The contribution of smart buildings to low-carbon built environment

Abstract Decarbonizing the energy sector is one of most significant challenges our time. Accordingly, electrification system, deployment renewables, and implementation smart electricity control in built environment at core in-force European Union policy actions. Recently, Commission released Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) for buildings framework. The SRI intends to raise awareness benefits demand-based energy- carbon-intensive buildings. However, it unclear whether implementing SRI-compatible technologies truly reduces carbon emissions environment. This study modeled an every ground-source heat pump heated building Helsinki Metropolitan area. evaluated climate mitigation implications before after using hourly-level consumption data. revealed how potential was only 0.02% annually. reason such a slight decrease appeared be Finland’s relatively clean network. results questioned delivers its primary objective – i.e., decarbonizing grid northern countries.