Monday Live! community gathered for a dynamic final session on AI readiness in smart buildings, the discussion tackled one of the sector’s question how ready is our HVAC silo to unlock AI’s full potential. “It’s time to talk about tearing down walls – the digital kind.
The panel addressed a persistent challenge in the smart building industry: silos. The conversation extended beyond just HVAC versus lighting, exploring how AI can serve as a catalyst for breaking down these barriers and achieving truly integrated building systems. However, the pressing question remains: are we, as an industry, truly ready to leverage AI to its full potential? The insights shared were both thought-provoking and essential for anyone involved in shaping the future of the built environment.
The Big Takeaway: Silos Are the Biggest Roadblock
A recurring theme this month has been the fragmented nature of building systems—HVAC, lighting, security, and more—operating in isolation. As noted, “We are the bottleneck. We don’t even share data among ourselves, let alone across other verticals.” The group agreed that while industries like aviation and retail seamlessly integrate data (think Hertz and American Airlines syncing reservations decades ago), building automation still lags behind. The discussion firmly established that the building automation industry is often its own worst enemy when it comes to data sharing and interoperability.
As pointedly stated, “We’re the problem… we’re in our own little private silo.” This lack of communication hinders the realization of true smart building capabilities.
Why It Matters
- AI needs data, but if critical information is trapped in proprietary systems or PDF leases (as highlighted by David’s example last week), AI’s potential is stifled.
- Enterprise value is being left on the table. Panelist Jim Lee pointed out that analytics often reveal inefficiencies in outsourced operations, but transparency can be politically fraught.
- Cloud and edge computing offer solutions, but their adoption is uneven. As Keith Gibson emphasized, “The cloud is the aggregator—we don’t need separate networks if we can connect securely.”
Value Proposition is Key: The conversation emphasized that the driver for change isn’t technology for technology’s sake but rather the compelling business value that cross-silo integration can deliver. As one speaker said, “We’re not selling Linux, we’re not selling Interoperable Building Boxes; we’re selling that they’re gonna be something better.” The potential for significant cost savings and operational improvements is a powerful motivator.
Beyond Energy Efficiency: The discussion moved beyond the traditional focus on energy savings, highlighting the broader implications of smart building technology for asset management and overall building performance.
The Procurement Hurdle: The way buildings are currently purchased and specified (bid and spec) was identified as a major obstacle to innovation. This process often discourages the adoption of integrated, AI-driven solutions.
Who’s Responsible for Change?
A key question emerged: Who should drive cross-silo collaboration?
- Vendors? They must make systems interoperable and AI-ready.
- Building owners? Progressive ones (like Marty Kimbell at Neiman Marcus in the 2000s) already see data as a strategic asset, but they’re rare.
- Trade associations? Groups like ASHRAE or NACS could champion best practices.
- AI itself? Panelists speculated that AI might force the issue by making siloed data obsolete.
The Path Forward
- Enable AI at the edge. Embedding intelligence directly in devices could reduce dependency on centralized integration.
- Focus on vertical markets. Hospitals, retailers, and universities have unique needs—tailored solutions may gain traction faster.
- Build compelling use cases. As Glenn stressed, “Show how shared data saves $30/sq ft, and the C-suite will listen.”
April’s Theme: Ontologies
Next month, Monday Live! shifts to ontologies—how we structure data to make it universally meaningful. If AI is the engine, ontologies are the blueprint.
Watch the full session: Monday Live! March 31, 2025
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“AI won’t replace humans—it’ll make us better humans.”
—Danielle’s quote echoes the group’s optimism.
#SmartBuildings #AIReady #BuildingAutomation #MondayLive
