The BuildON project has taken an important step forward with the release of Deliverable D3.1: Technical Requirements and Architecture Design. This report lays the groundwork for the project’s digital framework, setting out how BuildON will help make Europe’s buildings smarter, more energy-efficient, and better connected.
A common digital language for buildings
Today’s buildings are full of smart systems — from heating and cooling to lighting, sensors, and energy meters. But these systems often work in isolation, using different technologies and data formats, which makes them difficult to connect and manage. BuildON tackles this challenge by developing a unified, open, and flexible digital platform that brings these systems together and allows their data to “speak the same language.”
This new architecture will make it possible to monitor energy use in real time, predict future demand, detect faults early, and automate systems for greater comfort and efficiency. It will also enable building data to be shared and reused safely, opening the door to innovative services and applications. The ultimate goal is to create solutions that can be easily replicated across many types of buildings — from homes and offices to public facilities — without costly, custom-built integrations.
How the BuildON Platform works
At the heart of the BuildON framework is a set of core components that work together to manage data seamlessly. Edge domain controllers placed inside buildings collect information directly from meters, thermostats, and sensors. The architecture also connects to cloud services to gather external data, such as weather forecasts and energy prices, while a central data access and control manager organises and oversees all processes. A secure repository stores both real-time and historical information, ensuring it is available for analysis and future use. Finally, a universal interface — the BuildON API — allows developers to create new tools and services on top of the platform, making it easier to integrate energy monitoring apps, automation solutions, and third-party innovations.
Smarter services for better living
The architecture defined in D3.1 is designed to support a wide range of smart building services. These include monitoring and analysing energy consumption, predicting energy needs and equipment performance, and automating systems to improve comfort while reducing costs and emissions (MAPO services – Monitoring, Assessment, Prediction and Optimisation). Another supported application is the Digital Building Logbook, which brings together all relevant information about a building in a single place.
With these capabilities, BuildON aims to give building owners, managers, and occupants better control over how energy is used, while helping Europe transition to a more sustainable and connected built environment.
Real world testing
With the technical foundation defined, BuildON partners have already started testing the platform in real-life pilot sites across Europe. These demonstrations showcase how the system can reduce energy use, integrate renewable sources, and support smarter decision-making.
“We are setting the stage for a new generation of digital building solutions,” says the BuildON team. “By creating a shared digital framework, we’re making it easier to connect systems, unlock data, and develop innovative services that benefit people, businesses, and the planet.”