The building technologies landscape is changing quickly. Global macro trends like the impact of climate change, increasing cyber threats and expanding digitalization are some of the factors driving these changes. Not surprisingly, the continued advancement of technology and its integration in all facets of building operations is a common thread as building owners and businesses look ahead.

The acceleration of the ‘Electrify Everything’ movement. Communities across the United States recently began prohibiting new natural gas hookups^[i], with major cities considering pro-electric legislation, primarily because buildings that burn gas or oil to produce heat or hot water are less likely to meet carbon reduction goals. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act includes a $250 million investment to help advance the replacement of fossil-fuel burning HVACs and water heaters pumps for both commercial and residential use. Electrification will require buildings to not only have a viable sustainability plan but also a smart controls strategy, creative thinking, investment in ready now technologies and a holistic effort across an organization. Making these changes may seem expensive, but solutions exist that can measurably cut operating expenses and help reach carbon emission goals.

Embed and integrate cybersecurity into digital integration. Hardening a building’s OT infrastructure and having proper protocols in place in the case of an incident is critical. Instead of being reactive, the industry will proactively embed and integrate cybersecurity into digital innovation. As the Internet of Things continues to merge operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems – and cyberattacks increase in frequency as well as sophistication ^[ii]– advanced AI/ML-enabled cybersecurity will become foundational to the design of digitalized building technology systems. At the same time, theshortage of cybersecurity professionals ^[iii] will likely remain a challenge.

Cities will look to build energy resilience into operational plans. As extreme climate and weather events occur more frequently ^[iv], energy resilience will continue to gain attention. Cities and communities will need solutions that help them better respond to power outages, especially where they affect critical infrastructure such as hospitals and traffic control systems. Microgrids and battery energy storage systems that leverage real-time, adaptive control strategies will help cities continue to provide essential services in the wake of disasters. Expect to see significant public investment in community resilience particularly In the United States, supported in part by the $1.2 trillion in federal funding ^[v] from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Communities that embed energy resilience programs into their sustainable smart city initiatives, will be better prepared to mitigate power outages, improve their operating costs, while supporting their sustainability initiatives.

Technology integration can make a big impact in your building or community. The right integrated systems, software and services can help reduce a building’s carbon impact, defend against cyberattacks, optimize both energy performance and occupant well-being, and make communities more resilient in times of crisis. Advancements in technology inside buildings will help provide a competitive business advantage and reduce operating expenses, which is a win-win.

Building owners and operators should ask themselves: Are they ready to meet these challenges? Talk to a Honeywell expert today to learn more how to drive better integration throughout your building or community.

^[i] New York Times, All-electric’ movement picks up speed, catching some off guard, Jane Margolies, February 4, 2020. [Accessed December 4, 2022]

^[ii]Forbes, Alarming cyber statistics for mid-year 2022 that you need to know, , Chuck Brooks, June 3, 2022. [Accessed December 9, 2022]

^[iii] Fortune, The cybersecurity industry is short 3.4 million workers – that’s good news for cyber wages, Sydney Lake, October 20, 2022. [Accessed December 7, 2022]

^[iv] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Climate change indicators: weather and climate, updated August 1, 2022. [Accessed December 9, 2022]

^[v] Government Finance Officers Association, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) implementation resources, November 15, 2021. [Accessed December 6, 2022]