AI transforming building and energy efficiency
- Leroy Clarke
- Dec 15
- 2 min read
What a topic… Leaning into the real life ramifications of AI in Building and instead of generating slop, potential measurable investment direction! Its an exciting space and one I was very glad hear more about from this esteemed panel at #Londonbuild2025.
“Digital twins are a holistic solution and need contribution and collaboration from all the parties in an organisation and can't be restricted”
A great way comment to start the conversation, on the collaboration… the idea on collaborating with your systems through interactive chatbots for Facilities Management. The option of ‘collaborating with your systems’ like you would a colleague is an interesting intersection of technology, data and context. This is an area where I see AI has the ability to excel! As long as it doesn’t start projecting its own issues on the environment, but.. imagine..
"How are you doing today, Building X?"
"I’m mostly fine, but there are heating fluctuations on floor 3’s east side."
"Any idea what’s causing it?"
"I’m missing SCADA data for that area’s heating unit, but temperature sensors show fluctuations. We've had six similar units fail recently in other buildings; all were fixed with a fuse replacement. Should I send those work orders?"
"Yes, please. Also, raise a work order with that probable cause and generate a report on where any of those units are in our portfolio. I’ll notify the maintenance team and ask how they want to proceed."
There was a continued focus on doing more with less, and how AI is changing how much can be done. There were some interesting conversations about how AI isn’t replacing jobs, but just augmenting people’s ability to respond. I’ve long been a proponent of the Augmented I, but for much of this world, I think replacing roles with AI will become common practice but will be worded differently. There are somethings that computers are just better at so we shouldn’t be afraid to
highlight when and where they will replace roles.
The last thing that really stuck out for me was…
How AI can support personalised communication with impacted people. GREAT IDEA and use case
But the comment from the presenter was one that caught me off guard… there primary benefit was the “perception” of increased user agency. Artificial intelligence can create the impression that individuals have control over information or outcomes, even when actual influence is limited. An interesting example of Social Engineering and control. I’m not sure how I feel about this one, it feels too close to mass manipulation for the party in power getting what they want.
There is no doubt AI is going to continue to disrupt the construction industry, and I love the idea of being able to have a contextual conversation with your assets. I am concerned that euphemisms are going to continue to dilute the perception of change and impact that is happening, and, how broadly AI is being implemented without visibility, or its underlying intention.
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