Moving Forward in Effective Deployment of the Smart Readiness Indicator and the ISO 52120 Standard to Improve Energy Performance with Building Automation and Control Systems

The transition towards energy-efficient and sustainable buildings is a cornerstone of global efforts to combat climate change. Building automation and control systems (BACSs), standardized under EN ISO 52120, and the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) have emerged as pivotal tools for optimizing energy performance, integrating smart technologies, and enhancing building adaptability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research landscape and practical applications of these frameworks, focusing on their role in advancing energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and environmental sustainability. Key contributions include an exploration of challenges in SRI evaluation, considering the limitations of simplified methods, the need for long-term validation, and gaps in integrating advanced control functions. This study emphasizes innovative solutions for adapting SRI assessments to diverse building types, climate conditions, and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, it presents original insights into leveraging advanced technologies, including Building information modeling (BIM) and digital twins (DTs), to refine SRI evaluation methods and optimize BACS designs. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable, intelligent buildings that align with EU climate goals. The authors conclude by highlighting promising directions for future research to further enhance smart energy and strategic facility management practices.