Mining urban sustainable performance: Unlocking the energy-saving potential of office buildings through smart control technology usage

Abstract

The building sector accounts for approximately 40 % of global energy consumption and 30 % of greenhouse gas emissions, with office buildings constituting a major share of energy use within the commercial sector. Smart control technologies present substantial potential for energy reduction by accommodating flexible operational schedules and diverse functional demands. This study classifies Tokyo into three urban zones, including core, vertical, and peri-office, based on established urban planning principles. Among them, the Core Zone exhibits the greatest potential for energy savings, followed by the Vertical and Peri-office zones. Seasonal analysis reveals that energy-saving potential peaks in summer, while significant daytime savings are observed in the Core and Vertical Zones due to elevated lighting demands shaped by hybrid post-pandemic work patterns. From a policy perspective, these findings underscore the need for zone-specific energy strategies that align with spatial variations in demand and savings potential. Moreover, adaptive smart control technologies should be promoted to respond effectively to both seasonal and diurnal fluctuations in energy use. Integrating these temporal dynamics into policy frameworks is essential for optimizing building performance and advancing urban energy resilience.