SmartReadiness

Smart Readiness, or Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), is a standard concept used to assess a building's ability to automatically adapt to changing energy system needs and to optimize energy use.

The indicator measures a building's capacity to monitor and control energy-consuming and energy-generating systems, respond to signals from the electricity grid, and provide flexibility services. It covers building automation and control, energy management, and measures such as heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, domestic hot water, and electric vehicle charging, as well as the ability to integrate with distributed energy resources and demand response programs. It is designed to reflect both technology availability and the quality of implementation.

In the European Union, the Smart Readiness Indicator is established as part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive revisions. Member states may require or encourage a smart readiness label during construction or major renovation, or at sale or rental. The indicator typically outputs a label or score that informs occupants, owners, and market actors about the building's potential to participate in flexible energy services and to improve efficiency.

Benefits include enabling energy flexibility for grids, better integration of renewable energy, potential energy savings, and increased market value of buildings. Challenges include the need for standardized assessment methods, interoperability among devices, privacy and cybersecurity considerations, and upfront costs of upgrading systems.