STEM subjects include the teaching and study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These are the classics and from which the abbreviation is formed. However, astronomy, geography, geology or nanosciences are also included. With increasing technology orientation, the demand and importance of STEM competencies is growing in the labor market, as well as in education....

The supply chain is a network of modes and means of transport that ensures the uninterrupted movement of goods from origin to destination. In a widely used definition, the supply chain is referred to as the network of organizations involved, through upstream and downstream links, in the various processes and activities of creating value in...

Sustainable energy sources, or renewables, include solar energy (photovoltaics, solar thermal), hydropower, ocean energy, wind power, geothermal energy, and ambient heat. Bioenergy is also a sustainable energy source. It comes from solid biomass such as wood, from decomposing organic matter (biogas), or from liquid biomass that is processed into biodiesel, for example. Hydropower currently accounts...

Smart home applications cover a wide area. It ranges from energy saving, convenient lighting and multimedia control to intrusion and security systems. Last but not least, smart home applications are also an important part of assisted living concepts. This refers to concepts that enable the living space to be designed in such a way that...

Smart Living is an umbrella term for people’s lives in a digitized environment. It encompasses the smart home, but goes beyond looking exclusively at the private residential sector. It also includes the networking of apartments, buildings and neighborhoods. For this reason, smart living is often used as a collective term for different areas of application...

Smart home refers to processes and systems for building automation in living spaces and homes. The goal is to increase the quality of living, safety and efficient energy use. Synonyms for “smart home” include “intelligent home” and “eHome.” The focus is on networked and remotely controllable devices and installations as well as processes that can...

Smart building technology is advanced building technology that saves energy, reduces carbon footprint and can also rely on the Internet of Things (IoT) for building control. . It is characterized by a (continuously) networked automation and control system. Smart buildings must respond flexibly to changing user requirements and environmental influences. For a building to be...

Solar power systems generate electricity or heat from solar energy. In general, a distinction is made between photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar thermal systems. In solar thermal energy, water is passed through the solar collectors, which then heats up. The recovered heat is collected in a storage tank. When needed, this storage tank can then...

The Smart Buildings Compass is a guide that leads you through the jungle of smart building products, solutions and services. Building technologies focus on people: They offer us a wide range of options for shaping our lives individually, with comfort and security. This involves much more than just technical “gimmicks.” We consider smart building technology...