Energy-efficient construction experts analyze digital solutions at the last SUSTAIN Webinar

The SUSTAIN project has successfully concluded its latest webinar on November 29, 2023, spotlighting innovative digital solutions driving energy efficiency within the building sector. Titled “Digital Solutions for Energy Efficiency in the Building, Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence,” the webinar aimed to empower cluster managers and enhance cross-cluster knowledge sharing in a bid to advance expertise and adoption of pioneering solutions.

The primary objective of this webinar was to equip cluster managers with the requisite knowledge to explore and embrace innovative solutions in the realm of building energy efficiency and smart technologies. The event, which took place from 10 to 11 am (CET), hosted esteemed speakers and presented real-world examples, focusing on the practical application of digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing energy efficiency strategies.

Digital twins, creating virtual replicas of buildings to capture real-time data on various metrics such as temperature, occupancy, and energy consumption, were at the core of discussions. AI algorithms, leveraging this data, enable informed decision-making to optimize energy usage by adjusting heating, cooling, and lighting based on real-time conditions. Predictive analytics further assist in forecasting energy demands, fault detection, and integrating renewable energy sources, thus transforming buildings into smart, energy-efficient ecosystems.

Regina Enrich Sard, a distinguished Researcher at Applied Artificial Intelligence – Eurecat, spearheaded the theoretical part of the webinar. Topics covered included an in-depth explanation of digital twins in construction and the role of AI in energy optimization within buildings.

The practical part showcased two impactful case studies. Michalis Diakonikolis, Innovation Programs Manager at VERTLINER, spotlighted the application of autonomous drones for building analysis, citing a case study in Gerakas, Attica Region, Greece, where drone technology enriched Building Information Modeling (BIM) with critical information on materials and objects present at construction sites.

Merche Polo Carbayo, Industrial Engineer and Head of R&D Energy Efficiency Unit, Smart Buildings at COMSA CORPORATION, unveiled the Flexible Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) installation and Energy Community project. Carbayo presented the successful development at the fishermen’s dock in the Port of Barcelona, emphasizing the integration of photovoltaic modules in buildings to increase renewable energy generation and enhance sustainability.

The webinar’s outcomes underscored the pivotal role of digital twins and AI in transforming buildings into more sustainable, cost-effective, and comfortable environments. These innovations hold the key to addressing energy challenges, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and steering the building sector towards a greener future.