Buildings have become one of the primary targets in the effort to cut energy costs, consumption and emissions. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (A.I.) is making many things more effective. Smart technology and A.I. are teaming up to take energy management in buildings to the next level.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently released three white papers that examine how technology is changing the practice of building energy efficiency. 

The first, Unlocking Energy Savings Using Building Energy Management Control Systems (BERMCS), examines how the technology monitors, controls and optimizes energy use within a building. The systems help building operators understand where energy is being used and wasted, and what can be done to improve performance. According to the paper, when properly integrated with existing building systems, BEMCS can help building owners reduce their energy use by anywhere from 10% to 25%.

The second paper, The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Building Energy Management Control Systems, examines how the integration of A.I. is transforming BEMCS. It is improving performance by enhancing energy audits, modeling changes in energy demand under different scenarios and optimizing HVAC systems. According to ACEEE, A.I. can reduce building energy use and carbon emissions by 8% to 19%, with some applications achieving even greater reductions.

Finally, Building Energy Management Control Systems for Small and Medium Commercial Buildings looks at opportunities for savings in buildings other than large, commercial facilities. It notes that while 70% to 85% of medium- and small-sized buildings lack BEMCS, they stand to reduce energy use by 10% to 20% if they adopt the technology. The paper notes that there are more than two dozen products available for sale in the United States tailored to small buildings. ACEEE adds that greater awareness, education and government programs to help small- and medium-sized building owners adopt BEMCS could help address this deficiency.