Applications of Artificial Intelligence Enabled Systems in Buildings for Optimised Sustainability Performance

The building and construction industry has been recognized to be stagnant and slow in the digital transformation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of transformative information technology, and it offers competitive advantages to the construction industry to be more resilient and sustainable. Despite of this, there is a knowledge gap to identify how contemporary AI practice supports the decision making for creating sustainable buildings and cities. This paper aims to explore the main areas of AI applications in the built environment for delivering the goals of sustainable buildings and cities. A survey design method was used to investigate AI applications in the contemporary building practice. Surveys were distributed to 100 respondents working in AI technology or service providers by emails and online platforms. AI systems are adopted in the areas of HVAC, water management, smart parking systems, and security and alarm system. Smart vehicle parking system is identified as the main area with wider AI applications, followed by security and alarm system, water management system and HVAC systems. Smart water management systems are identified as a key opportunity area for AI adoptions in buildings and cities. AI enabled systems can improve the efficiency of resources management and optimize the energy efficiency in the built environment. The adoption of AI can assist governance of sustainable building and cities by analysing data and information of a building’s complexity and a city’s dynamics. Apart from the digital transformation, AI also helps to achieve significant contributions in delivering the goals of sustainable buildings and cities.