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uilding owners, facilities managers, engineering and maintenance teams are getting smart to their energy requirements


– literally. Conserving energy has quickly become a number one priority for property owners. Finding innovative ways to reduce energy waste, cut emissions, and minimise costs is the name of the game as they strive to meet new environmental regulations and deal with rising energy prices. However, with 80% of building stock that will exist in 2050 already constructed, it’s up to these real estate leaders to transform existing property portfolios into the smart, sustainable buildings of tomorrow. Smart building technologies designed to regulate


electrical power and energy usage hold the key to levelling up our building stock and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy. But first it’s worth asking the question why is there so much emphasis on buildings on the route to net zero? Surely, other segments such as transport or heavy industry are responsible for producing a larger amount of harmful greenhouse gases. The truth of the matter is that when we look at global emissions, the built environment comes out as one of the world’s biggest polluters. In fact, buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions.


Cleaner buildings combat climate change


There is no doubt that the building sector is the key to decarbonisation at the pace needed to reach the UK’s ambitious Net Zero targets. While buildings are a vital part of any urban environment and must continue to expand to accommodate our growing population, we need to act now to ensure that our built environment does not have a lasting negative impact on our natural one. But how do we power this transition to Net Zero buildings? Ultimately, the climate challenge is an energy challenge. Building energy management will play a vital role in limiting building emissions and reducing this sector’s carbon footprint for good. New, intelligent management systems are improving the performance of buildings, while also providing the critical data-analysis building owners need to power their decarbonisation programmes. One of the prime ways that buildings are getting


future ready is by becoming smarter. This means adding real-time facilities monitoring and intelligent automation to building infrastructure to optimise facilities management and building operations. As buildings become more connected and more electrified, this enables the implementation of smart grids and the introduction of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, vital for a greener future.


Hi-tech leads to lower energy


New, innovative technologies such as AI and digital twins are playing an integral role in accelerating the path to Net Zero, from the design stages to the rollout of facilities to smart infrastructure. However, another technology that is integral to smart buildings is the IoT (Internet of Things). IoT sensors seamlessly integrate into existing building systems to cost-effectively


Industry insight


Above: Kas Mohammed, VP of digital energy at Schneider Electric UK&I


How AI and digital technologies are making buildings smarter and greener


New digital technologies are paving the way for smart buildings and accelerating the path to Net Zero. Kas Mohammed, VP of digital energy at Schneider Electric UK&I looks at the role AI, IoT and digital twins are playing in decarbonising the built environment


enhance their capabilities and improve overall building adaptability, safety, and regulatory compliance. 24/7 cloud-based data intelligence enables real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, providing insights into space and energy usage and occupant preference patterns, all able to be controlled remotely. This data intelligence helps building owners reduce their carbon footprint, boost operational efficiencies, and minimise energy costs. AI can then be deployed to dynamically adjust


environmental conditions such as lighting, temperature, and air quality based on occupancy patterns and external environmental conditions. Data analytics and machine learning enable predictive analytics to anticipate demands, powering proactive adjustments to system settings and airflow distribution. AI opens the door to automation, allowing building owners to improve asset performance and drive significant cost savings by limiting energy consumption where it is not needed.


A digital design for the future


But it doesn’t stop there. AI algorithms also continuously fine-tune operations, able to efficiently analyse extensive volumes of facilities and asset data. This not only captures crucial asset knowledge but also extracts and processes information and insights, enhancing knowledge management and overall efficiency. This results in energy and emissions savings without compromising on comfort levels. Not only can AI be used to promote well-being and make buildings more efficient, but this proactive action can also increase productivity when applied to office spaces. As for digital twins, this technology allows building


owners to streamline the design and implementation process of electrical infrastructure. When preparing


for power digitalisation, digital twins help by creating a virtual replica of a building’s power system, enabling designers to simulate and perfect performance before installation begins. They also support the concept of a “live digital twin”, where the digital model keeps up to date with real-time data from the building’s systems, enabling continuous optimisation and scalability. This helps building managers to plan for future infrastructure additions such as EV charging points and onsite energy production.


Building a better environment


We don’t have to look to the future, these technologies are already being used effectively in the UK today. For example, smart building controls are already in place at 150 Holborn, the London headquarters of Sidara, a global design, engineering and consulting firm. The site gathers, analyses, and manages more than 60,000 data points using an advanced network of more than 650 IoT sensors and controllers. These systems provide critical data on occupancy trends, energy use, and environmental conditions.


Using this data, Sidara can tailor building


conditions to meet the specific needs and preferences of occupants. Whether it’s adjusting lighting levels, modifying temperatures, or boosting air quality, the system ensures that workspaces are not just habitable but are optimised to promote well-being and productivity. It is also helping the company to reduce energy


waste and is integral to the organisation’s ambition to decarbonise by 2030, under the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. By adjusting facilities based on occupancy, Sidara can both ensure comfort and cut energy waste.


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