SRI FAQ Guide
Find here the answer to common questions about SRI.
This FAQ site is part of the Smart Square project, which aims to develop and deliver the appropriate tools and applications to enable the promotion and establishment of intelliegence assessment of buildings in Europe, through the SRI scheme.
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Methodology
Is there a methodology used to determine the SRI of a building?
The methodology for calculating the SRI is described in detail in Directorate-General for Energy (European Commission) 2020 and summarized in Fig. 1. The final SRI rating depends on the examined buildings ability to facilitate “smart-ready” services, which are included in a “smart-ready service catalogue”, addressing nine (9) technical domains, namely 1) Heating, 2) Domestic hot water (DHW), 3) Cooling, 4) Ventilation, 5) Lighting, 6) Dynamic building envelope, 7) Electricity, 8) Electric vehicle charging and 9) Monitoring and control. With a view to provide flexibility on the evaluation process depending on the building typology and resources available, the following three methods to assess the SRI are suggested: A) Simplified method, B) Expert SRI assessment.
Method A
Lists a limited, simplified catalogue of 27 services.
Residential and small non-residential (<500m2)
Checklist approach, online self-assessment by end-user (no certification) or on-site third-party assessment (formal certification)
Method B
Lists full catalogue of 54 services.
Non-residential buildings (residential if desired)
Checklist approach, online self-assessment by end-user (no certification) or on-site third-party assessment (formal certification)
Will a uniform evaluation methodology be followed in the different countries, or will it be tailored to local specifics?
The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) framework provides a common basis for assessing the smart readiness of buildings across the European Union (EU). However, there is flexibility for countries to adapt the methodology to their specific local context and requirements. Therefore, it is helpful to have a unique approach as in Method A and Method B, but in a later stage there could be national / regional specifications. This flexibility allows for the consideration of local specifics, such as climate conditions, building regulations, and available technologies, ensuring that the SRI assessment remains relevant and effective in each country.
Is it possible to use the SRI as a tool for the “Design stage”?
The SRI is very helpful to be used already in the design phase, because the existing listing in the EBDB will be relevant for all building and also funding programs.
Does the SRI differentiate for different usages?
Yes, the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) can differentiate for different building usages or types. The SRI assessment takes into account the specific characteristics and requirements of different building sectors, such as residential, commercial, or public buildings. The criteria used to evaluate smart readiness may vary based on the intended usage of the building. For example, a residential building may prioritize factors like energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and user-friendly interfaces, while a commercial building may focus on aspects like automation, occupancy monitoring, and energy management systems. By considering the specific needs and priorities of different building usages, the SRI assessment can provide more targeted insights and recommendations for improving the smart readiness of buildings across various sectors.