Enhancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance through building automation systems (BAS)

Abstract

The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles with Building Automation Systems (BAS) has emerged as a critical strategy for enhancing sustainability in building operations. ESG has emerged as a global framework for assessing corporate sustainability, while BAS facilitates real-time monitoring and control of building systems. Therefore, this study aims to examine the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance principles with Building Automation Systems to enhance sustainability in building operations in the Sri Lankan context. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, involving a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews with professionals in sustainability, facilities management, and BAS engineering. The Relative Importance Index was used to analyse ESG related issues, while qualitative data from interviews provided insights into strategies for integrating BAS with ESG principles. The findings show that BAS significantly improves environmental sustainability by optimising energy use, reducing operational costs, and improving system efficiency. However, its social and governance contribution is limited due to manual oversight and privacy concerns. Key ESG challenges, such as air pollution and energy inefficiency, were identified, especially in Sri Lanka. Addressing these challenges requires policy reforms, stakeholder engagement, and ethical practices. The study bridges the gap between technological advancements and ESG principles, offering practical recommendations for integrating technology with broader sustainability frameworks.