Smart living in everyday life – how ForeSightNEXT brings digital services to life

ForeSightNEXT is the flagship project within the SmartLivingNEXT technology programme run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). At its heart is a federated data space based on Gaia-X principles, which enables the secure, sovereign and needs-based exchange of data relating to housing – between tenants, property management companies, energy suppliers and other stakeholders. The aim is to enable connected services without centralised data storage or loss of control. 

The following four scenarios illustrate what this means in practice:

1. Real-time heating costs – transparency instead of surprises

Instead of waiting for the annual service charge statement, thanks to ForeSightNEXT, tenants can view their current heating consumption at any time – via an app that is intuitive to use and offers complete data sovereignty. This makes energy saving tangible and significantly reduces the workload for property management companies. 

Added value:
✔ Cost transparency
✔ Real-time
consumption feedback ✔ Motivation for energy-efficient behaviour 

2. Temperature deviations as an early warning system

Sensors in the home detect unusual deviations from normal heating patterns – for example, in the case of elderly people or those living alone. AI systems analyse these patterns and, where necessary, issue discreet alerts – for example, to relatives or care services. This enables health risks to be identified at an early stage. 

Particularly important: the decision on whether data is shared always rests with the individual concerned. 

3. Smart heating planning for neighbourhoods

The planning of local heating networks is significantly simplified by up-to-date, standardised building data. Local authorities, energy suppliers and property owners can exchange their data securely, without the need for centralised storage. This facilitates funding decisions and enables tailor-made renovation strategies. 

4. Electricity consumption as a safety indicator

Whether in the case of vacant flats or elderly people living alone – sudden, unusual consumption patterns can indicate technical faults or emergencies. An app alerts relatives or property managers, enabling a rapid response before any damage occurs. 

From the data room to real-life support 

ForeSightNEXT puts the data room for smart living into practice. The examples show that data sovereignty and digital innovation are not mutually exclusive – quite the opposite. They form the basis for solutions that are geared towards the needs of real people and build trust. 

Further information on the project and the technology behind the SmartLivingNEXT data room can be found in this article: Data room for smart living – fundamentals & potential