Building Automation Systems in Austria: Findings from an Empirical Survey

Abstract

Building automation systems enable efficient and intelligent building operations. They encompass cyber elements such as sensing, computation, communication, and control, which enable detailed monitoring and management of building services such as heating, cooling, ventilation, air conditioning, or security systems. In an empirical survey, we investigate, among other things, how widespread building automation systems are in Austria, the barriers to their implementation, and which tools and protocols are used. We pursued a two-stage research plan consisting of a literature review and a quantitative expert survey. Experts were contacted via the networks of Digital Findet Stadt, an innovation platform for the digitalisation of the construction and real estate industry, and the network of the Verband der Technischen Gebäudeausrüster. A total of 46 experts completed the online survey.