The Smart Readiness Indicator

The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) is an integral component of the European Union’s strategic framework for promoting energy efficiency and advancing the digitalization of the built environment. Conceptualized under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the SRI provides a robust, standardized metric for assessing the digital and automated capabilities of buildings. It serves as a tool for evaluating a building’s proficiency in adapting to user needs, optimizing energy consumption, and interfacing seamlessly with energy networks.

The SRI assesses various dimensions of a building’s performance, including energy efficiency, flexibility, and its ability to respond to occupant needs. Buildings are evaluated based on their capacity to carry out key smart functions such as energy monitoring, automated control, and user interaction. These capabilities are aggregated into a composite score, providing stakeholders with a clear and measurable indication of the building’s smart readiness.

At its core, the SRI is a policy instrument that not only empowers property owners and managers to enhance the technological sophistication of their assets but also aligns with the EU’s decarbonization targets. By fostering the adoption of advanced digital technologies in the built environment, the SRI accelerates the transition toward smart, energy-efficient infrastructure across member states.

The 3rd SRI Joint Event

The 3rd SRI Joint Event took place on May 7, 2025, in Brussels. It was organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER), the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), and the SRI-ENACT project, in collaboration with the LIFE CET SRI Cluster, including SRI2MARKET, EasySRI, and SMART². This hybrid event gathered policymakers, industry experts, and other stakeholders, with over 80 participants onsite and many more joining remotely.

The progress on the ongoing testing of SRI methodologies in selected countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece) was presented, alongside the available calculation tools, demonstrating how SRI can promote sustainability in the building sector by involving building owners, tenants, and investors. Also, a strategic discussion on the revised SRI implementation roadmap took place, tackling technical challenges such as data quality and interoperability, evolving standards, differences in national policies, and ways to engage stakeholders.

A predominant focus of the event was the harmonization of SRI assessment methodologies across EU member states, a critical factor in ensuring consistency and comparability. Participants engaged in robust discussions on best practices for certification, the integration of SRI into national energy policies, and strategies for enhancing stakeholder awareness. Presentations from technology innovators underscored the transformative potential of IoT, AI-driven energy management, and smart automation in bolstering building performance. Furthermore, the event highlighted the necessity for targeted educational initiatives aimed at equipping professionals with the requisite skills to assess and enhance a building’s SRI performance.

The Joint Event also marked the conclusion of SRI-Enact project, featuring multiple presentations that highlighted the project’s outcomes, including key achievements and SRI assessment data from the eight pilot countries (Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Spain, Czech Republic, and Austria), the development of SRI assessment tools, the successful training of auditors, assessment of buildings, and the efforts that were made towards alignment with national regulatory frameworks. The event also showcased strategies for improving communication, stakeholder engagement, and the development of business models and policy recommendations in the pilot countries.

Conclusion

The SRI stands as a transformative mechanism for promoting smart, energy-efficient buildings across Europe. By providing a clear and standardized framework for evaluating the smart capabilities of buildings, the SRI facilitates informed decision-making for property owners and industry stakeholders. Its continued development, supported by initiatives like the 3rd SRI Joint Event, ensures that the SRI remains aligned with technological advancements and evolving policy objectives, promoting a more energy-efficient, digitally integrated, and resilient built environment.