The Future of Sustainable Buildings: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

Summary: Humber College in Toronto, in collaboration with Siemens Canada, has developed a sustainable microgrid and renewable technology (SMART) lab to teach students about microgrids and energy management. By implementing smart controls, energy-efficiency initiatives, and retrofits, Humber College has reduced energy use per square foot over 20% and is on track to achieve a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a decade ago. Through the use of smart sensors, optimized building systems share information with each other to run buildings as efficiently as possible. The increasing number of data collection devices in buildings necessitates new tools to analyze and make sense of the data. Siemens Canada’s President and CEO states that while humans currently make decisions for building optimization, the future lies in machine learning, where systems can analyze vast amounts of data and make automatic changes to optimize performance. Siemens has launched an open, scalable digital platform called Siemens Xcelerator that monitors and manages all building systems and communicates with power grids to maximize their collective performance. Known as Building X, this technology allows for the comparison of building data to improve decision-making and predict future energy consumption. The future of sustainable buildings lies in the integration of artificial intelligence and digital twin systems, allowing for optimized energy use, reduced costs, and lower carbon footprints.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and saving operating costs in the building sector. Humber College is striving to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions 2050, with a range of sustainable digital technologies in place to hasten its progress. The SMART lab at Humber College utilizes microgrid monitoring and controller systems, distribution infrastructure, generation and load simulation equipment, battery energy storage systems, and solar power generation. One innovative feature of the lab is the Smartflower, an array of solar panels that tracks the sun throughout the day, generating 40% more electricity than stationary panels.

Building X, Siemens’ digital platform, allows for the integration of building data from various sources and systems onto a single cloud-based dashboard. This platform is not limited to Siemens’ hardware, making it possible for other vendors and building management companies to integrate their existing systems, reducing initial investment and additional costs. Digital twin systems are already being utilized a variety of companies, allowing for specialized analyses of different sectors. The trend in building management systems is moving towards faster data communication and greater processing power, enabling the seamless exchange of information between systems.

With the support of the Ontario government and Siemens, Humber College is investing in sustainable digital technologies and embracing the power of artificial intelligence to achieve its environmental goals. By harnessing the potential of AI, building managers can detect problems before they occur, optimize operating costs, and accurately predict future energy consumption. The future of sustainable buildings lies in the convergence of AI and digital twin systems, allowing for optimized energy use, reduced costs, and a significant reduction in carbon footprints.

Definitions:
– Microgrid: A localized group of electricity sources and loads that operates connected to the traditional grid or independently.
– Digital Twin: A virtual model of a physical asset or system that provides real-time insights, simulations, and predictions.

Sources: The Globe and Mail