To address climate change and sustainability, over 90 countries are actively developing net zero CO2 emission policies. In short, net zero is achieved when human-based CO2 emissions are both reduced and counterbalanced through other activities.

A fundamental factor in reaching net zero is the reduction of CO2 emissions across all industries. However, according to the International Energy Association (IEA), the building sector is not on track to meet global 2050 net zero CO2 emission goals. Specifically, 2030 goals target 35% less energy consumption per square metre compared to 2021.1 As buildings account for 30% of global energy consumption today, there is concern that emission goals will not be met unless the industry takes specific action to digitise systems and implement automation. Further complicating the challenge is that to implement effective automation, more real-time data capture is needed at a level that exceeds the current throughput capacity and responsiveness of legacy RS-485-based infrastructure.

In addition, connecting devices and building systems to the network exposes them to cyberattacks, requiring advanced security beyond the current capabilities of these legacy networks.

This article explores how single-pair Ethernet can help the building industry meet net zero goals while supporting AI-based automation in a secure and cost-effective manner. Single-pair Ethernet enables long-reach connectivity to the edge for both greenfield and retrofit installations, making it a critical tool for seamless data transfer between IT and OT domains. Read on