A Review of Privacy Concerns in Energy-Efficient Smart Buildings: Risks, Rights, and Regulations

Asmidar Abu Bakar, Salman Yussof, Azimah Abdul Ghapar, Sera Syarmila Sameon and Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen ()
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Asmidar Abu Bakar: Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
Salman Yussof: Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
Azimah Abdul Ghapar: Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
Sera Syarmila Sameon: Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen: Center for Energy Informatics, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: In the contemporary era, smart buildings, characterized by their integration of advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency and user experience, are becoming increasingly prevalent. While these advancements offer notable benefits in terms of operational efficiency and sustainability, they concurrently introduce a myriad of privacy concerns. This review article delves into the multifaceted realm of privacy issues associated with energy-efficient smart buildings. We commence by elucidating the potential risks emanating from data collection, storage, and analysis, highlighting the vulnerability of the personal and behavioral information of inhabitants. The article then transitions into discussing the rights of occupants, emphasizing the necessity for informed consent and the ability to opt-out of invasive data collection practices. Lastly, we provide an overview of existing regulations governing the intersection of smart buildings and privacy. We evaluate their effectiveness and present gaps that necessitate further legislative action. By offering a holistic perspective on the topic, this review underscores the pressing need to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of technology in smart buildings and safeguarding the privacy of their occupants.

Keywords: smart buildings; privacy risk; rights; ethical consent; energy efficient; regulations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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