AI Solutions in Smart Buildings — a case study on HVAC efficiency

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly been applied in smart buildings to enhance energy efficiency, security, predictive maintenance, and occupant experience. This assignment invites students to submit case study reports that explore AI applications in smart building solutions to address a specific issue of a building facility in New Zealand. It evaluates the operational and performance aspects of the building based on the AIIB IBI 5.0 framework [1], and analyse the cultural, social and environmental implications of implementing the AI solution. This report is Dehardt’s case study on an office building in Auckland suggesting an AI solution to enhance HVAC efficiency.

AI Solution in HVAC Efficiency

Current situations

The office building is a 38-story office tower in Auckland’s financial district, which is facing sustainability challenges threatening its market competitiveness. Its current 4-star NABERSNZ rating is below market expectations and standards. The building requires infrastructure upgrades to meet evolving tenant demands and reduce environmental impact.

Energy use data reveals inefficiencies, with peaks during summer and persistent gas overuse, requiring a further 8% reduction in energy to achieve a 4.5-star rating.

Market Context and Risks

Tenant preferences are shifting toward premium, sustainable spaces. With new office developments adding 123,000 sqm to Auckland’s market, competition is increasing. The case building risks tenant attrition and devaluation if it fails to enhance its sustainability rating, potentially reducing owner’s portfolio value and increasing financial risk.

Proposed Solution

BrainBox AI system is proposed in this report. It employs advanced machine learning (RNNs and LSTMs) to optimize HVAC systems, reduce energy consumption, and enhance operational efficiency. It integrates with the building’s existing Niagara 4.1 BMS, using cloud-based analytics for real-time data processing. This solution can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance tenant comfort, aligning the building with sustainability standards.

Evaluation Using AIIB IBI 5.0

The case building’s current Intelligent Building Index (IBI) score of about 51.2 could increase to 74.8 with BrainBox AI, improving Green (energy savings), Comfort (thermal adjustments), Working Efficiency, and e-Services indices.

Broader Implications

The solution supports New Zealand’s sustainability goals by integrating indigenous Maori values like kaitiakitanga. Its scalability across the owner’s portfolio could yield widespread benefits but requires addressing ethical and data privacy concerns.

[1] AIIB IBI 5.0 — Asian Institute of Intelligent Buildings: Intelligent Building Index 5.0 Manual. https://www.aiib.net/_files/ugd/080162_1ea06082e41849fe857fd9b532ccf2a4.pdf?index=true

Full report is available at https://grealab.weebly.com/proptech-cases.html