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Autonomous building tech start-up aims to save HVAC costs

Autonomous building technology start-up, BrainBox AI, has launched its AI-powered system in the UK and Irish commercial real estate markets.

BrainBox AI has implemented its technology in 10 buildings, representing more than 1 million square feet of commercial real estate, with rapid expansion planned in the short-term.

BrainBox AI’s technology combines deep learning and cloud-based computing algorithms to support a 24/7 self-operating building. By using AI to predict a building’s thermal load, BrainBox AI’s technology enables the HVAC system in a building to operate autonomously, in real-time.

This produces a saving in total energy costs of up to 25%, which is achievable in fewer than three months, a 20-40% reduction in carbon footprint and a 60% increase in occupant comfort, according to the start-up. Building operators can also see a 50% improvement in HVAC-related operations and maintenance costs.

Sam Ramadori, chief operating officer at BrainBox AI, said: "Heating and cooling represent 45% of the energy used in commercial real estate, and traditional HVAC systems are reaching the limit of how that use can be optimised. With cost control and environmental concerns at an all-time high, we need to embrace new ways of reducing the energy footprint that commercial real estate has. It is exciting to see how autonomous AI is creating entirely new approaches to delivering material energy savings.

"Expanding into the UK and Ireland will allow BrainBox AI to help more real estate operators better manage building energy consumption and costs."

BrainBox AI’s technology has been implemented by 10 launch customers, supported by its European resale partner, Clevernet. One of these customers is Henderson Park Capital, which is looking for new and innovative ways of optimising the operational efficiency and sustainability of their buildings.

Shane Deasy, founder and CEO of Clevernet, said: "As occupancy levels in commercial buildings continue to fluctuate and carbon taxes increase, we believe technology will play a key role in helping building owners and managers to reduce their energy costs. BrainBox AI’s technology is a game changer, bringing a level of automation to commercial buildings that has never been seen before." 

Since its launch in May 2019 in Canada, BrainBox AI has installed its self-learning technology in more than 30 million square feet of commercial properties, across four continents.

Image: 119014791 © Aleksandrs Kendenkovs | Dreamstime.com

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