A study by Aireavu and Portakabin has found that artificial intelligence can cut energy waste by up to 87%
The study found that the use of AI in modular building systems, such as monitoring and controlling energy usage and waste, can be extremely effective.
Cuts to energy waste of up to 87% were recorded in the research, in collaboration with University College London, Verv, d-fine, and co-funded by Innovate UK.
Portakabin’s buildings were used in the test
Pilots were undertaken in several Portakabin buildings over the past year, creating 10m data points to analyse every month, and the results show that most user-driven wasted energy can be eliminated with AI.
This was achieved in most tests while still maintaining a comfortable and stable indoor environment, which could still be controlled by inhabitants through, for example, temperature controls. D-fine, who specialise in AI assurance, confirmed high standards of the AI and its trustworthiness, transparency, reliability, and user-friendly operation, making it suitable for use as AI in modular buildings.
Nic Shulman, CEO, Aireavu, said: “This breakthrough demonstrates how Aireavu’s technology can transform energy performance in modular buildings. By using trustworthy AI, we are helping organisations cut waste, reduce emissions, and take meaningful steps towards net zero.”
Aidan Pearce, head of Design, Engineering and Innovation at Portakabin, said: “With rising energy prices, businesses need solutions that save energy and improve efficiency. With this research, our customers will be able to see the benefit of AI controls and can make better informed decisions about their energy usage.”
A new global standard for the use of AI
Earlier this month, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors launched a new landmark global standard for responsibly using AI in construction.
Writing for PBC Today, Darius Pullinger, RICS senior standards assurance specialist, discussed how the standard aims to tackle complacency, and put humans at the heart of decision making.
Darius wrote: “AI has been changing the shape of the built environment industry over the last few years and it is anticipated that the profession will need to adapt to different and new roles.
“More recently, however, the convergence of various technical, social and professional conditions has meant that a particularly sharp impact has been felt in a number of sectors, such as building surveying and construction.
“That industry context required an appropriate collective response in order to put the profession on a secure footing in anticipation of the continuing advance of this technology. That response has now come in the form of Responsible Use of AI – a new, global professional standard published by RICS.”
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