Postsecondary institutions are increasingly turning to smart digital infrastructure to reduce energy use, cut maintenance costs, and reinvest savings into sustainability initiatives, writes Brian Martucci in Higher Ed Dive. Martucci notes that in the US, institutions typically move through four stages of digital building management: from stand-alone systems, to connected networks, to “smart” systems that adjust based on sensor data and trends, and finally to “autonomous” buildings that self-optimize with minimal human input. These upgrades can improve HVAC performance, streamline operations, and avoid costly equipment replacements. While high startup costs and privacy concerns remain common hurdles, Martucci argues that digital transformation is increasingly seen as a practical tool for decarbonization and long-term resilience.
