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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Asmidar Abu Bakar & Salman Yussof & Azimah Abdul Ghapar & Sera Syarmila Sameon & Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen, 2024. "A Review of Privacy Concerns in Energy-Efficient Smart Buildings: Risks, Rights, and Regulations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:977-:d:1341792
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lee, Dasom & Hess, David J., 2021. "Data privacy and residential smart meters: Comparative analysis and harmonization potential," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Iqra Nazir & Nermish Mushtaq & Waqas Amin, 2025. "Smart Grid Systems: Addressing Privacy Threats, Security Vulnerabilities, and Demand–Supply Balance (A Review)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-77, September.
    2. Duan, Pengfei & Zhao, Xiaoyu & Hu, Jinxue & Li, Kang & Xue, Qingwen & Cao, Xiaodong & Wang, Yanmin & Zhao, Bingxu & Zhang, Chenyang & Yuan, Xiaoyang, 2026. "Multi-energy load forecasting incorporating AI algorithms: research status and trends in integrated energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    3. Nur Anisah Binti Tuwot & Wee Siaw-Chui b, 2025. "Challenges to the Adoption of Smart Building Systems: A Property Management Perspective," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 3238-3246, September.
    4. Han, Jinmog & Mo, Yunjeong, 2026. "Human-building interaction in energy management systems: A systematic review with LLM-based topic modeling for user-responsive and adaptive energy systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 403(PA).

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