Assessing the effectiveness of smart technologies in optimizing sustainability in government buildings: evidence from Jordan

The current research study evaluates the performance of intelligent technologies in enhancing the sustainability of Jordanian government buildings, using the Al-Jiza municipality building as a case study. As penetration of intelligent systems was minimal in the area, the baseline measurement was carried out using the Jordan Green Rating Assessment Tool for Existing Buildings (JO-GRATEB), which rated the building at Level F (31.03%). A rigorous survey was conducted with 384 experts (85% response rate) who ranked emerging smart technologies according to energy-saving potential and cost. An Excel decision support model used Integer Linear Programming (ILP) to maximize technology selection within municipal budgetary constraints. There were two retrofitting scenarios: maximizing total energy savings and reaching Level A certification. It resulted in a performance score of 73.11% (Level B) for 27,867 JD. Reaching Level A certification requires 929 units costing 34,682 JD, bringing the score to 80.01%. Findings challenge regional presumptions and offer evidence-based solutions for budget-friendly retrofitting of sustainability policy.