Author(s)

SERENA SERRONI, NICOLE MORRESI, VITTORIA CIPOLLONE, GIAN MARCO REVEL

Abstract

The digital transformation of the built environment is a critical pathway toward achieving the European Union’s climate and energy targets. In this context, key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential for quantifying the effectiveness of AI-enabled data-driven services deployed in buildings. This paper presents a real-world evaluation of digital services implemented at an academic building within the National Technical University of Athens, one of the pilot sites of the Horizon Europe DigiBUILD project. Two main services were assessed: an AI-based energy profiling system and a one-stop-shop advisory tool for renovation planning. A comprehensive set of KPIs – covering energy performance, indoor environmental quality, economic savings, sustainability and smart readiness – were defined and measured using data collected through a dedicated sensor network and a building management system. Results show a reduction in operational energy demand and total energy consumption, corresponding to annual savings of over 2,000 kWh. The building also achieved a notable improvement in smart readiness indicator (SRI) score and reduced CO₂ emissions. The paper demonstrates how sensor-based data and AI analytics can be integrated to deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency and building intelligence, while also providing a replicable framework for KPI-based performance validation in future smart buildings.

Keywords

KPI, digital services, sensor network, thermal comfort