The human brain manages multiple systems in the body, and buildings can also utilize artificial intelligence to control facility operations. Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), together with CIC members Ir Simon LIU and Prof. Jack CHENG, visited Neuron Digital earlier to understand the smart building control system Neuron developed.
During the construction process, a project often simultaneously uses smart helmets, smart watches, monitors, etc., developed by multiple different suppliers. Similarly, different areas of a building often use different software for operational management. Neuron Digital aims to solve the problem of how to conveniently allow project managers or property managers to handle energy management, IoT notifications, etc., on the same platform. Neuron Digital has developed a comprehensive platform to assist in integrating and monitoring real-time massive data collected on-site safety, while using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse how to achieve emission reduction and energy conservation. In addition to the real-time application of data analysis in projects, it can also provide useful information for property management after completion, and can be referenced for the next project.
AI Ensures Workers' Safety
The Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) has recently used the Neuron system for elevator upgrade projects to monitor real-time site conditions and enhance construction site safety. The elevator upgrade projects were carried out at campuses in Sheung Shui, Kwai Chung, and Kowloon Bay. The project team utilised the Neuron system and 4G wireless network to connect AI cameras installed on-site, establishing a "Smart and Safe Site System (4S)" that allows managers to simultaneously monitor the real-time situation of workers at multiple sites from the control center to ensure workers' safety.
This Smart and Safe Site System automatically monitors whether workers are wearing personal protective equipment (reflective vests, safety harnesses, helmets, etc.) and the on-site safety conditions (presence of sparks, etc.), and promptly sends alert notifications to the management team via mobile phones to remind them to take immediate corrective actions. By using an automated monitoring system, the site environment can be monitored around the clock. This not only reduces the daily supervision time and workload for management personnel but also allows them to focus on improving construction safety and quality. Additionally, it enhances the team's emergency preparedness capabilities, enabling managers to promptly grasp the site and worker conditions, respond in a timely manner, and issue instructions.
Using Technology to Drive ESG Development
In recent years, the construction industry has placed increasing importance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Typically, property owners and facility managers may spend a significant amount of time collecting a large number of electricity and water bills to complete relevant ESG reports. However, with the assistance of the Neuron system, property management no longer needs to rely on manual data entry. They can now collect and analyse data and carbon emission information in real-time, making it easier to implement building recycling policies, research energy-saving measures, and reduce carbon emissions. Neuron utilizes 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to gather real-time "sensory data" from devices and systems, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, etc. By employing Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and cloud computing, complex information is visualized on backend panels or dashboards in a user-friendly manner.
Enhancing ESG Performance through Property Management Applications
Neuron Digital has interconnected various types of IoT monitoring devices. For instance, toxic gas levels in enclosed spaces are measured, sulfur dioxide levels are monitored in specific areas, and chiller water amounts are tracked to calculate cooling loads using AI. Operating data from refrigeration units, fan units, etc., can help the system immediately select the most suitable units to enhance operational efficiency and achieve energy savings. For example, a building in Taikoo Place that implemented the Neuron system saw a successful 15% reduction in energy consumption due to the predicted cooling load closely aligning with actual usage, with a deviation of less than 5%. The Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) utilized the Neuron system, saving 25% of energy while also monitoring air quality. In the case of a Grade A building, using the Neuron system is expected to break-even within six months, with some manufacturing plants even achieving payback within one to two months.
The establishment of The Smart Facilities Management Control Centre by CIC, utilising the Neuron system, manages facilities such as the HKIC Campuses in Sheung Shui, Kwai Chung, and Kowloon Bay, the Hong Kong Construction Industry Trade Test Centre in Aberdeen, and the headquarter in Kwun Tong. The centre can display a digital twin, including the entire building, in real-time through a digital model platform. Once integrated with CCTV and fire systems, the IoT-empowered infrastructure can monitor properties for potential risks such as carbon footprints, open fire doors, and water leakage, aiming to effectively promote sustainable property development and ESG performance, facilitating councils in progressing towards carbon neutrality goals.
As urban development accelerates, the modern construction industry is undergoing digital transformation to promote smart buildings and enhance environmental sustainability. Buildings equipped with artificial intelligence are achieving tighter interconnectivity across various facets of cities, fostering more comfortable and healthier indoor environments, ultimately enhancing people's quality of life.
