Smartness assessment model for modern buildings in Sri Lanka
M.M.I.S. Mapa, Nayanthara De SilvaPurpose
As economic activities grow, clients demand more efficient building facilities. Smart buildings, which integrate technology, user interaction and adaptability, offer a solution, yet their adoption in developing countries like Sri Lanka remains limited. Although frameworks exist, most originate in developed contexts and emphasise individual attributes rather than integrated assessment. This study develops a Sri Lanka-specific smartness assessment model to evaluate modern buildings and motivate improvements in efficiency and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
This article employs a mixed-methods design to develop a smartness assessment model comprising 11 attributes and 41 variables, derived from the literature and subsequently validated and weighted by experts. Sixteen selected buildings in the Colombo suburbs were assessed; cases were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected through site observations, document review and interviews with responsible professionals. Scores were computed using a four-level subgrades and weighted aggregation to produce Smartness Ratings, which were summarised descriptively.
Findings
Across 16 buildings, the mean Smartness Rating is 42%. By type, commercial average 48.35%, hotels 45% and apartments 34%, with CB4 (61.34%) and CB5 (57.79%) leading the sample. Higher Smartness Ratings are associated with deeper building management systems coverage, central-plant control and sensor-based monitoring, whereas lower Smartness Ratings reflect fragmented integration. At the attribute level, occupant control and safety and security are consistently strong; energy efficiency and environment and sustainability sit in the mid-range; and adaptability and learning are largely absent.
Originality/value
This article introduces a comprehensive, validated smartness assessment tailored to Sri Lankan buildings and demonstrates its application to a real-world sample.