The real estate sector faces urgent challenges: buildings account for nearly 40 % of Sweden’s energy consumption and a significant portion of its greenhouse gas emissions. The demands on the sector are increasing as it must adapt to a renewable energy system with greater flexibility and efficient resource use.

EU directives impose stricter requirements for energy efficiency and smart technology, which pose particular challenges for small and medium-sized property owners. These owners often lack the resources and technical expertise to implement advanced energy solutions. We address this by developing AI-based tools that make it simple and cost-effective for property owners to implement and continuously optimize energy use, while adapting to a sustainable energy system.

The project begins with analyses and inventories where we map the conditions of small and medium-sized property owners. This includes assessing technical maturity, data availability, and the specific needs of each property. Together with property owners, we identify buildings particularly suitable for developing the solution – those with varying energy demands that can benefit significantly from more dynamic and intelligent control.

Next, we develop and test AI-based methods for energy optimization. These methods are based on viewing the building as an integrated system, where we analyze energy use, indoor climate, and power requirements together. We test and evaluate the solutions in real properties, measuring their effects on energy savings, comfort, and implementation costs. Based on the results, we develop scalable solutions that smaller property owners can use. Our goal is to enable more buildings to actively contribute to a sustainable energy system.

The results will primarily be used by property owners to reduce costs and climate impact. Through this project, we create the conditions for more buildings to become part of the renewable energy system.

Reference group

The project will have a reference group with representatives from BeBo – the Swedish Energy Agency’s network for residential property owners committed to energy efficiency, the National Roadmap for a Fossil-Free Building and Construction Sector, Algeno, as well as several local initiatives such as LFM30 and Klimatarena Stockholm, among others.