MEDIA RELEASE
New Research on Smart Building Trends & Technology Adoption
December 9, 2025 — Reducing operating costs has overtaken sustainability as the top driver for smart building investment, according to new research released by the Association for Smarter Homes & Buildings (ASHB). The findings highlight a market that is accelerating toward data-driven optimization, cloud-based management, and practical, real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
Developed in collaboration with Harbor Research, the 2025 Smart Building Trends & Technology Adoption project surveyed 308 commercial building owners, operators, IT leaders, and facility managers across the United States and Canada. According to the survey overview in the final report, 91% of respondents already use smart building systems—a slight increase over 2024—and spending on smart technologies reached an average of more than $550,000 per organization this year.
The research examined adoption across key building systems, uncovering that while HVAC and electrical systems remain the most critical and widely deployed, their smart capabilities lag behind more advanced systems such as lighting, security, fire/life safety, and electrical distribution when measured on a five-level intelligence scale. Despite these gaps, priorities remain consistent: operational efficiency, sustainability initiatives, and occupant experience continue to lead organizational agenda.
The study also tracks rapid evolution in the BMS landscape. Nearly 45% of respondents are either planning or open to adopting cloud-based BMS, driven by the shift from CapEx to subscription-based OpEx models and the need for remote access, scalability, and advanced analytics. Yet barriers persist: cost, data security, integration complexity, and limited in-house skills remain major obstacles to broader adoption and the ability of organizations to realize more value from their data.
Trend analysis in the report focuses on six areas shaping the industry:
- Cloud-based Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Smart Building Software Landscape
- Sustainability and Energy Management
- Digital Twins
- Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing current use cases delivering measurable ROI
- Smart Buildings Monetization Models
“Facility teams are being asked to deliver more with less, and the technology landscape is evolving at a pace that challenges even the most well-resourced organizations,” said Greg Walker, CEO of ASHB. “This research shows where the market is headed and what vendors must address—cost, integration, skills, and clear ROI—to help customers unlock the full potential of smart buildings.”
This collaborative $80,000 research initiative was made possible through the support of industry leaders, including Belimo, Daikin Applied Americas, Delta Intelligent Building Technologies, Distech Controls, DwyerOmega, EBTRON, Functional Devices, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, KMC Controls, National Research Council Canada (NRC), Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Schneider Electric, Siemens Industry, Southwire Company, and Trane Technologies.
An executive summary is now available for public download. The full research findings, including infographics, survey results, and detailed trend analyses, are currently available only to participating funders but will be open for public purchase in the ASHB Shop beginning April 2026.
For inquiries about the research or purchasing options, contact Marta Klopotowska, Manager, Programs & Communications, at [email protected].
About ASHB
ASHB is an international not-for-profit industry association dedicated to the advancement of connected home and intelligent building technologies. The organization is supported by an international membership of over 300 organizations involved in designing, manufacturing, installing, and retailing products relating to integrated home and building technology. Public organizations, including utilities and governments, are also members. ASHB’s mandate includes providing its members with networking and market research opportunities. ASHB also encourages the development of industry standards and protocols while leading cross-industry initiatives. More information is available at www.ashb.com.
Media Contacts
Association for Smarter Homes & Buildings (ASHB)
Marta Klopotowska, Manager, Programs and Communication
[email protected]
