Growing Safer and Smarter

With India pushing for more urbanization and smart cities development, there is expected to be a growing need for building automation in the coming years. Construction Times explores the new trends in building automation and the way forward.

Smart building management systems are becoming a necessity rather than an option today. As urbanization accelerates, India's urban population is expected to reach 600 million by 2030. As smart cities are being developed, more smart buildings are in the making in residential, commercial and office buildings segments.

Generally, each utility system has been controlled separately. More recently, building automation systems have been developed to help resolve the issue of siloed operations. These systems combine the control of various building automation functions into common control interfaces. Building automation systems make home smart with operations controlled from a single source.

The evolution of building automation is definitely relied on the back of technology transformation. According to Sunil J, Head of Building Solutions India, Electrification, ABB India, the latest trends in building automation are driven by transformative megatrends, disruptive technologies, and evolving business models. “Cross-industry collaborations between technology, energy, and construction sectors are fostering innovative automation solutions. Additionally, mobile platforms are empowering end users with intuitive apps for real-time control, while carbon-neutral technologies are being integrated to meet global sustainability goals,” he adds.

Tech trends

Automation of building utilities has evolved over the years. Building automation helps all the functions of the building are intelligently inter-connected to provide real-time update to multiple stakeholders simultaneously to enable swift decision making regarding the safety, security and other important aspects of occupants and assets in the building. “Building automation in India is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped by the convergence of artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud computing, and sustainability imperatives,” says Sivakumar Selvaganapathy, Vice President, OpenBlue India Software Engineering & APAC Solutions, Johnson Controls. 

According to him, the rapid expansion of commercial and residential infrastructure demands smarter, more efficient solutions to optimize energy use, enhance operational efficiency, and improve occupant comfort. This proliferation of IoT devices and sensor networks has enabled a data-driven approach where buildings can dynamically adapt to occupancy patterns, environmental conditions, and operational demands. This shift is not only improving efficiency but also redefining the relationship between infrastructure and its users, fostering spaces that are more intuitive, responsive, and sustainable.

Demand drivers

According to Sunil, the key demand drivers for Building Automation Systems (BAS) include rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and the rising demand for smart, energy-efficient buildings. “Government regulations and energy efficiency standards further accelerate adoption, while BAS solutions help minimize energy consumption, reduce operating costs, and extend the lifecycle of building systems,” he adds.

According to Selvaganapathy, the demand for building automation in India is being driven by the profound shifts taking place across industries, economies, and societal structures. “At its core, automation is a response to the increasing scale and complexity of modern infrastructure, particularly in rapidly growing urban environments. India’s economic expansion has led to an unprecedented surge in commercial real estate, industrial facilities, and high-density residential developments, all of which require more intelligent and efficient ways to manage resources.”

Making buildings safe & energy-efficient

From a safety perspective, automation is fundamentally shifting the approach to risk mitigation. Traditional safety systems were reactive, relying on alarms and manual intervention, but today’s automated solutions operate proactively. According to Manan Shah, Managing Director, MICL Group, advanced building management systems now optimize energy usage at granular levels, while IoT integration enhances efficiency and reduces emissions. 

He adds, “Building automation systems (BAS) are integral to enhancing both safety and energy efficiency in our properties. For safety, BAS integrates seamlessly with fire systems to automate emergency responses, such as shutting down HVAC systems and activating emergency lighting. It also provides real-time monitoring of potential equipment issues, ensuring timely interventions to prevent accidents. Additionally, BAS controls access during emergencies, ensuring safe evacuations while maintaining security. On the energy efficiency front, BAS optimizes HVAC and lighting systems based on occupancy and environmental conditions, significantly reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Furthermore, predictive maintenance capabilities help reduce downtime and energy waste by identifying maintenance needs before they become major issues.”

Future bright

According to Sunil, the future of buildings is being shaped by three mega trends: sustainability in smart buildings, acceleration of IoT in building automation, and AI & machine learning for energy efficiency. With a clear push toward becoming a $5 trillion economy in the near term and a $30 trillion economy in the long run, the country is making historic investments in urbanization, industrial growth, and digital infrastructure. According to Selvaganapathy, this scale of transformation requires solutions that go beyond conventional automation. Shah adds, “The future of building automation in India appears promising, with a projected market growth driven by technological advancements, rapid urbanization, increasing energy demands and supportive government policies. The shift toward decentralized energy systems, predictive maintenance through AI, and digital twin technologies will further redefine the landscape.”

With infrastructure developments and urbanization heading north, India will definitely see more automation solutions and smart developments in building infrastructure.