Organizations prioritize building efficiency and digitalization as Siemens highlights shift toward autonomous infrastructure

Energy efficiency in facilities and buildings has emerged as the No. 1 infrastructure priority for organizations, a recent Siemens survey and study finds.

(IN BRIEF) A new global Siemens study reveals that energy efficiency in buildings has risen to the number-one infrastructure priority for organizations — up from seventh in 2023. The Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025, based on responses from 1,400 executives across 19 countries, reports that 57% plan greater investment in energy efficiency, 55% in smart building technologies, and 54% in building electrification over the next year. However, lack of capital, technology costs, and rising energy prices continue to hinder implementation. Siemens is addressing these challenges with Energy-as-a-Service financing models that convert CapEx into outcome-based OpEx tied to achieved energy savings. More than half of organizations believe digitalization strongly boosts efficiency and enables better health, safety, and transparency. Siemens Smart Infrastructure CEO Susanne Seitz notes autonomous and AI-enabled buildings as key drivers in the sector’s evolution. The biennial study tracks decarbonization trends and outlines the path ahead for the real estate sector and government stakeholders.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZUG, 9-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Energy efficiency has moved to the top of the global infrastructure agenda, according to the newly released Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025. The study reveals a marked shift in priorities among organizations, with energy efficiency in buildings rising from seventh place in 2023 to become the leading focus for competitiveness and decarbonization strategies today. Many businesses also reported notable progress in the electrification of heating and cooling as well as onsite renewable energy production, signalling momentum in the transformation of the built environment.

The survey, which draws insights from 1,400 senior leaders and government representatives across 19 countries, shows strong investment appetite for the coming year. 57% of respondents plan to increase spending on energy efficiency measures, while 55% expect to boost investment in smart building technologies, and 54% intend to further electrify building systems. More than half of organizations say they now feel ready to adopt autonomous building solutions — a milestone that reflects the rapid evolution of digital and AI-driven building management tools.

However, despite the growth in ambition, financial constraints continue to slow the transition. Respondents highlighted capital limitations, technology and equipment costs, and rising energy prices as the primary barriers since 2023. To address this challenge, Siemens is increasingly advancing Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) financing models. Through Siemens Financial Services, the company enables customers to shift from upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) to a results-based operating model, paying in line with verified energy savings and emissions reductions.

Digitalization remains central to enabling progress. 55% of organizations say digital technologies are having a strong or transformative effect on efficiency outcomes, while 56% believe digitalization reduces operational costs, and 55% note it enhances workforce health and safety. Smart building technology is also being valued for its data transparency, cited as the second most important benefit after ROI, with digital platforms improving access to energy-use data essential for decarbonization decisions.

“As companies rethink the role of buildings in their climate strategies, the shift toward intelligent, autonomous spaces is accelerating,” said Susanne Seitz, CEO Buildings at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Technologies such as AI and digital operating platforms are enabling smarter energy use, faster anomaly detection, improved physical security, and better comfort for occupants. Our goal is to develop buildings that are human-centric, resilient and responsive — and autonomy is a key enabler of that future.”

The Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025 highlights emerging priorities for public and private entities as they navigate the road to net zero. While many organizations still lack the data required for confident decarbonization planning — only around half report adequate visibility into energy and emissions performance — the report emphasizes that digital adoption, smart monitoring, and new financing mechanisms can help close the implementation gap.

Commissioned every two years, the report traces global progress in energy, buildings and industrial infrastructure. The 2025 edition details how energy efficiency, digital maturity, financing access and building electrification are shaping the next phase of decarbonization in the real estate sector.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings, and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions, and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. To protect this journey, we foster holistic cybersecurity to ensure secure and reliable operations. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2025, the business had around 79,400 employees worldwide.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. A leader in industrial AI, Siemens leverages its deep domain know-how to apply AI – including generative AI – to real-world applications, making AI accessible and impactful for customers across diverse industries. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €78.9 billion and net income of €10.4 billion. As of September 30, 2025, the company employed around 318,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Media contact:

Maike Wagner
Siemens AG
+41 79 4489214
maike.wagner@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens AG