With buildings responsible for a staggering 36% of global energy use and 37% of carbon emissions, it’s clear that the way we design and operate them has a profound impact on the environment. But what if technology could help solve this problem? A recent study from Zhengzhou and Zhenjiang, China, with support from Egypt and Saudi Arabia highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is used to make buildings more efficient but also smarter and more sustainable.
The Problem: Buildings Are Energy-Hungry
Traditional buildings consume vast amounts of energy, and even “green” buildings can struggle to balance sustainability with performance. Often, the complexity of designing a truly sustainable building means that it takes longer to build and can be more expensive. Moreover, factors such as occupant comfort, energy consumption, and environmental impact are difficult to optimise manually.
AI to the Rescue
The study introduces advanced AI models that can drastically improve how we design and manage green buildings. By using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), the research has developed a predictive model that can optimise resource use, enhance comfort for occupants, and reduce the overall environmental impact of a building’s design.
Key AI techniques, such as graph neural networks (GNNs) and long short-term memory (LSTM), were found to be especially effective. These models can learn from data—like how a building uses energy throughout the day—and make real-time decisions to improve efficiency. The study shows that using these AI-based models can cut energy consumption by as much as 15% and improve overall energy management by 97%.
Important Implications
What makes this research stand out is its focus on real-world application. It’s not just about theory; the models were tested on actual datasets from building sites around the world. The AI systems excelled at predicting energy use, allowing for better design decisions that reduce both costs and environmental impact. Imagine a future where your office or home automatically adjusts its energy use based on your habits and the weather outside, all while lowering your carbon footprint.
The Bigger Picture
This kind of AI-driven approach to building design and operation could revolutionise urban sustainability. By making buildings smarter and more responsive, we’re not just creating more comfortable spaces—we’re also making a big dent in global carbon emissions. As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even greater efficiency and innovation in how buildings are designed and managed.
The future of construction is looking greener, and AI might just be the secret ingredient to get us there faster.
Source
Mahmood, S., Sun, H., El-kenawy, ES.M. et al. (School of Finance and Economics, Jiangsu University), Integrating machine and deep learning technologies in green buildings for enhanced energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, Sci Rep 14, 20331 (2024), Published 2024-09-02
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