Renewable Energy Technology Integration in Smart Buildings: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Engineering

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of renewable energy technologies in smart buildings and examines the associated challenges and opportunities for sustainable engineering development. The research aims to analyze how renewable energy systems, intelligent automation technologies, and digital energy management platforms contribute to improving energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and operational resilience within smart infrastructure ecosystems. A qualitative approach was employed using a case study research design because it enables comprehensive exploration of technological, organizational, and sustainability-related phenomena in real operational contexts. The research was conducted in selected smart building facilities in Jakarta, Indonesia, due to the city’s rapid urbanization, increasing energy demand, and growing implementation of sustainable infrastructure initiatives. Twelve informants participated in the study, including renewable energy engineers, smart building managers, sustainability consultants, IoT specialists, policymakers, and facility management professionals, selected purposively based on their expertise and direct involvement in renewable energy integration projects. The findings reveal that renewable energy implementation significantly improves operational efficiency and environmental performance; however, challenges related to infrastructure compatibility, investment costs, policy support, and technological complexity remain substantial. The study recommends interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptive policy frameworks, intelligent energy management systems, and continuous technological innovation to strengthen sustainable smart building development.