Environmental awareness is not new. However, the urgency to repair and reverse the harmful effects of decades of complacency has taken root. Energy-efficient buildings are emerging as a cornerstone of this movement, playing a significant role in the quest for a net-zero future. Fabio Zaniboni, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of BubblyNet, understands the challenges and believes that a practical approach toward sustainability can turn awareness into action.

(Clearwater, FL) August 26, 2024 — A 2023 Global Trends survey found that an average of 80% of people across 50 countries agree that without swift and substantial changes to human behavior, the world will be on the brink of an environmental disaster. ⁽¹⁾ With environmental concerns front and center, businesses worldwide are becoming laser-focused on sustainability and zero-emissions policies. Fabio Zaniboni, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of BubblyNet, notes, “One area that’s getting a lot of attention is the built environment, the surroundings and structures where people live and work, a major contributor to global carbon emissions. If we’re serious about achieving a net-zero future, we must make energy-efficient buildings the norm.”

57 Million Square Feet Shortfall Ahead

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) reports that buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with 28% coming from operational emissions (heating, cooling, and powering buildings) and 11% from the embodied carbon in materials and construction. The global building stock is expected to double by 2050. The “Advancing Net Zero” initiative by WorldGBC has developed a ‘call to action’ report focusing on energy-related carbon emissions that emphasizes a whole lifecycle approach, including the systemic changes necessary to achieve full decarbonization across the global buildings sector. By 2030, the initiative strives for all new buildings and renovations to achieve at least a 40% reduction in embodied carbon and to reach net-zero embodied carbon across the sector by 2050. ⁽²⁾

While the push towards energy-efficient buildings is gaining momentum, it’s not without its challenges. Implementing advanced digital technologies in building management systems is a proven way to cut energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, the costs associated with these upgrades can be substantial, forcing building owners and developers to carefully weigh the benefits of sustainability against budget constraints.

A recent JLL report reveals that the demand for low-carbon office spaces is expected to outpace supply by 75% across major U.S. markets by 2030, resulting in a projected shortage of 57 million square feet. This imbalance is driven by corporate commitments to sustainability and stricter regulations, with cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. facing considerable supply gaps. In New York alone, 72% of the top 100 occupiers’ future office needs are linked to carbon reduction targets, yet the current pipeline will meet less than a third of this demand. As businesses increasingly prioritize energy-efficient and fossil fuel-free spaces, the market for low-carbon offices will likely see rising rents and intensified competition for available properties. ⁽³⁾

The Intelligent Building Automation Technologies market is booming, with projections indicating it will grow from $90.2 billion in 2023 to $152.4 billion by 2028, at a solid annual growth rate of 11.0%. The heightened focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and indoor air quality management in commercial and residential buildings is fueling this increase. Central to this market expansion are technologies like advanced sensors, HVAC controls, and cloud-based systems, which offer tangible benefits such as reduced energy consumption, enhanced occupant comfort, and lower operational costs. ⁽⁴⁾ Smart buildings, which leverage technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, are transforming how buildings are designed and managed.

Upgrade Legacy Buildings with Smart Tech: Cutting Installation Costs by 60%

One of the biggest hurdles to adopting smart building technologies has been upgrading existing infrastructure, especially in older buildings. Zaniboni explains, “BubblyNet leverages the latest innovations in microchip manufacturing and wireless protocols, which were not available a decade ago, to make intelligent buildings both possible and affordable.” By eliminating much of the traditional hardware BubblyNet reduces installation costs by as much as 60% by embedding lightweight microchips directly into devices.

BubblyNet’s system is adaptable and designed to be retrofitted into older buildings, allowing these structures to be updated with modern smart systems without extensive rewiring or infrastructure changes. 

The lightweight microchips of their system replace the need for control cabinets, hubs and copper wiring, profoundly reducing environmental impact; they connect electrical devices wirelessly using Bluetooth^® mesh technology. This boosts energy efficiency and reduces the materials needed for smart building management, which aligns perfectly with the circular economy principles of reusing, recycling, waste reduction, and product redesign. 

BubblyNet’s Paperclip-Sized Microchip Revolutionizes Building Management Efficiency

The technology is incredibly versatile, allowing multiple building functions—lighting, shades, internal air quality and acoustics through sound masking—to be controlled through a single, lightweight chip. This flexibility not only enhances sustainability but also brings noticeable operational efficiencies. In large-scale projects, the ability to upgrade existing infrastructure without substantial physical changes can lead to a significantly smaller environmental footprint and considerable cost savings.

BubblyNet’s system intelligence is decentralized, with data processing occurring locally on the devices rather than in a centralized cloud. This also reduces energy consumption and keeps sensitive data more secure, as it’s processed on-site rather than sent to the cloud. The decentralized nature of the system adds a layer of resilience as well, making it less vulnerable to widespread failures.

Zaniboni emphasizes, “Our technology enables appreciable operational efficiencies, contributing to cost savings and a lower environmental footprint, minimizing natural resource depletion and making sustainability more accessible and cost-effective. We are not just adding intelligence; we are doing so with the least possible material use, minimizing the depletion of natural resources.”

About BubblyNet  

Fabio Zaniboni, a visionary armed with 15 years of expertise in lighting technology, has focused his career on developing environments created with personalized "bubbles" of comfort and wellness. His vision led to the creation of BubblyNet, a company dedicated to revolutionizing building wellness, one space at a time. Based in Clearwater, FL, BubblyNet specializes in smart buildings with smart controls built on Bluetooth® mesh for lighting, sound masking, and air quality control that uplift well-being and where individuals can enjoy their own preferences and ideal settings. From office buildings, airports, and healthcare facilities to hotels and airports, their technology is a valuable asset in enhancing workplace productivity, supporting hybrid work models, and improving employee well-being and trust. They are a software company that embeds technology and know-how into hardware, rather than hardware manufacturers that complement their products with software. BubblyNet’s visionary technology has created a new category in the industry: human-centric smart building control solutions, now known as WELL controls. For more information visit https://bubblynet.com/.


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