AI-based technology reduces building's environmental impact

​Sectors such as construction are still unable to take the necessary steps to combat climate change. Can implementing AI-based technologies help change this situation?

Today, although some sectors are increasingly aware that climate change is a reality, no drastic and direct measures are being taken to reduce its effects . More specifically, sectors such as construction remain unable to take the necessary steps to combat climate change. In this article, we will discuss some possible solutions to reduce the environmental impact of construction activities.

The impact of the construction industry on the environment

The construction sector is one of the most polluting sectors. In Europe, the construction, use, renovation and demolition of buildings account for 36% of CO2 emissions and 40% of total energy consumption. To reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry, national and international plans have been designed to achieve zero net energy consumption in new residential buildings by 2050.

However, the main goal seems to be too ambitious and some problems arise. Are these plans realistic? Are these types of buildings currently under construction? Does the department have the necessary tools to implement these measures?

Today, only a handful of residential buildings meet these requirements. One reason may be that designing and constructing low environmental impact and zero energy buildings results in a very complex and expensive task as it requires a highly skilled workforce trained in materials, standards and complex technologies that are very Difficult to learn and its integrations may not work with tools typically used in the industry.

From a technical, economic and organizational point of view, this innovation has great consequences for all actors involved in the process (management, manufacturers, installers, promoters, construction companies, It is a major challenge for architects, engineers and construction workers themselves).

We then discuss certain trends that may be critical for the industry to begin building zero-energy buildings at scale and reduce environmental impact.

AI-based building design technology

The diagram below shows how optimal planning and design can reduce a building’s carbon dioxide emissions by 50% %of. However, as mentioned earlier, designing the best possible building can be a difficult and time-consuming task.

When it comes to designing a building with almost zero energy consumption and low environmental impact, we see that due to the many factors involved such as its diversity and the way they interact in a dynamic way way, the design possibilities are endless. Additionally, each design has its own location, geometry, and environment.

It is important to remember that this is a multi-objective problem. It is enough to reduce the carbon footprint and achieve zero or almost zero net energy consumption, but they must also comply with indoor environmental quality conditions (lighting, noise, humidity), fit any budget and meet all regulatory and customer requirements, etc. Therefore, it becomes very difficult for a person to reach the optimal value of each variable through traditional methods, so one of the solutions to such problems is to use artificial intelligence-based technology.

At Lurtis we are developing AI4e3nvelope, a BIM connectivity platform that helps architects propose buildings with zero net energy consumption and low environmental impact during the design process. This is a collaborative project with the ABIO research group and the Computer Simulation Center.

AI4e3nvelope uses machine learning, heuristic optimization, energy efficiency simulators and life cycle analysis. Furthermore, it is designed to be easy to use and it will provide design ideas at very preliminary stages and at stages where the design requires further definition.

This means that if the basic geometry of the building has been defined, the tool will (based on the above goals) suggest the most suitable materials for the different building systems and for windows, doors and other elements, including active thermal systems such as ventilation, cooling and heating.

If the buildings are not yet defined and we only have the plot, this smart solution also analyzes and optimizes the shape, orientation and distribution of the buildings on the plot.

For each design produced by this technology, an analysis and evaluation of behavior is provided according to different quality objectives: energy consumption, interior comfort, environmental impact, cost, etc.

Off-site construction and other trends

To reduce the environmental impact of construction, in addition to having a good design, have good planning and better control of waste materials It is also essential. Therefore, we believe that one of the trends with the greatest impact is industrialized construction.

In addition, more trends and new methods are being researched and applied, such as the use of natural and recyclable building materials, new methods of repairing buildings as less built Alternatives, etc.

Now is the time for all agents to take firm steps to combat climate change. Lurtis has made this possible by developing this technology, so what steps will you take? ​

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