In the quest to make buildings smarter and more energy-efficient, a groundbreaking review published in *Energy Informatics* (translated from German as “Energy Information Science”) has shed light on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). Led by Tegenu Argaw Woldegiyorgis from the Department of Physics at Wollo University, the research systematically analyzed 268 publications, with 70 studied in depth, to uncover how AI is revolutionizing building performance and energy use.
Buildings are notorious energy guzzlers, consuming about 36% of global energy and contributing nearly 40% of CO₂ emissions. This makes them a central focus in the fight against climate change. Woldegiyorgis and his team found that AI offers powerful tools to improve energy forecasting, optimize consumption, and support the transition to low-carbon buildings.
One of the most compelling findings is the impact of AI on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. “We found that AI can reduce energy consumption in HVAC systems by up to 37%,” Woldegiyorgis explained. This is a game-changer for commercial buildings, where HVAC systems often account for a significant portion of energy use and operating costs.
The review also highlighted the role of AI in optimizing renewable energy integration. For instance, AI-driven solar scheduling can reduce costs by 35%, a boon for businesses looking to harness renewable energy sources without breaking the bank. Additionally, AI–Internet of Things (IoT) frameworks enable predictive control and fault detection, reducing emissions by up to 21%. This integration is crucial for achieving Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs), a goal that is increasingly important for companies aiming to meet sustainability targets.
However, the path to widespread AI adoption in the building sector is not without challenges. Data fragmentation, interoperability issues, high computational demands, and cybersecurity risks are significant hurdles that need to be addressed. Despite these challenges, the rapid growth in AI research since 2020 reflects the accelerating technological progress in this field.
The findings suggest that AI is poised to become a key enabler of resilient, efficient, and climate-adaptive building energy systems. As businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs, AI offers a powerful toolkit to achieve these goals. The research published in *Energy Informatics* provides a roadmap for the future, highlighting the potential of AI to transform the energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable built environment.
As Woldegiyorgis noted, “The future of building energy management lies in the intelligent integration of AI and IoT technologies. This will not only enhance energy efficiency but also contribute significantly to global climate goals.” With continued innovation and investment, AI could very well be the cornerstone of the next generation of smart, sustainable buildings.