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The market for building automation and energy management will top $32 billion in 2011 and jump to $37 billion by 2016, according to a new report from ABI Research (News - Alert). North America is the largest market, but the highest percentage gains will be in Asia Pacific. A big part of the boom comes from the (relatively) new-found ability to hook smart buildings to the smart grid, allowing them to tap into revenue streams from demand response.

"Emerging markets such as Asia Pacific will see the highest growth rate over the next few years, but this region is starting from a small base," said Kelvin Chan, ABI Research analyst. "With China's announcement that energy efficiency will be a key part of its economic plans in its twelfth economic five-year plan, building efficiency will be vital to meet its targets."

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