In Brief:
- AI enhances smart buildings by predicting occupancy and environmental needs for improved comfort and efficiency.
- HVAC systems use AI to optimize energy consumption, processing real-time data on temperature, humidity, and weather.
- AI monitors equipment and lighting, detecting issues early and adjusting usage for cost savings.
- Construction design benefits as AI integrates data to improve planning, schedules, and overall productivity.
More than 25 years ago, the Long Island development community was hailing the introduction of what was described as “the smart building.” One could program a system to say: “If ambient temperature exceeds 72 degrees Fahrenheit, turn on the air conditioning” or “turn off the lights at 6 p.m.” It was thought to be revolutionary in controlling costs, providing for tenant or visitor comfort, and monitoring energy consumption.
If that was a “smart building” in the year 2000, hold onto your hats in 2026.
AI is taking the smart building and giving it a doctorate.
Far from the monitoring devices that were reactive in a smart building, AI is creating a learning curve that can predict needs, respond accordingly and then provide a level of efficiency that was unimaginable just several short years ago. It’s akin to comparing a programmable thermostat to a system that now understands the thermal dynamics of your entire building and anticipates your needs before you are even aware of them.
The most significant impact of AI will likely be in the area of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, which typically consume 40% to 50% of a building’s energy. Today’s AI systems are beginning to process data from sensors integrated into the design before the foundation is poured. These sensors will send real-time information to AI regarding temperature, humidity, occupancy and even outdoor weather conditions.
AI will then predict patterns based on occupancy data, anticipating when spaces will be used, and then direct the HVAC system to achieve maximum efficiency while protecting comfort levels. Its learning algorithms will continue to refine its response, adapting to changing weather and whether the space was actually used as AI initially predicted.
But that is not AI’s only use. Building owners know that traditional maintenance follows fixed schedules. The problem with this management tactic is that equipment could be replaced prematurely or, worse, the schedule misses the early warning signs of pending failure. AI systems will continuously monitor equipment performance. It is capable of detecting even subtle warning signs such as electric motors that seem a little “off,” fluctuations in electrical systems, or unexpected plumbing pressures. It is akin to having an all-knowing custodian with superpowers who is working 24/7.
Lighting systems will also be integrated with AI going far beyond the occupancy sensors that currently turn lights on and off when they recognize motion in a room. AI is now capable of reviewing space utilization data so that it understands how different areas are used throughout the day and provide light accordingly. That means a reduction in energy costs.
B2K Construction, and its president Jon Weiss, will spend many hours working on construction designs that will eventually become steel and concrete. AI systems have become an associate that can take what appears to be unconnected disciplines and create a holistic approach to building design and construction schedules. In the year to come it will not only demonstrate the ability to accumulate more information but to learn from that data and then offer solutions that create efficiencies and improve productivity at the construction site.
We are looking at an era when computing power is expected to become cheaper while AI becomes more sophisticated.
For developers welcoming in 2026, AI is offering an essential tool for design, construction and function that is ensuring smart buildings will now come with an advanced diploma.
Steven Krieger is CEO of B2K Development in Jericho, whose family of companies includes B2K Construction.
