• Artificial Intelligence is enabling dynamic control of energy systems in commercial buildings, cutting energy consumption by up to 30%.
• Real-time optimisation of HVAC, lighting and power infrastructure is enhancing sustainability and profitability in the built environment.
• From China to Singapore and beyond, leading players such as iSoftStone and Neuron Digital are shaping the next generation of intelligent, energy-efficient real estate.

As the climate crisis intensifies and energy prices continue to rise, the commercial real estate (CRE) sector finds itself at a crossroads. Office towers, retail malls and hotels are among the most energy-intensive elements of modern cities–yet much of their consumption is wasted through outdated systems and manual processes. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI), a transformative force redefining how buildings consume, conserve and manage energy.

From optimising air-conditioning in empty boardrooms to fine-tuning lighting based on real-time occupancy data, AI is ushering in an era of responsive, data-driven architecture. This transition is not just about reducing carbon footprints–it is about turning real estate into intelligent infrastructure that adapts to people, weather and market signals.

Smarter Buildings, Lower Emissions

Conventional Building Management Systems (BMS) typically operate on fixed schedules or reactive maintenance, leading to inefficiencies. AI, however, brings predictive intelligence to the table. By processing data from thousands of IoT sensors–monitoring occupancy, temperature, humidity, light levels and utility costs–AI platforms can make real-time decisions that continuously optimise energy use.

According to a recent study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Artificial Intelligence has the potential to reduce building energy use by up to 40% when integrated with low-carbon technologies such as solar power and energy storage. Under these conditions, CO₂ emissions could be cut by as much as 90% compared to business-as-usual projections for 2050 [1] .

In practice, this means an office building can pre-cool certain zones in anticipation of a warm afternoon, dim lights in unoccupied meeting rooms, or shift loads to off-peak periods–all without human intervention.

Energy Intelligence in Action: Offices, Malls and Hotels

Office Buildings

AI solutions like BrainBox AI and Siemens Desigo CC are already being deployed across corporate offices worldwide. By predicting internal conditions and adjusting HVAC systems accordingly, these platforms can deliver energy savings of up to 25%, while reducing carbon emissions and enhancing workplace comfort [2].

Shopping Malls

Retail environments are energy-intensive due to varied tenant needs and long hours of operation. In Hangzhou, Alibaba’s Xixi Campus mall deployed an AI-enabled energy management system that reduced energy use by 30% during off-peak hours while enhancing footfall comfort and operational control [3].

Hotels

Hotels face the dual challenge of ensuring guest comfort while maintaining energy efficiency. Hilton’s AI-powered “Connected Room” platform adjusts temperature, lighting and ventilation based on real-time guest preferences and check-in data, contributing to a 36% reduction in energy consumption per square metre over ten years [4].

China: Pioneering Smart Infrastructure

China is rapidly advancing Smart City and Smart Building initiatives under its broader green development strategy. At the forefront of this transformation is Beijing’s Galaxy SOHO complex, where Baidu’s AIoT platform coordinates everything from HVAC and elevators to lighting and security, resulting in a 28% reduction in energy expenditure [5].

Shenzhen’s municipal government is piloting city-scale digital twins that simulate and predict energy consumption across public and private buildings. This allows authorities and developers to make evidence-based decisions about load balancing, equipment upgrades and green retrofitting.

One of the drivers behind this acceleration is iSoftStone, a Venturous Group core investment company. As a digital transformation specialist, iSoftStone is delivering integrated AIoT and cloud-based platforms for smart buildings across China. Its real estate solutions analyse large-scale energy data, enabling predictive maintenance, optimal energy use and ESG compliance. By helping real estate operators shift from reactive to proactive energy management, iSoftStone is playing a pivotal role in the sector’s decarbonisation.

Southeast Asia: Urban Efficiency in Action

In Singapore, commercial developments are rapidly embracing intelligent energy management to meet Green Mark standards and reduce operational costs. Marina One–one of the city’s flagship green buildings–uses AI-driven BMS to adjust climate control and lighting based on occupancy and CO₂ levels. This has enabled energy savings of up to 35% compared to standard commercial buildings [6].

Venturous Group’s joint venture company Neuron Digital is actively enabling this shift. Neuron offers a cloud-native digital twin platform that integrates with IoT, AI and BIM data to provide real-time insights into building performance. By simulating and predicting operational outcomes, Neuron’s platform allows property owners to anticipate peak loads, reduce emissions and extend the life of assets. Their clients are using Neuron to meet stricter sustainability requirements while improving tenant satisfaction and investor returns. Neuron’s solutions are already live in developments across Asia, contributing directly to smart urban infrastructure.

A Global Outlook: AI in CRE Worldwide

Beyond Asia, AI adoption in commercial real estate is accelerating globally:

• United States: Companies like Stem Inc. and GridPoint are deploying AI-powered systems that integrate with virtual power plants (VPPs), allowing commercial buildings to respond to grid signals and participate in demand-response programmes.

• Europe: In Germany, Siemens and Schneider Electric are embedding AI into their building energy management platforms, helping facilities meet stringent EU sustainability standards. The EDGE Olympic office in Amsterdam, one of the smartest buildings in the world, uses AI to optimise lighting and energy usage based on real-time environmental and human data.

• Australia: Sydney’s Barangaroo South precinct features AI-integrated systems that manage cooling, heating and lighting across its mixed-use developments, with projected energy reductions of 50% below conventional benchmarks.

According to the International Energy Agency, digitalisation of buildings–led by AI and data analytics–could reduce total building energy use by 10% globally by 2040 [7].

Looking Ahead: Autonomous, Net-Zero Buildings

The future of commercial real estate lies in fully autonomous, net-zero buildings. With AI at the core, buildings will not only optimise internal operations but also generate, store and trade their own energy. AI will coordinate rooftop solar, battery storage and even vehicle-to-grid systems to minimise reliance on the grid.

For investors, developers and operators, embracing AI is no longer optional–it is essential. As ESG standards tighten and tenants demand higher sustainability performance, AI will be the cornerstone of competitive advantage in real estate.

Venturous Group, through its core investment in iSoftStone and joint venture company Neuron Digital, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Together, they are helping cities and companies build a smarter, cleaner and more resilient built environment.

Sources:

[1] Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory – The Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Energy Savings in Buildings  [2]BrainBox AI – Smart Building Case Studies [3]Alibaba Cloud – Smart Mall Energy Management  [4]Hilton Sustainability Report – Travel with Purpose [5]Baidu AI City Solutions [6]Building and Construction Authority, Singapore – Green Mark Projects [7]International Energy Agency – Digitalisation and Energy