AI is evolving from providing automation to becoming a strategic partner in managing buildings’ energy performance. Energy experts discuss human-AI interaction in this process.
An increasing amount of scientific studies and reports highlight the growing influence of AI in the development of intelligent energy-efficient buildings. These advancements are replacing traditional ways of how energy consumption is managed, bringing not just cost reductions but also a boost in comfort for occupants. Energy performance experts from Exergio, a company that develops AI-based solutions for buildings’ energy performance, discuss the evolution and future of AI-powered green properties.
“In many buildings, data from thousands of sensors is constantly processed to maintain optimal performance. The next step here is to enhance human-AI interaction, allowing building operators to ask specific questions and receive direct, actionable insights. This is where real progress happens – when AI becomes an integral part of decision-making,” said Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio.
Studies on intelligent buildings emphasize predictive maintenance, where machine learning predicts potential equipment failures before they disrupt operations, reducing downtime and costs. It also explores the potential of reinforcement learning in adapting building operations to real-time changes, like fluctuating occupancy or varying weather conditions. This adaptability is key to enhancing energy efficiency further.
Current challenges lie in efficiently managing the big (building) data. In commercial buildings, sensors generate thousands of data points every day, which raises a need for novel approaches to managing energy performance.
“It is important to note that the future of AI in buildings is not just about the immediate efficiency – but also long-term sustainability,” Karčiauskas added. “AI is currently evolving something that we could call a strategic partner. A partner we all should get acquainted with, because it will help us meet our most ambitious environmental goals over the next decade.”
Exergio is stepping up the integration of AI in ways that support human oversight rather than replacing it. The company’s AI platform and predictive analytics system are currently focusing on big commercial buildings such as offices and shopping centers, reaching energy waste reductions of up to 20%. The next step is to make building management more proactive, with real-time interaction with AI.
“We wanted to find ways that could anticipate challenges before they become problems, and AI seemed to be the best solution here. We foresee a future where AI can guide people through complex scenarios, offering options that balance cost, efficiency, and sustainability,” Karčiauskas explained. “This collaboration between human expertise and AI-driven analytics will be vital for addressing the increasingly complex demands of modern building environments.”
Exergio’s AI platform has already proven successful in various projects across Europe. For instance, in an office building in Poznan, Poland, the system reduced energy waste by 20%, leading to €80k in savings within nine months.
Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio