Data-Driven Approaches to Operational Optimization and Performance Enhancement in the Built Environment

As part of the conference “Smart Building Management 2026: Operational Optimization,” the Smart Building Management competence group initiates a research project that addresses the topic “Data-Driven Operational Optimization and Performance Enhancement in the Built Environment.” The aim is to systematically investigate how digital technologies and data-driven approaches can contribute to optimizing building operations.

The focus lies on analyzing the relationships between investment decisions, operational processes, and the use of data along the building life cycle. Particular attention is given to examining to what extent artificial intelligence and data-driven methods create measurable value in these areas. The conference serves as a central platform for knowledge generation, exchange with industry partners, and the integration of current research findings.

The project follows an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach and aims to generate robust insights that will feed into a scientific publication and serve as a foundation for further research and development projects.

Expected Results

The results of this research project will consist of several key insights and outputs. At its core, the project will provide a deeper understanding of how data-driven approaches and digital technologies (particularly artificial intelligence) can influence and improve building operations across the dimensions of investments, operations, and data. Building on this, relationships between data availability, operational processes, and economic performance will be systematically identified and evaluated.

Another key outcome will be the identification of specific application areas, success factors, and barriers in the implementation of data-driven solutions in building operations.

In addition, structured evaluation approaches and practice-oriented recommendations will be developed, which are intended to serve as a basis for informed decision-making. The results will be incorporated into a scientific publication and will also form the foundation for further research and development projects in the field of smart building management.