental shift toward sustainable, efficient and adaptive spaces that benefit both people and planet.

With the diminishing cost of technology, a clear opportunity exists to leverage innovations in digital infrastructure to achieve sustainability goals. By integrating AI, automation and other emerging technologies, the built environment can reduce emissions, enhance occupant well-being, and drive long-term economic value. A future-ready approach delivers building infrastructure that is fit for purpose today but also adaptable to the changing needs ahead.

The role of buildings extends far beyond shelter – each has its purpose. A school building should provide the best possible learning environment for its students.

A hospital building serves to maximise the number of healthy patients leaving through its doors, while a commercial office building should support those working within to be their most productive. With the growth in urban populations and governments setting ambitious climate goals, the way we design, construct and manage infrastructure must evolve.

Historically, infrastructure decisions have taken an ad-hoc approach mostly driven by short-term cost savings. This has seen buildings designed with outdated and proprietary technologies, which presents a significant risk of obsolescence as the buildings age.

However, as climate adaptation and decarbonisation become critical, the focus has shifted to long-term efficiency and building performance. The next generation of buildings must integrate advanced technology and data-driven design to achieve optimal resource use and carbon reduction. Rather than new construction, modernising existing infrastructure is often a more sustainable choice. Retrofitting older buildings with energy-efficient systems and smart technology can significantly reduce emissions while improving building operations drastically.

Technology and data are redefining what’s possible in the built environment. Selecting sustainable materials, advanced energy modelling and integrated technology systems during the design stage so that the right building blocks are put in place.

By embedding IoT sensors and feeding their data to a digital twin, building constructors can continuously analyse trends, identify inefficiencies and make real-time adjustments during construction.

A data-first approach also transforms how buildings operate over time. Smart buildings leverage real-time data to optimise energy performance, automate maintenance, and enhance user experience. From predictive climate control to AI-driven security systems, intelligent infrastructure adapts dynamically to its environment. These innovations translate into lower costs, higher sustainability, and improved occupant comfort.

• Energy twin technology, optimising performance through data: A leading Australian university has adopted smart building technology to analyse real-time energy consumption across its campus. The findings have allowed the university to optimise HVAC systems, reduce energy waste, and enhance indoor air quality, leading to a 30% reduction in operational costs. By leveraging AI-driven analytics, the university not only cut costs but also improved sustainability metrics, demonstrating how digital innovation can redefine energy efficiency in large-scale facilities.
• AI-driven workplaces – redefining space utilisation: As hybrid work models reshape office environments, a global financial services company implemented AI-powered occupancy sensors to optimise its real estate footprint. By dynamically adjusting lighting, HVAC, and floor space usage based on real-time data, the company reduced energy consumption by 25% while creating a more flexible, adaptive work environment.

The evolution of buildings must be guided by both innovation and responsibility. With increasing pressure to decarbonise, the transition to smart infrastructure is no longer optional. It is essential. Policy and regulation will play a key role in accelerating adoption. Globally, governments are mandating stricter energy efficiency standards, pushing for net-zero targets, and incentivising the integration of low- carbon materials and renewable energy systems. Technology will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible – equipping and empowering us to do the same in construction and design. Advancements in AI, automation, and energy modelling will enable buildings to be designed, built, and maintained with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

Smart buildings are more than just structures, they are adaptive ecosystems that respond to our needs and those of the planet. The way we design, construct and manage buildings today will determine their liveability, sustainability and reliability for decades to come.

By embracing innovation in building design, energy efficiency, and digital intelligence, the built environment can transform cities and communities into resilient, low- carbon hubs of productivity and well-being. The opportunity to build better, smarter, and more sustainably is here, now is the time to act.

As part of this commitment, GHD is proud to partner with the Smart Cities Council Asia Pacific through a corporate membership, a collaboration that reaffirms our leadership and commitment to creating smarter, more resilient and people-focused communities. We also recently hosted a webinar on Smart Buildings Enabling Smarter Economies—exploring how digital innovation is driving economic resilience and sustainability. Explore the on-demand webinar.