sustAIn4Build - AI competence for sustainable building management in climate neutral cities

Starting point / motivation

The technological advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) are driving disruptive change across different industry sectors. Generative language models like GPT-4 and Sonnet 3.5 and computer vision technologies (e.g. Meta AI's Segment Anything) are revolutionising the human-machine interaction. These AI technologies are key elements for future innovation.

AI technologies have the potential to increase efficiency and productivity among different lifecycle phases. Specifically, promising approaches are data-driven analysis of energy monitoring data as well as forecasts for energy optimization in energy management systems. Furthermore, these technologies can support planners to check regulative requirements. Therefore, AI technologies play a crucial role in achieving Europe's decarbonization goals.

However, the integration and adoption of AI technologies is a challenge for many companies in the building technology sector. A study by Statistik Austria reveals that more than half of the companies already use AI for text recognition and processing.

On the other hand, AI doesn't play an important role in 88 % of the companies due to a lack of AI skills and strategies to integrate AI technologies in their daily business processes. Finding the right application tools and generating value is a major challenge, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Addressing these challenges requires industry-specific and individualized training programs for AI technologies.

Contents and goals

The objective of the project sustAIn4Build is to develop workflows based on AI technologies to optimize processes to improve energy efficiency and sustainability throughout the entire building lifecycle - from design and construction to operation.

This project prepares Austrian companies in the building technology sector for the upcoming AI transformation process and supports them in developing strategies for the implementation of AI technologies in their workflows. The main contribution of sustAIn4Build is the SMEs training to establish AI skills to improve digital competence.

Methods

Therefore, a three-step approach is considered. First, the training focuses on AI basics skills and data science technologies. The second step is to develop a concept for integrating AI technologies to solve or optimise a specific use case. Finally, the companies can evaluate the outcome and benefits of this workflow.

This generic approach is essential to transform various processes in energy efficiency and sustainability within the construction project lifecycle. Moreover, this approach is addressed within 10 training modules and best-practice sessions in specific use cases among the lifecycle of a construction project.

The setting of each training module is designed to enable participants use of AI technologies in various use-cases. From basic theoretical concepts to complex practical scenarios, the training follows a modular structure.

Expected results

This project ensures an intensive knowledge transfer between academia and industry to foster participants' expertise and methodological skills in AI. The participating companies will have the competence to use AI technologies in an efficient way and to integrate the developed workflows in their daily business processes.

Furthermore, the developed AI frameworks and tools will be published as open source tools, enabling companies to adapt AI frameworks and tools on their own after the project is completed. In the long term, this project aims to prepare the participating companies in their digital transformation and strengthening their competitiveness.

The integration and application of AI technologies in corporate structures will make work processes more efficient and promote innovative solutions. Finally, the use of AI technologies in the field of building systems will ensure the estimation of energy saving potential in buildings and increase productivity in the design process of sustainable buildings.

Project management

Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Burgenland GmbH

Project or cooperation partners

• EAM Systems GmbH
• J.Pichler Gesellschaft m.b.H
• LIB – Landesimmobilien Burgenland GmbH
• PKE – Gebäudetechnik GmbH
• TB Wiesmayr e.U.
• VIE Build GmbH
• ZFG ALTHERM Engineering GmbH

DI Kathrin Schuller BSc
Steinamangerstraße 21
A-7423 Pinkafeld
Tel.: +43 (5) 7705 5463
E-mail: kathrin.schuller@hochschule-burgenland.at
Web: hochschule-burgenland.at
Web: forschung.hochschule-burgenland.at