Requirements for valves in building systems are changing: In addition to regulating fluid flows, measurement data acquisition, remote control, and integration into centralized control systems are becoming increasingly important. Particularly in heating and cooling systems, components with data capabilities can help manage energy flows according to demand.
Industrial valves are increasingly performing tasks in building systems that go beyond regulating and shutting off fluid flows. Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems require components that provide measurement data, can be controlled remotely, and can be integrated into higher-level automation and building management systems.
Industrial Valves as Part of Building Automation
In addition to heating and cooling, building services include water supply, compressed air, fire protection, and ventilation. As energy efficiency requirements increase, demand-based control of these systems is also becoming more important. Networked controls can monitor energy flows and adjust operation to actual demand.
This is also changing the requirements for valves. For example, they must provide measurement data and be remotely controllable. Centralized control systems can then use this data to monitor and control heating and cooling equipment.
Greater Focus on the Life Cycle of Valves
Alongside energy consumption during building operation, the environmental impact of the components used is gaining importance. Product carbon footprints (PCF), life cycle assessments (LCA), and environmental product declarations (EPD) are therefore becoming more relevant for building services components as well.
Durable, low-maintenance systems can reduce material consumption because components need to be replaced less frequently. This broadens the criteria used to evaluate valves: In addition to functionality and control performance, data capabilities, integration options, and life cycle information may become more important.
Building Renovation Increases Demands on Control Technology
The existing building stock in particular requires additional action. The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is driving improvements in the energy performance of the building sector. As a result, components that enable more efficient system operation and can be integrated into modernized building automation systems are gaining importance.
This development extends beyond Europe. Demand for energy-efficient building systems is also growing in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, particularly for cooling technology and water infrastructure. Digital and sustainable building solutions are gaining importance in North America. In Africa, opportunities exist to expand basic infrastructure and adopt resource-efficient technologies.
AI Expands the Capabilities of Building Automation
The next stage of development involves systems that not only collect operating data but also use it to automatically optimize processes. In “smart buildings,” technical systems are networked, and data is collected and analyzed to inform control decisions. Artificial intelligence can, for example, be used to automatically optimize heating and cooling processes.
For the valve industry, the integration of mechanical components, sensors, actuators, and automation is therefore becoming increasingly important. Control valves with data capabilities can become part of higher-level energy and building management systems.
The latest developments in industrial valves, valve components, actuators, and positioners will be the focus of VALVE WORLD EXPO 2026.
The trade show thus offers manufacturers, design engineers, and users an opportunity to learn about current valve, actuator, and automation solutions and their use in networked technical systems.
