Page 468 - Shaping smarter and more sustainable cities - Striving for sustainable development goals

Depending on the particular structure, its purpose, the technologies which are prevalent in the
building, and other factors, there will often be different objectives. With ever rising energy and
labour costs it is obvious that if those costs can be kept in check, or preferably reduced,
opportunities for financial savings will provide an immediate return on any extra investment of
building an intelligent building. A building which is operated continuously e.g., a hospital, or which
is operated by individuals who pay fees such as condominiums are less likely to see immediate
benefits from the functions available in intelligent buildings.

Many modern buildings today have HVAC, lighting, security, communication systems that use ICT
networks for management and control. This can provide the foundation to develop intelligent
building. It is therefore possible to implement policies that enhance building efficiency and
effectiveness consistent with changing business requirements and user needs.

In addition, climate change related severe weather events are increasing in frequency and severity.
These severe weather events include: urban floods, extended heat waves, ice storms, extended cold
spells, high winds / tornadoes / hurricanes.

These weather events have both a long term and short impact on the building infrastructure in cities.
During short‐term events, building infrastructure is impacted by: major structural damage, damage
to a building's support and utility systems, closure and loss of revenue among other items. Over the
long term, severe weather and more extreme temperatures lead to accelerated degradation of a
building's envelope, utility systems and infrastructure.

Steps need to be taken to maintain the building’s exterior and envelope to prevent damage to the
building and its' equipment. At the same time, the design and intelligent infrastructure of the
intelligent building can assist with minimizing the effects of extreme events.

458 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications