Industry insight
How AI is transforming the built environment
By Mark Bouldin, smart buildings and clean air expert at Johnson Controls looks at the infinite possibilities when we utilise artificial intelligence across the built environment
L
ast year was a defining year for artificial intelligence, and the momentum around generative models such as ChatGPT is yet
to die down. These technologies are now easily adopted by the public, with AI ‘add-ons’ and integrations within the workplace increasingly commonplace. So, it’s no surprise that facilities managers are also looking to capitalise on all that these technologies offer. Artificial intelligence is enabling decision-makers to optimise heating, cooling, and power generation as never before. AI powered data analytics allow businesses to paint energy maps across buildings which update in real time, anticipating and simulating costs before they are incurred. Facilities managers can now gain perspective on every aspect of their built environment, from energy usage to tenant experience, to tracking net zero targets. In doing so they also gain a full understanding of what is needed to meet both financial and green goals across their estates. There’s an assumption that switching to any new technology can be expensive and time-consuming. In reality, many technologies are easily integrated into existing systems, and managers are able to see the positive impact of installations with immediacy.
Paint a clear picture of any environment
To identify areas to cut emissions and costs across the built environment, the first step is data gathering and analysis. Facilities managers (FMs) can utilise AI-powered platforms and IoT sensors to gather real-time data on energy consumption. By harnessing predictive analytics, it’s possible for FMs to identify specific areas that produce the most energy waste and emissions. AI platforms make
building simulation possible, creating an accessible ‘birds-eye’ map of the environment as well as test- driving possible future scenarios. Such a forensic and forward-looking view makes it far easier to make decisions when it comes to sustainability practices, understanding what is feasible for any given building. Alongside energy consumption, AI platforms can track other key metrics such as asset, space, health, and occupant comfort to drive up ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scores. AI continuously inspects these key metrics, recommending the corrective action to fix any equipment issues or inefficiencies as needed.
Monitoring energy usage from minute to minute
Facilities managers can harness AI algorithms and historic patterns to proactively manage energy usage. Real-life use cases reveal the true impact of AI in optimising and reducing power consumption. For instance, smart filtration and HVAC systems, led by AI, adjust from minute to minute to occupancy patterns. As a result, energy levels and occupant comfort are tailor-made and adjusted accordingly to ongoing changes in the environment. Some available technologies offer management via a network of cloud-based apps. Through these applications, managers and even tenants can quickly alter water supply as well as make alterations to lighting and HVAC across any part of a building. The real benefit is accessibility, where changes are made quickly and simply from a smartphone. Thus, tracking spending as well as efficiency is much easier, enabling managers to update stakeholders on sustainability targets in instantaneous and meaningful ways. Not only are they gathering knowledge – they are also able to
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share it. Smart management platforms have already been adopted in thousands of buildings all over the world. As businesses look to reduce emissions and increase the accuracy of their ESG reporting in line with ever-evolving government regulations, they can look to all that new technology has to offer. Without AI innovation, leaders may find it difficult to affect programmes for change that are adaptable, future- facing, and affordable.
AI learns best on the job
Facilities managers can refine their emissions reduction strategies when they regularly update AI models. Learning from what worked in the past enables FMs to create an approach to building management that is ever evolving. To make such an approach possible, it’s vital that building and company data is easily within reach and interconnected in the cloud. With such data readily available, decision-makers can access insights into building operations in one place to view operations under one ‘umbrella’. As needed, FMs can then pinpoint more specific areas as processes for analysis to add depth. When areas for improvement are recognised, making adjustments becomes easy.
Smart technologies and AI integrations enable autonomous adjustments, resulting in happier, healthier building tenants who experience a building that adjusts to their needs from second to second. AI is constantly learning, so it will identify patterns for corrective actions as well as evolve suggested solutions over time. Spotting such patterns is transformative when meeting goals across every area of the built environment, from energy savings to maintenance to green development. Combining technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with building data unlocks new potential for building decision-makers as they create infrastructure that is truly smart and automated. It’s likely that in the future, AI will become a
‘must-have’ rather than a ‘nice-to-have’ as facilities managers look for innovative ways to meet increasingly ambitious Net Zero goals. Education on all that these new technologies have to offer paves the way for significant improvements to our buildings, and the safety and comfort of their occupants, in years to come.
16 April 2024
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