Commercial buildings are significant contributors to the world’s carbon emissions. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an important tool for businesses looking to implement sustainable strategies. Integrating AI and smart technology into building operations, they can effectively manage energy use and reduce waste while keeping a comfortable and productive work environment.

Optimizing Space Utilization

One of the primary ways AI enhances energy efficiency in smart buildings is through better space utilization. Modern workplaces, for example, often experience fluctuating occupancy due to hybrid work models and flexible schedules. Some areas may be overcrowded while others remain unused, leading to inefficient energy consumption. Heating, cooling, and lighting systems often run at full capacity, regardless of how many people are present.

AI-powered sensors and analytics can address this issue by providing real-time data on occupancy patterns. Instead of relying on static schedules, AI systems adjust energy usage dynamically based on actual space utilization. For example, if a large conference room is empty for most of the day, AI can reduce lighting and HVAC output in that area, cutting down unnecessary energy consumption. Conversely, the system can increase ventilation and lighting to maintain comfort without wasting energy if an open workspace becomes busier.

Energy Management Systems

Beyond occupancy tracking, AI plays a crucial role in the broader management of energy within smart buildings. Traditional building management systems (BMS) often operate on fixed schedules or manual inputs, which can lead to inefficiencies. AI enhances these systems by continuously analyzing data from various building systems, identifying patterns, and making real-time adjustments to optimize performance.

For instance, AI can learn from historical energy usage data to predict peak demand times and adjust HVAC, lighting, and other systems accordingly. AI can preemptively modify settings to maintain comfort while minimizing energy spikes during a heatwave or cold snap. It can also integrate external data, such as weather forecasts, to refine energy management strategies.

Moreover, AI can detect inefficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed. It can identify underperforming equipment, leaks, or areas where energy is wasted, allowing facility managers to address issues before they escalate. This predictive capability reduces energy consumption and extends the lifespan of building systems, lowering maintenance costs.

Privacy-Conscious Occupancy Monitoring

While tracking occupancy is key to optimizing energy use, privacy concerns often arise when monitoring people’s movements within buildings. AI addresses this by leveraging technologies like body heat sensing, which detects the presence of individuals without identifying them personally. This ensures that data collection remains anonymous while providing valuable insights into how spaces are used.

By analyzing this data, AI can fine-tune energy management even further. For example, understanding when and where people gather in an office can inform heating, cooling, and lighting adjustments in those areas. A Fortune 500 company, for instance, used AI to identify impromptu team huddles and chair movements, which helped optimize office layouts and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

The Future of AI in Energy-Efficient Buildings

AI allows commercial buildings and businesses to further their energy-efficiency efforts through its data analytics. By combining AI knowledge with smart technology, facility managers can make real-time decisions in order to reduce energy usage throughout an entire building and optimize lighting, HVAC, and more to enhance employee comfort. AI has become a valuable tool used throughout the facility management industry.

Click here to read the full article, originally published December 11, 2024, by Buildings.com