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Scope 1  ·  2.3.2

Smart Building Management

Deploying building automation and energy management systems (BMS/EMS) to optimize HVAC, lighting, and plug loads in real time. Smart building technology reduces energy waste, enables demand flexibility, and is a foundational enabler of demand response, VPPs, and grid-interactive buildings.

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Self-Assessment

Select where your organization currently operates and where you want to get to. There is no obligation to reach "Leading Org." — choose the target that is right for your business context and investment capacity.

📍 Current Level
🎯 Target Level
Select your current and target levels above to map your assessment on this initiative.
Fundamental
Market Standard
Above Average
Leading Org.

Technology

  • Programmable thermostats and scheduled HVAC operation
  • Utility interval meters providing 15-minute energy data
  • Manual monitoring via utility bills and basic dashboards

Process

  • Benchmarking energy use intensity (EUI) via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
  • Identifying low-cost operational improvements (setpoints, scheduling)
  • Training facilities staff on energy monitoring practices

Financing

  • Internal facilities budget for basic controls and metering
  • ENERGY STAR certification to access utility rebate programs

Technology

  • Fundamental Technologies +
  • Centralized BMS controlling HVAC, lighting, and access
  • Occupancy sensors and CO₂-based demand-controlled ventilation
  • Sub-metering by end use: HVAC, lighting, plug loads, EV charging

Process

  • ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit to prioritize retrofit opportunities
  • Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) to find equipment inefficiencies
  • Annual EUI targets reported via CDP or GRESB

Financing

  • M&V protocols established to quantify savings and unlock incentives
  • Energy performance contracts (EPCs) evaluated for upgrade funding

Technology

  • Market Standard Technologies +
  • AI-powered EMS with predictive analytics and automated optimization
  • Digital twin of building systems for continuous commissioning
  • EV charging, storage, and solar integrated into unified BEMS

Process

  • Utility demand response participation via automated BMS load curtailment
  • Operations optimized against real-time electricity price and carbon signals
  • Building energy dashboards published for tenants and stakeholders

Financing

  • Managed energy services agreement (MESA) with guaranteed cost outcomes
  • Demand response incentive payments offset BMS platform costs

Technology

  • Above Average Technologies +
  • Grid-interactive efficient building (GEB) with autonomous load flexibility
  • Building systems integrated with utility DERMS for real-time grid coordination
  • Portfolio-level digital twin connected to enterprise optimization engine

Process

  • Portfolio-wide optimization across demand response, carbon reduction, and cost
  • Verified grid services (DR MWh, frequency regulation) reported in sustainability disclosures
  • Building data shared with grid operators to support distribution system planning

Financing

  • Revenue stacking: DR payments + capacity market + energy arbitrage via storage and building flexibility
  • Portfolio financing of smart building upgrades with performance guarantee across sites

Related Pathways

← All Pathways 1.3.1 HVAC 2.2.1 Demand Response 2.2.2 VPPs