Project challenges

The European project BIGG, funded under the H2020 programme, aims at demonstrating the application of big data technologies and data analytic techniques for the complete buildings life-cycle of more than 4000 buildings in 6 large-scale pilot test-beds.
Our objectivesOur expected impacts
Objective No. 1

To design and implement a flexible and open-source big data reference architecture to collect, analyse and exchange dynamic and static building - big - data from heterogeneous external data sources and digital building technologies, while ensuring data protection and security

Based on the design of the BIGG Data Reference Architecture 4 Buildings, an instance is deployed, as a cloud platform, and can acquire: 

  • Dynamic data from different sources including smart meters, sensors and other IoT devices and external data services 
  • Building and its related ecosystem static data from existing databases, user submitted information about building characteristics, comfort and energy efficiency measures applied, contracts and investments done.  

A modular and extensible data communication layer allows the data bi-directional exchange with existing data storages and the support of third-party applications and tools.

Objective No. 2

To standardise and internally harmonize the data collected from different sources as a basis for full interoperability between databases and tools

The architecture implements the BIGG Standard Data Model 4 Buildings in order to make data comparable, combinable and suitable for joint analysis. Standard ontologies and dictionaries, such as SAREF and BEDES, are used as an internal reference for data harmonization.

Objective No. 3

As part of the BIGG architecture, to develop an open, cloud-based building-related data analytics toolbox - supporting different data analysis techniques - extensible to support third party developments and wide range of services

The BIGG Data Analytics Toolbox provides analytic modules supported by open-source software libraries enabling advanced analytics dedicated to deliver specific services with state-of-the-art data science technologies, such as statistical analysis, BI, ML, DL, AI – accessible to external tools via API in order to provide services to third parties. 

Objective No. 4

To validate the BIGG Data Analytics Toolbox over the BIGG Data Reference Architecture 4 Buildings in large-scale pilots supporting different multi-party business cases, in different countries

Support 6 business cases, 15 use cases, on multiple locations in a cost-effective way, creating value for the involved building actors and ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy.  

Objective No. 5

To promote and incentivise the widespread adoption of BIGG platform by providing 1) attractive services, considering their financial sustainability and improving the user experience; 2) standardized and open solutions

As part of this objective, a catalogue of services based on the BIGG Data Analytics Toolbox is to be published together with the definition of the OpenAPIs for their public usage. The BIGG Standard Data Model 4 Buildings will be published and open for 3rd parties’ adoption and future extension.

What we do

Our expected impacts

Significant and measurable contribution to standardisation of European buildings data

Demonstrated interoperability with data hubs at national or supranational level

Creation of new data-driven business models and opportunities and innovative energy services based on the access and process of valuable datasets

Better availability of big data and big data analysis facilities for real-life scale research, simulation and policy-making

Tangible engagement of key stakeholders in building the database, contributing with real data

A growing up-take of innovative data gathering and processing methods in the monitoring and verification of energy savings

Effective integration of relevant digital technologies in the buildings sector, resulting in integrated value chains and efficient business processes of the participating organizations

Strengthened links with the relevant programmes and initiatives aiming at building data collection and storage, supported by regional, national and European policies and funds

Emergence of sustainable ecosystems around big data platforms