Digitising a greener future with AI
The impending arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is finally among us. This tool has been teased as a revolutionary force that will transform our work landscape, making tasks such as driving cars, finalising financial decisions, and analysing data be completed with ease.
At Konker, we can see the infrastructure sector is already seeing AI’s great benefits, and decarbonisation is one area where its power is becoming increasingly significant.
Understanding the impacts of climate change and devising decarbonisation strategies, relies heavily upon data analysis, modeling, and constant updating processing – all tasks that AI excels in compared to humans.
In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries computing design has already developed remarkably, with AI serving as a key subcategory within it. To the point where Governments and asset owners now mandate the use of digital models and Building Information Modeling (BIM) as integral components of the design and engineering process.
We have outlined below 5 ways AI will significantly contribute to sustainable design in the not too distant future…
1- Reducing Embodied Carbon
Considering computational design right from the initial sketch by architects is essential to realising the benefits of AI. Tools such as Grasshopper, Dynamo, and other programming languages will play a significant role in AI’s implementation in the design industry.
2- Shaping Designs for a Circular Economy
During the initial design process, AI aids in enhancing accuracy and detail, therefore reducing the need for rework, and making it more efficient. Considering this aspect right from the start of the design process is crucial.
3- Lowering Operational Carbon Consumption
AI can collect information on solar, wind, and thermal comfort and adapt the system to respond more efficiently to changes in these areas. For example, computational design tools can analyse the amount of sunlight entering a building and automatically adjust lighting inside to optimize energy usage.
4- Using the Metaverse to Make Sustainable Decisions in the Real World
AI plays a crucial role in collecting and analysing data. This process effectively creates a sustainable metaverse that can be replicated in the physical world. For example, in water management, AI can predict the required amount of water based on the number of people using the infrastructure.
5- Creation of Green Infrastructure
AI has the ability to make our daily-life infrastructure smarter and more sustainable. For example, virtual reality (VR) is already used to understand the user experience during the design process.
