In a TEDx talk at TEDxGlarus, Frederik De Meyer poses a thought-provoking question about the spaces we inhabit. We spend up to 90% of our lives inside buildings—they are where we are born, raised, educated, where we work and develop. Buildings shape who we become.

So how can these structures positively affect our lives while addressing society's challenges? De Meyer's answer is straightforward: by making them smart.

Smart buildings interact with their environment, learn from occupant behaviour, and adapt to changing conditions. They use data and artificial intelligence to make intelligent decisions about energy, comfort, and operations—connecting the digital and physical worlds to transform how people live and work.

The stakes are significant. Buildings account for 40% of global energy demand, and 75% operate inefficiently. Smart buildings address this by continuously monitoring and optimizing systems, reducing energy consumption while maintaining optimal conditions for occupants.

Beyond sustainability, these structures enhance human wellbeing. Temperature, air quality, and lighting adjust automatically, creating spaces where people can be productive and comfortable without wrestling with complex controls.

De Meyer's vision extends beyond individual structures. By connecting buildings to the digital world, we gain insights that enable sustainable futures, safer spaces, and better performance. Smart building technology represents one of construction's most powerful tools for benefiting both people and planet.