We aim to transform the way buildings manage energy consumption and carbon emissions

How is building automation evolving in India? What are the latest trends?

In today’s dynamic environment, efficiently managed buildings are no longer sufficient. They must also be intelligently networked to provide real-time information to multiple stakeholders, enabling swift decision-making to ensure the security, safety, and comfort of occupants, while also protecting the longevity of assets.

The latest trends in building automation are driven by transformative megatrends, disruptive technologies, and evolving business models. There is a growing shift towards decentralized energy systems, with buildings adopting autonomous energy production to reduce dependence on traditional power grids. Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing predictive maintenance, enhancing system reliability and minimizing operational downtime. Augmented reality (AR) applications are streamlining training and maintenance, boosting operational efficiency. 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. Addressing data privacy challenges in IoT deployment and overcoming digital transformation resistance remain key for sustainable growth and operational resilience in building automation.

What are the key demand drivers of building automation?

The key demand drivers for Building Automation Systems (BAS) include rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and the rising demand for smart, energy-efficient buildings. Advanced technologies like AI, IoT, 5G, augmented reality, and building information modeling (BIM) are enhancing automation, optimizing energy management, and improving safety and security. 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. With the global BAS market projected to grow from USD 87.85 billion in 2025 to USD 154.74 billion by 2032 (CAGR of 8.4%), the industry is poised for significant expansion.

What are the measures from building automation systems for safety and energy efficiency?

Buildings play a crucial role in the energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings account for nearly 30% of final energy consumption and are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. To meet net-zero goals, it is essential for buildings to become more energy-efficient.

In the face of rising energy costs and evolving regulations, understanding and managing energy consumption is critical for identifying optimization opportunities and achieving energy savings. Building automation systems address these challenges by monitoring, controlling, and automating energy flows and essential building functions. Energy efficiency devices and advanced meters monitor electricity usage from incoming energy to the last branch, for optimized energy management. Furthermore, these solutions optimize building operations for occupancy comfort, continuity, and performance.

The building automation system from ABB includes innovative technology used to integrate, disseminate and visualize information from the entire building: heating and cooling systems, ventilation and air conditioning systems, lighting, sun-shading systems, as energy management systems with integration to access and fire alarm systems. 

What are the latest trends in building automation in commercial buildings?

The latest trends in building automation for commercial buildings revolve around the integration of digital tools, AI, and advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. BIM is becoming more sophisticated, enabling better material choices, schedule management, and risk reduction through efficient data environments and industry standards. Digital twin technologies are also gaining traction, allowing companies to simulate and optimize construction processes, with the emerging "intelligent twin" leveraging AI and machine learning for predictive insights and operational efficiency. Additionally, robotics and automation are streamlining tasks like material transport, welding, and hazardous operations, while augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and generative AI are set to redefine project execution. The widespread use of drones for surveying, inspections, and real-time monitoring is further enhancing productivity and safety, making digitalization essential for future-ready commercial buildings.

How is the adoption of building management systems picking up in different building segments?

Building automation is gaining significant traction in the Indian market due to factors like urbanization, rising energy costs, and increasing demand for sustainable and efficient infrastructure. The adoption of smart technologies in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings is driving growth. Key drivers include the government's push for green buildings, the rise of smart cities, and increasing awareness about energy conservation. Technologies such as IoT, AI, and cloud computing are being integrated to optimize building operations, manage energy consumption, improve security, and enhance user comfort. The market is expected to continue expanding, with both local and international players investing in smart building solutions.

What are the latest smart features and solutions offered in building management systems?

The latest smart features and solutions in building management systems include intelligent and automated control of lighting, air-conditioning, heating, and movement detection, enhancing both energy efficiency and security. Powered by ABB Cylon® Building Automation, these digital solutions enable remote monitoring and management, giving users complete control over building operations anytime, anywhere. This seamless integration of smart technologies transforms workplaces into adaptable environments, optimizing performance while ensuring comfort and safety.

How do you look at the future of building automation in India? What are your future plans?

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. Our future plan in building automation is centered around leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions to accelerate building decarbonization. With ABB Ability™ Building Analyzer, a cloud-based SaaS platform, we aim to transform the way buildings manage energy consumption and carbon emissions. This innovative solution allows us to extract data from any sources and data points, providing a comprehensive view of building performance through an intuitive and user-friendly interface. By turning insights into actionable opportunities, the platform helps identify areas for improvement, prioritize them based on energy consumption, carbon emissions, and ROI, enabling us to make smarter, more sustainable decisions. Suitable for commercial buildings of any size or tenant type, this solution also offers the flexibility to connect and monitor buildings from anywhere in the world. This marks a significant step toward our commitment to creating energy-efficient, sustainable buildings through automation and data-driven insights.