This session explores cutting-edge AI applications in building portfolio management and design, demonstrating how new tools can address persistent challenges in the built environment. The first presentation introduces a machine learning metamodel that leverages few-shot and zero-shot learning to rapidly estimate life cycle metrics for large building portfolios, overcoming traditional data limitations. The second presentation showcases a custom conversational AI assistant that automates early-stage building energy benchmarking, offering accessible and streamlined data analysis for both experts and non-experts. The final presentation examines how AI and traditional methods compare in modeling airflow and exhaust dispersion in complex building designs, discussing AI’s potential to enhance laboratory air quality and system performance while acknowledging critical physics constraints. Together, these talks highlight how AI-driven strategies and metamodels are redefining design workflows, accelerating energy benchmarking, and addressing climate-related demands in the built environment.

This session presents innovative approaches to enhance building energy modeling workflows and tool integration. A BIM-BEM workflow integrates HVAC and lighting systems through shared occupancy sensor data for coordinated design. Research reveals how independently modeling energy efficiency measures leads to inaccurate savings predictions by neglecting synergies between measures. A Standard 232 case study explores standardized data exchange formats to improve interoperability between building performance software. These presentations highlight advancing methodologies for more accurate modeling and streamlined workflows.

TBA

Representatives from the conference sponsors discuss tools, techniques and policies that are available now to help improve productivity in design, construction and operations.

This session brings together innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions and improve material efficiency across building systems. The first presentation examines discrepancies in material quantity and embodied carbon estimations across different modeling approaches in two construction projects, focusing on MEP systems and highlighting the need for consistent methodologies in embodied carbon studies. The second presentation explores the operational carbon performance of Adohi Hall, a mass timber building at the University of Arkansas. Using real-world energy data and life cycle assessment tools, it demonstrates the significant impact of cleaner electricity and combined heat and power (CHP) systems in reducing long-term carbon footprints. The third presentation delves into circular economy practices within HVAC system design and operations, showcasing how modularity, reuse, and recycling can enhance sustainability while identifying key tools, challenges, and opportunities. Together, these presentations offer critical insights and data-driven strategies for advancing low-carbon, resource-efficient building practices.

This session explores innovative strategies to advance zero-carbon goals across diverse building typologies. The first presentation examines ENERlite's data-driven approach in the California Energy Commission’s Building Performance and Decarbonization Field Study, showcasing how energy modeling, automated calibration, and cost analyses inform policy and investment decisions for achieving zero-carbon targets in multifamily, office, retail, and supermarket sectors. The second presentation focuses on Model/Z’s innovative approach to productized modular construction, demonstrating significant materials waste reductions and embodied carbon efficiencies. Their modular strategy not only addresses affordable housing shortages in Los Angeles but also boosts local economies through job creation and workforce training. The third presentation details two industrial building projects in Montreal that attained Zero Carbon Building–Design v3 certification, comparing fully electric and partially gas-heated approaches. Together, these presentations provide practical, replicable insights into decarbonization pathways, from high-performance design and construction to informed policy and affordable housing solutions.