Qatar’s green building push ‘needs smarter operations’

Adaptive Building Intelligence (ABI), a startup developed by Khan, functions as an advisory platform that seamlessly integrates with existing Building Management Systems (BMS), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and energy meters. The platform's primary function is to analyze operational performance through the examination of historical operational records spanning months or even years.

This analysis enables building managers to identify recurring patterns of waste that often go unnoticed during regular operations. Khan emphasized the importance of recognizing these patterns over time, as they can reveal significant forms of waste that are otherwise invisible during day-to-day operations. He questioned whether the operational history of a building could expose such hidden inefficiencies.

Khan proposed that sustainability is not merely about using fewer resources; it is also about comprehending what we are already utilizing effectively to pinpoint areas of waste. He underscored the significance of Qatar's Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) as a regulatory framework that is driving demand for operational efficiency technologies.

Khan highlighted that GSAS, a unique green building standard developed by Qatar, requires certification for new commercial developments. This requirement creates a tangible problem that people are measured against, thereby generating genuine market demand. Notably, GSAS has since been adopted across the Gulf region, potentially influencing building assessments beyond Qatar.

To ensure data privacy, Khan clarified that ARVIS, the AI-powered platform, processes all operational data locally on-premises. Khan emphasized the untapped potential of a building's memory, suggesting that its past could provide valuable insights for making better decisions about its future.