INDUSTRY NEWS
STUDY HIGHLIGHTS AI’S POTENTIAL IN BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
A
study has highlighted that integrating artifi cial intelligence (AI) into the
building sector could cut energy consumption by approximately 8% to 19% and, when combined
with supportive energy policies, achieve up to 40% energy savings and 90% carbon emissions reduction by 2050. “AI’s role in optimising building operations and energy
performance is receiving continuous attention, and if you’re not using it, you might be falling behind. It off ers real-world solutions that are implementable here and how. Also, since the updated EU’s directive for buildings recently encouraged energy data sharing, we are sure that energy savings using AI will improve even more,” said Donatas Karciauskas, chief executive of Exergio, developer of AI tools for building energy effi ciency. “Current algorithms lead to the reduction of energy
waste by up to 20%, but open-access for building’s data can increase these numbers. The fact that the scientifi c community analyses such solutions is usually the fi rst step towards general acceptance, and seeing how aligned with latest tools it is, it is just a matter of time when it will become a standard in the industry.” The study, titled ‘Potential of Artifi cial Intelligence in
Reducing Energy and Carbon Emissions of Commercial Buildings at Scale,’ evaluates AI’s impact on medium offi ce buildings in the United States. It highlights several key areas where AI can make a substantial diff erence. First of all, AI can enhance the effi ciency of HVAC
systems and lighting by learning and predicting optimal operating conditions. It can dynamically adjust heating,
cooling, and lighting based on real-time occupancy data, reducing energy use during off -hours. Finally, research shows that the latest tech provides precise control over building systems, allowing for real-time adjustments 24/7. “The study’s fi ndings resonate with our projects,” Mr
Karciauskas noted. “For example, in offi ce buildings we manage, there are 1,000s of data points that can impact energy performance, and no human can oversee that. When we employ AI to help us, we know what to focus on. During off -hours, our system reduces energy usage in unoccupied areas, and ramps it up just before peak usage times, enhancing both comfort and effi ciency.” The study highlights the importance of integrated
energy management as a critical strategy for achieving substantial emissions reductions and operational savings. It also highlights the economic potential of AI in building digitalisation. It compares business-as-usual (BAU) and low-emission power generation (LEPG) scenarios, where the latter includes the use of AI. It is considered the best- case scenario that can collectively lead to energy savings. “The integration of AI-for-energy in buildings, and
especially commercial buildings, is also a great way to attract investors,” Karciauskas added. “It is setting new standards for sustainability. Even though research focused on commercial buildings in the US, regulations in the EU are already confi rmed and businesses will have to shift towards sustainable solutions. It feels like we’re fi nally making it through in the commercial sector, which is still heavily responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.” In Poznan, Poland, buildings equipped with Exergio’s
AI platform achieved 20% reductions in energy waste, translating to fi nancial savings of €80k in 9 months.
Inbrief
GF Building Flow Solutions, formerly Uponor, has announced a new leadership team for UK and Northern Ireland. From August 1 it’s UK and Northern Ireland operations will be jointly led by Sam Barker, as head of commercial, and Amar Kataria who will be responsible for fi nance and operations.
www.georgfi
scher.com
Installers can now access Navien boilers within 24 hours thanks to a new strategic partnership between the boiler manufacturer and APP Plumbing and Heating, the independent distributor of plumbing and heating products..
https://navien.co.uk
Alpha, UK manufacturer of boilers and heat pumps, has strengthened its renewables team with the promotion of Dan Wilden to the newly created role of national renewables manager.
www.alpha-innovation.co.uk
Elta Group has acquired Air Movement Supplies in Ireland. The move means the group is set to signifi cantly increase its distribution network across the Republic of Ireland, allowing it to better serve customers, strengthen its product range, and boost production capabilities.
https://eltagroup.com
HEAT PUMP TRAINING QUALIFICATION NUMBERS SHOW SUSTAINED GROWTH
T
he Heat Pump Association’s (HPA) newly published Q2 2024 heat pump qualifi cation data demonstrates
increasing levels of interest in heat pump training in the UK, with just over 2,400 individuals successfully completing a heat pump training qualifi cation in Q2 2024, pushing the total to 4,875 for the year so far. This marks a 14% increase in the number of individuals trained when comparing the fi rst half of 2024 to the same period in 2023. Even more striking is the 37% rise in qualifi cations from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024. Laura Thomas, chair of the HPA Training Working Group, expressed her enthusiasm for this positive trend.
“The steady growth in people successfully
completing heat pump training courses refl ects the increasing recognition and value given to heat pumps as a key technology in the UK’s transition to Net Zero. The rise in qualifi ed individuals year on year solidifi es the eff orts of training providers to meet the demand of upskilling the workforce to support the growing market.”
Data referenced is based on the number of individuals
who have successfully completed one of the heat pump training courses that are eligible for the Heat Training Grant. Not all those qualifi ed to install heat pumps will be actively doing so.
Wolseley, a distributor of plumbing and heating products, and Panasonic Heating & Cooling, a global innovator in heating and cooling solutions, have announced an enhanced collaboration aimed at transforming the landscape of renewable heating technologies.
www.wolseley.co.uk
Glenn Price has joined Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK as an Applied Specialist. He will look to support and develop the company’s off ering across chillers, heat pumps and close control systems.
www.fujitsu-general.com/uk/
CIAT product ranges have been awarded the prestigious PEP (Product Environment Profi le) Ecopassport ® declaration. This achievement underscores CIAT’s dedication to minimising the environmental impact of its products throughout their entire lifecycle.
www.ciat.com
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September 2024 7
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