By Casto Cañavate
Over the past 35 years, KNX has evolved into a comprehensive energy management solution for smart homes and buildings, underscoring its commitment to a more sustainable world.
The world is facing one of the greatest challenges in human history: to build a sustainable future. Whilst energy efficiency focuses on using less energy to achieve the same results, sustainability embraces a broader vision – one that includes environmental responsibility, social wellbeing, and economic balance.
In the context of smart homes and buildings, these two principles are inseparable. Reducing energy consumption and emissions is not only a matter of technology, but also of responsibility. KNX takes this responsibility very seriously. In fact, KNX has demonstrated that technology can do more than provide comfort and convenience – it can also help create a better and more sustainable world.
A clear vision from the start
When KNX was created 35 years ago, sustainability was not the topic of global concern that it has become today. Yet, from the very beginning, KNX was conceived as a technology that would integrate all applications such as lighting, heating, ventilation, shading etc, into one system in order to help home owners and building investors to save energy. This simple but powerful idea of using energy only when and where it is needed, has proven to be one of the pillars of sustainable building management today.
An innovative ecosystem built on responsibility
Over the years, it has become increasingly evident that the intelligent control of energy is a decisive factor in achieving the climate goals that the world urgently needs to meet. During that time, KNX has of course evolved, integrating new technologies and adapting to market changes, but our core vision has remained the same: to make buildings more efficient, secure, comfortable, and sustainable.
Over the decades, KNX has reached important milestones that have strengthened its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The development of KNX Secure has ensured that data and communication within smart buildings are protected against cyber threats, making sustainability not only efficient, but also safe.
With KNX IoT, the technology has taken a new step forward, opening the door to even greater interoperability and integration with renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and smart grids.
These innovations have consolidated KNX as a reference in secure and sustainable automation. But perhaps the most remarkable achievement lies in the community itself: thousands of professionals around the world who plan, design, and commission KNX installations with a sense of purpose- to make every project a small, but meaningful contribution to a better world.
From energy efficiency to energy management
Today, KNX has gone beyond energy efficiency to embrace a broader concept, namely energy management. This approach focuses not only on saving energy, but on optimising how it is generated, stored, and used. It involves making intelligent decisions that balance comfort, cost, and environmental impact.
KNX provides homeowners, building managers, and professionals with the tools to achieve this. By using KNX sensors, actuators, and meters, energy can be monitored and controlled in real time. Lighting, heating, and cooling can automatically adapt to occupancy, daylight, or temperature changes. Non-essential devices can be temporarily switched off during peak hours, and renewable energy sources can be prioritised over conventional ones.
This holistic approach turns buildings into active participants in the global energy transition. With KNX, the home or building becomes a dynamic ecosystem that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while improving comfort and efficiency.
Our contribution to a sustainable world
The United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals remind us that every organisation and individual has a role to play. KNX’s contribution is clear and measurable, and our technology directly supports at least four of these goals. These include affordable and clean energy (Goal 7); sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11); responsible consumption and production (Goal 12); and climate action (Goal 13).
Through our ecosystem of over 500 manufacturers and more than 8,000 interoperable certified devices, we are working every day to guarantee solutions that make energy management easier, more reliable, and more effective. The KNX community – manufacturers, integrators, and installers – plays a decisive role in ensuring that every project delivers not only smart and comfortable environments, but also tangible benefits for the planet.
A legacy of responsibility to deliver peace-of-mind
From the very first installations to the latest developments in IoT and digital energy management, KNX has proven that technology can serve both people and the planet.
The journey is far from over. The coming years will bring new opportunities: deeper integration with renewable sources, more advanced data analytics, and newer KNX tools for professionals – all underlined by the same commitment to a more sustainable world.
Sustainability is not just a technical outcome; it is the positive impact that KNX and its community create every day. Together, we are shaping homes and buildings that respect our planet, serve our people, and preserve our future.
Casto Cañavate is the Marketing Manager for KNX Association.
