AutomatedBuildings has been recognizing the daily contributions women make to moving the Building Automation Industry for the last 15 years. Our March issues have highlighted the incredible insights and contributions of women. Here’s what was being discussed March 2020.
The 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ emphasizes the need for rapid advancements in gender equality, particularly in industries like building automation, where women remain underrepresented. For women in this field, fitting into this theme involves leveraging strategies and tools that drive progress in education, employment, and leadership.
How Has the World Changed for Women in 2025?
The past few years have seen significant progress for women globally, but challenges persist. Here’s what’s different this International Women’s Day:
- Increased Representation in Leadership: More women are breaking through the glass ceiling, taking on leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries like technology, engineering, and construction.
- Focus on Pay Equity: Organizations increasingly prioritize pay transparency and closing the gender pay gap, though progress remains uneven across sectors.
- Rise of Women-Led Startups: Women entrepreneurs are launching innovative startups, particularly in tech and sustainability, addressing critical challenges and creating new opportunities.
- Global Advocacy for Inclusion: Movements like #MeToo and #ChooseToChallenge have amplified voices, pushing for systemic change and greater accountability in workplaces worldwide.
Women’s Growing Role in the BAS Industry
The BAS industry, long dominated by men, is witnessing a transformative shift as more women enter the field and take on leadership roles. Here’s how women are making an impact:
- Increasing Numbers: While women still make up a small percentage of the BAS workforce, their numbers are growing. Organizations like Women in HVACR and Women in Smart Buildings are actively working to attract and retain female talent.
- Driving Innovation: Women are leading groundbreaking projects in smart buildings, energy efficiency, and IoT integration, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table.
- Advocating for Sustainability: Many women in BAS are championing sustainable practices, pushing for greener buildings and smarter energy management systems.
Strategies to Feature Women Leaders
Featuring women leaders in the Building Automation Systems (BAS) industry is a powerful way to inspire the next generation, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Our AHR Education Sessions showcased women’s industry expertise and powerful points of view
Sudha Jamthe, our contributing editor, posted directly on LinkedIn
Irene Bratsis teaches us hashtag#AI hashtag#Productmanagement
Michele Turpin explains hashtag#ConstitutionalAI
Claire L. guides us about handling hashtag#ImposterSyndrome in hashtag#AI
Sudha Jamthe (yours truly) did a show and tell about hashtag#AutonomousVehicles
Susanna R. warns about hashtag#ToxicPositivity
Don’t miss https://lnkd.in/gBeKUDm2
| Sudha Jamthe Technology Futurist, Educator, GenAI Author, Business Strategist, Global South in AI, LinkedIn Learning, Stanford CSP & Business school of AI Educator: IoT, AI, Autonomous Vehicles, Generative AI, AIX Designing AI San Jose, California, United States | Demystifying DeepSeek for Enterprise Ready for Womansplaining #IWD 2023 March 8th March, Women’s Month and with it comes International Women’s Day #IWD2024 all posts | |
| Ellie Ellie is a freelance writer who covers the latest innovations and advancements in science and technology for an audience of industry professionals. She’s also an associate editor for Revolutionized. | IAQ Concerns Aren’t Going Anywhere How Is AI-Powered Surveillance Transforming Building Security Systems? all posts |
By actively featuring and celebrating women leaders in the BAS industry, the sector can inspire more women to join, retain talent, and accelerate progress toward gender equality. This aligns perfectly with the 2025 theme of ‘Accelerate Action’ and ensures a more inclusive and innovative future for the industry.
Women-Led Startups Making Waves Globally
Women entrepreneurs are launching startups that are transforming the BAS industry worldwide. Here are a few inspiring examples:
- PassiveLogic (USA)
- Founder: Trudy Curtis
- Innovation: PassiveLogic’s autonomous building platform uses AI to optimize building operations, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.
- Impact: Their groundbreaking technology is redefining how buildings are managed, making them smarter and more sustainable.
- Envio Systems (Aquired by JLL) (Germany)
- Co-Founder: Melissa Marsh
- Innovation: Envio Systems provides IoT solutions for smart buildings, enabling real-time monitoring and energy optimization.
- Impact: Their platform helps building managers reduce costs and carbon footprints, contributing to a greener future.
- 75F (USA)
- Co-Founder: Deepinder Singh (with strong female leadership in key roles)
- Innovation: 75F’s predictive HVAC controls use IoT and machine learning to optimize indoor air quality and energy use.
- Impact: Their solutions are helping buildings achieve net-zero energy goals while improving occupant comfort.
- Buildots (Israel)
- Co-Founder: Aviv Leibovici
- Innovation: Buildots uses AI and wearable cameras to track construction progress, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.
- Impact: Their technology is revolutionizing construction management, a critical component of BAS integration.
- Sofdesk (Canada)
- Founder: Marine Boulot
- Innovation: Sofdesk provides software solutions for solar and construction industries, streamlining project management and design.
- Impact: Their tools are helping integrate renewable energy systems into smart buildings, promoting sustainability.
- Enerbrain (Italy)
- Co-Founder: Francesca Culasso
- Innovation: Enerbrain develops IoT solutions for energy efficiency in buildings, using AI to optimize HVAC systems.
- Impact: Their technology is helping reduce energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings across Europe.
“As a woman in tech, I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve also seen how diversity drives innovation. Our startup is proof that when women lead, we can create solutions that change the world.” – Trudy Curtis, Founder of PassiveLogic.
How Can We Continue to Support Women in BAS?
While progress has been made, there’s still work to be done to ensure women have equal opportunities in the BAS industry. Here are a few ways to support and empower women:
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing women with experienced mentors can help them navigate challenges and advance their careers.
- Education and Training: Providing access to STEM education and technical training can help close the gender gap in the BAS workforce.
- Advocacy for Inclusion: Companies must prioritize diversity and inclusion, creating environments where women feel valued and supported.
- Celebrating Success: Highlighting the achievements of women in BAS can inspire the next generation of female leaders.
This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the progress women have made in the BAS industry and beyond while acknowledging the work still to be done. By inspiring inclusion, supporting women-led startups, and advocating for equal opportunities, we can create a future where women thrive in every sector.
To all the women in BAS: Your contributions are shaping the future of smart buildings, and your leadership is paving the way for generations to come. Happy International Women’s Day!
