IoT-based architecture for efficient energy monitoring in existing building structures

Considering the definition of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria, historical buildings in Europe need solutions to be able to be more energy efficient. One approach to identify high energy consumers is data analysis. To enable this approach, the following research questions have to be answered:

1. How can data be captured in a valid and efficient way?

2. How can data be standardized and merged within dashboards?

3. How can data be analysed within these common dashboards?

To answer these questions, results of a mixed-methods-research project [1] were used, to give a view on the impact and use of emerging technologies and to allow the definition of the best suited technology. Based on the results of this step and previous research [2], the relevant tools and the IT architecture was defined. Thirdly, a case study was enrolled, which is based on the previously defined IT architecture, using IoT measuring devices from European production, two different databases and two analytic tools. To cover the ESG-reporting demands, data structure and relevant building structures were defined. The paper also presents the final decision on the database and the analytics tool, both capable to analyse large amount of data and operated as open solutions (enables enlargement at any time and works without license cost).