Abstract

Overview

Smart buildings incorporating 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) technology are widely promoted as sustainable innovations for enhancing wellness, productivity, and energy efficiency in the built environment.

Findings

• The study conducted a meta-integrative qualitative analysis to explore lesser-known potential risks associated with smart buildings.
• Identifies five main threats including data centers overload, proliferation of undersea cables, cyber-security risks, electromagnetic pollution, and e-waste accumulation.
• Highlights the "rebound" impacts on human health and the environment, stressing that the latent dangers of electromagnetic pollution from such buildings could overshadow their benefits.

Conclusion

While smart buildings offer tangible advantages, this research uncovers critical hidden threats, particularly electromagnetic pollution, that may undermine these benefits when considering the comprehensive interaction of these factors.