According to the European Energy Efficiency Directive for Buildings, member states are required to develop long-term strategies to adopt more sustainable, secure, and decarbonized energy systems in buildings by 2050. In this line of approach, an optional common regime has been established to define and calculate the smart readiness of buildings and assess their ability to adapt their operation to the needs of the occupants and the network. Thus, the smart readiness indicator (SRI) emerged, which assesses technological readiness by examining the presence and evaluation of the functionality level of various smart services, aiming at energy savings, the ability of the building to respond to users’ needs, and energy flexibility. This paper focuses on examining the SRI calculation methodology’s application to an office building, which is currently being deeply renovated. Initially, there is an analysis of the SRI, its calculation methodology, and its goals. This is followed by the practical calculation part of the SRI for a typical office building located in Greece and belonging to the climate zone of southern Europe. The results indicate that the SRIs application is not a straightforward issue since parameters that need to be considered are not regulated to the same degree. On the other hand, SRI can provide a stimulus for exploiting the renovation potential of buildings, precisely by integrating the various aspects and linking those to the use of innovative technologies.

This paper introduces a methodology to correlate the environmental certification schemes such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and the initiative from the German National Council for Sustainable Buildings, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB) with the Smart Readiness Indicator. The key performance indicators introduced by certification tools in line with Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) provide a holistic approach in the evaluation of the built environment not only on the energy issue but also in water and waste management, transportation, construction materials, air quality and social parameters connected to users’ health and well-being. The objective is to identify the synergy between green building certifications and SRI methodology in order to create a holistic methodological framework for evaluating buildings to reach the energy efficiency and decarbonization targets of European policy, focusing on how the SRI assesses energy efficicency. By promoting the integration of automation and control technologies, the SRI facilitates the adoption of energy-efficient practices and reduces the carbon footprint of buildings. This aspect is particularly significant given the imperative to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the sustainability of our built environment. The methodology suggests a decision making tool promoting smart building technologies and advancing energy efficiency objectives. By offering a comprehensive framework for evaluation and improvement it empowers stakeholders to make decisions and spearhead meaningful changes, in particular in the refurbishment of the building stock, thus paving the way for a more sustainable future. The methodology is implemented in a typical office building located in Greece, belonging to the Mediterranean climate zone of southern Europe (Cfa on the Koeppen climate scale) and the findings of the analysis ensure the support of SRI to the overall environmental evaluation of building certification schemes concluding to an overall 65% performance index.

This paper examines the challenges of water management, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 lockdown. Amidst unprecedented circumstances, the study investigates the intricate dynamics of water resource management in smart buildings. Through meticulous literature review, real-world case analysis, and advanced technology utilization, key strategies and innovative solutions crucial for navigating resource management complexities during crises are highlighted. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, emphasizing the critical importance of resilient and adaptable smart building technologies. A case study conducted on a pilot residential complex in Larnaca provides valuable insights into the interplay between external crises and water consumption within urban settings. Analysis of water consumption data during the lockdown period reveals significant trends, showcasing the multifaceted role played by residences during the pandemic. In conclusion, the study advocates for a holistic, human-centric approach to water management in smart buildings, emphasizing the importance of technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and occupant well-being. By embracing innovative solutions and fostering partnerships, smart buildings can evolve into dynamic ecosystems capable of navigating the complexities of our ever-changing world.

This paper investigates the combined effect of energy efficiency renovations and smart readiness upgrades on an existing public building in Greece. Using a three-scenario approach—baseline (Scenario 1), energy upgrade (Scenario 2), and smart upgrade (Scenario 3)—the study evaluates the building’s energy performance, Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), CO₂ emissions, and financial feasibility. Energy simulations were conducted using the national Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) software (TEE-KENAK), while smart capabilities were assessed via the European Union (EU) Method B for SRI evaluation. Economic viability was determined through Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI), and Discounted Payback Period (DPP) calculations. Results indicate that energy efficiency interventions in Scenario 2 reduce energy consumption by over 50% and improve the EPC class from E to B, with a favorable 15-year ROI of 111.95%, though it yields only a marginal increase in the SRI (9.2%). Scenario 3, which integrates smart technologies such as zonal thermostats, automated lighting, and a Building Management System (BMS), further boosts performance—achieving EPC Class A and increasing the SRI to 52.1%—but entails higher upfront costs and a longer payback period. The findings highlight the need for integrated renovation strategies that combine passive and smart interventions to enhance building functionality, reduce emissions, and align with EU climate goals.

The energy sector witnessed a period of heightened activity marked by rising energy prices alongside post-pandemic economic resurgence and increased consumption. This surge underscored the imperative for effective energy management strategies to optimize efficiency and mitigate costs. Concurrently, the interplay between energy crises, pandemic repercussions, and climate change has underscored the critical need for robust risk assessment in water resource management. This research recognizes the pivotal role of intelligent Water Management Systems (WMS) in addressing emergent challenges, advocating for their widespread adoption to enhance resilience and alleviate water scarcity risks. Utilizing tools such as PESTLE analysis, scenario analysis, risk assessment analysis, and two questionnaires administered to professionals in the field, this study aims to identify and analyze risks inherent in both energy and water management systems, intending to formulate tailored strategies to navigate evolving environmental, economic and cyber- security landscapes. Key findings reveal significant risks, with notable challenges including legal issues (RPN: 7.3), funding shortages (RPN: 6.8), and lack of government support (RPN: 6.7) in the energy sector, and water pollution (RPN: 8.3), infrastructure deficiencies (RPN: 7.3), and operational costs (RPN: 7.3) in the water management domain. These insights inform the development of proactive risk mitigation strategies to enhance system resilience and sustainability amidst dynamic environmental and economic conditions.