Current progress and boundaries
Building automation and energy forecasting are used in commercial buildings, but aging equipment, missing sensors, and changes in how spaces are used can undermine performance.
Why it remains difficult
Efficiency measures can affect temperature, air quality, or equipment lifespan. Buildings differ substantially, and reducing electricity use alone does not mean a strategy is appropriate.
Paths worth exploring
Start with read-only analysis and anomaly alerts, and ask facilities teams to confirm causes. Any automated control should have limits, human takeover, and audit logs.
How to evaluate success
Measure energy use per unit of floor area, comfort complaints, equipment alerts, and whether savings measures persist; compare by season and building type.