Insight Insight 2025-03-25
Using AI to drive decarbonisation and increase resilience in buildings
At the i-fm Workplace Futures Conference 2025, Aymeric Lasselin, our Managing Director of Equans Digital, presented about how AI is driving decarbonisation and increasing building resilience. From design to long-term management, AI is cutting emissions, reducing energy costs, and future-proofing infrastructure.
The environmental and climate imperatives
Increasingly frequent extreme weather events are exposing the vulnerabilities in existing buildings and infrastructure. Wildfires in California have destroyed homes and businesses, and flooding in the UK has caused widespread disruption. Buildings must not only survive these events but also excel in their aftermath - consuming less energy, emitting fewer emissions, and sustaining long-term performance.
At the same time, governments are setting ambitious net zero targets. With the built environment responsible for a significant portion of global emissions, FM teams are under increasing pressure to adapt and innovate. As the net zero sector grows in the UK three times faster than the wider economy, the increasing demand for technology-driven solutions is mounting. This is where AI comes in: it can help us build smarter, more resilient buildings that not only optimise energy use but also future-proof assets against climate risks.
AI’s role in decarbonisation and resilience
AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it is actively shaping the way we design, construct, and operate buildings. With significant global investment from organisations such as OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, AI is increasingly being recognised as a crucial tool in tackling both decarbonisation and resilience. When combined with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI has the potential to drive intelligent decision-making, optimise energy use, and future-proof buildings against environmental challenges.
At Equans, we are leveraging AI to transform building management. Through real-time data analysis, AI enhances energy efficiency, predicts maintenance needs, and streamlines operations before issues arise. Our proprietary SMARTR platform integrates AI with IoT to deliver tailored solutions for businesses that improve sustainability and resilience. By combining remote monitoring, energy management, and infrastructure assessments, we help buildings meet carbon reduction targets while mitigating operational risks.
We do this through:
Energy management
One of the biggest impacts of AI is in energy management. Today, AI can allow FM teams to automate processes, integrate diverse data sets, and optimise heating, lighting, and cooling in real time— all while maintaining operational efficiency. For example, in a large-scale defence sector project, our systems have delivered up to 40% energy savings across their built estate by adjusting settings based on occupancy and weather conditions.
AI doesn’t just reduce energy consumption - it also forecasts future needs. By analysing past usage patterns and weather forecasts, AI can make adjustments before demand spikes, reducing energy waste and operational costs.
Monitoring and maintenance of critical assets
AI is also transforming how we maintain vital systems and critical assets. With predictive maintenance, we can detect problems before they cause expensive disruptions. For example, in healthcare facilities, we’ve used AI technology to improve the resilience of vital hospital equipment. By deploying lightweight IoT sensors, we’ve been able to monitor the performance of critical HVAC and air conditioning systems in high-dependency areas like operating rooms, preventing system failures and ensuring environments remain safe. By doing this, we’ve reduced maintenance costs by up to 30% and extended the life of key assets. This AI-powered proactive approach ensures that equipment is maintained before failures happen, preventing costly downtime.
Infrastructure monitoring
AI is invaluable when it comes to monitoring building infrastructure. By tracking factors like air quality, vibration levels, and system performance, FM teams can ensure compliance with environmental regulations and reduce risk. For instance, in our work with the TransPennine rail upgrade project, we’ve used AI to validate design plans and monitor construction processes ensuring theymeet strict regulatory standards while reducing risks and avoiding costly penalties.
Data and skills
Beyond technology, AI’s success depends on high-quality data and skilled professionals. To bridge the skills gap, Equans has launched its Digital Academy in partnership with Multiverse, equipping teams with expertise in AI and data science to unlock the full potential of smart building solutions.
A greener, more resilient future
AI is more than just a tool for improving operational efficiency - it is a catalyst for transformation across FM and the built environment. By incorporating AI into building management, we can significantly accelerate decarbonisation, enhance resilience, and create infrastructure capable of withstanding the increasingly unpredictable impacts of climate change. AI allows us to design and manage smarter, more flexible buildings that not only meet the demands of today but are also prepared for the challenges of the future.
As AI technology continues to rapidly evolve, its role in achieving a more sustainable, net zero future for the built environment becomes even more critical. Whether optimising energy use across complex estates, forecasting asset maintenance needs, or improving compliance with carbon reduction policies, AI will be a key enabler of sustainability and resilience. By fully embracing AI, we can unlock new possibilities for a greener, more resilient built environment - one where buildings actively contribute to environmental and economic sustainability.
