Shimizu Corp. Develops AI Software to Design Greener Buildings
13:16 JST, August 14, 2023
Shimizu Corp. has developed software that uses AI to design energy-efficient buildings.
Until now, it usually took the major contractor about a month to design a green building, but the new software can shorten this process to a single day and is expected to improve accuracy.
Reflecting a growing global awareness of environmental issues, customers are increasing demanding that energy-saving measures be incorporated into the buildings they order. The company aims to attract business by streamlining its design process with AI.
The new software automates designers’ time-consuming work by having AI learn the complex processes involved in drafting plans for environmentally friendly buildings.
The software generates design proposals by optimizing the specifications for approximately 50 items, including window glass insulation, air conditioning systems and lighting, based on each client’s budget and desired energy-conservation rate.
By repeatedly tweaking the design in accordance with a customer’s requirements, the software creates a few different proposals — such as one that puts priority on maintenance and management, or one that emphasizes comfort — then outputs a final proposal for the client.
Conventionally, a building’s energy efficiency is calculated after all the specifications have been determined. If the specifications change, the calculations have to be redone from scratch. For large buildings, this sometimes takes more than a month.
There is growing interest in buildings with virtually zero energy consumption — known as Net Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) — especially for use as offices.
"Business" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan, U.S., Philippines to Strengthen Nickel Supply Chains; Reduce Reliance on China for Critical Minerals
-
Shinkansen to Have Private Rooms by FY 2026, JR Tokai Announces
-
Survey: 80% Worried About Recognizing AI as Patent Inventor; Respondents Fear Increase in Unverified Inventions
-
Ride-Sharing Services Start in Tokyo; Kanagawa, Aichi, Kyoto, Others To Follow Suit
-
Japan’s Docomo To Sell Contactless Smart Rings; Users Can Make Payments at the Wave of a Hand
JN ACCESS RANKING
- China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
- Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
- U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
- UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’
- JAL Airplane Experiences Radio Malfunction During Flight, Lands Safely By Relying on Light Signals