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Unlocking AI in Buildings: Your Path to Decarbonization
Could AI be the answer to achieving your sustainability goals?
Discover the future of smart buildings, where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing building management. A future where indoor spaces meet new levels of performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort with intelligent building systems.
The content that follows details what’s possible with autonomous controls, how it benefits building operations, and highlights a real-life example of using AI to help improve building performance and achieve decarbonization goals.
THE AGE OF THE SMART BUILDING
Smart buildings are nothing new. Connectivity has long been an essential component of efficient building management. But advancements in AI have turbocharged what’s possible for how we operate our buildings and infrastructure. BSRIA summed it up by saying,
“Artificial Intelligence has entered the smart building space, having a significant role in the enabling of advanced data analysis, predictive maintenance, and personalized occupant experiences.”
87% of businesses prioritize connected ecosystems for efficiency, sustainability, and operational improvements
78% of businesses prioritize optimizing existing systems, indicating a shift towards data-driven incremental improvements.
Source: Facilio , “State of Smart Buildings 2024”, 2024., Plant Engineering “Unexpected Downtime” 2018.
Despite its game-changing promise, only about half of buildings in the U.S. have some level of connectivity. This means many buildings are not capitalizing on the advanced technology available to streamline their building operations, improve occupant experiences, and meet sustainability goals.
How smart are commercial buildings in the United States?
THE COST OF DOING NOTHING
The uncertainty often associated with new technology makes some building operators hesitant to act, but there is a real cost to taking a “wait-and-see” approach, including:
MODERN BUILDING AUTOMATION
The power of AI is in its ability to use data to analyze and anticipate how to help improve building systems and operations. While every building is different and requires a tailored approach, best practices have begun to emerge.
Imagine a building manager who is always on. Scrutinizing your building data 24 hours a day, seven days a week — constantly observing, analyzing, and improving to optimize your system. That same manager continuously identifies optimization opportunities and adjusts in real time. Sounds like a no-brainer.
This is what’s possible with AI-enabled Autonomous Controls. The system gets smarter over time by following a well-defined loop.
Connect
Collect connected HVAC equipment and BAS data, including historical trends, as well as predictive data points such as weather forecasts.
Analyze & Anticipate
Forecast space temperatures, occupancy, and energy load with a high accuracy, two hours in advance.
Respond
Help optimize energy, comfort, and equipment wear, sending real-time commands to BAS and HVAC equipment.
This always-on autonomous loop helps to drive important building management efficiencies.
Continuous optimization beyond human abilities
Manages without the need for human intervention, major hardware upgrades, or reprogramming of on-site equipment.
Find the ideal balance of efficiency, comfort, and cost
Help optimize indoor conditions while simultaneously reducing the overall energy required to produce a consistently comfortable and productive environment.
Drive simple, tangible ROI by helping to reduce GHG emissions
Perform higher-order optimization that can help reduce energy costs. Simplifying daily operations reduces wear and tear to prolong equipment longevity.
The results speak for itself:
Reduce
HVAC Energy Costs Up to 25%
Operations Optimizations
Employee Productivity
Reduce
Carbon Emissions Up to 40%
Extend
Equipment Service Life Up to 50%
Safety & Security
Improve
Occupant Comfort Up to 60%
Supply Chain Management
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Start with connectivity
Use open standard BAS protocols
Find the right collaboration
Start with connectivity
High-performing connected building systems are a critical first step to an autonomously controlled building.
Start with connectivity
Use open standard BAS protocols
Find the right collaboration
Use open standard BAS protocols
Your system will only ever be as good as its data. Using a standardized approach ensures you are building the system off accurate, quality data.
Start with connectivity
Use open standard BAS protocols
Find the right collaboration
Find the right collaboration
Working with an experienced, trusted collaborator ensures you’re using a tested, secure product built on industry standards and best practices. It will help the entire project run seamlessly – from system design to implementation and ongoing management.
Additional Resources
A Journey to Exceeding Decarbonization Goals through AI-enabled Building Technology
Learn how a Trane customer realized $777,000 in reduced energy costs using autonomous controls. The decarbonization goals, set by their parent company, included a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2025 and to be net zero by 2035.
Read the Customer storyOpens in a new window.Technology that seeks out and implements energy optimization — without human intervention
Discover how to accelerate multi-site efficiency and carbon reduction without sacrificing comfort. Trane® Autonomous Control Powered by BrainBox AI® is here to propel building performance and decarbonization forward using advanced AI.
Learn more todayOpens in a new window.Unlocking the Potential of AI in Buildings
DIVE DEEPER: Watch our webinar, hosted by ASHRAE®, where our controls and building intelligence experts delve into the latest technologies, market trends, key considerations, and invaluable resources to guide you through every crucial step of your next project.
Watch the webinarOpens in a new window.