AI scepticism must not hinder breakthroughs in built environment, warns Arup global digital leader

With urbanisation continuing at an unprecedented rate and the number of people living in cities expected to increase by 2.5 billion by 2050, the sector faces the challenge of meeting this growing population’s needs while reducing emissions and restoring biodiversity. Currently one of the most polluting sectors of the economy, the built environment is responsible for 37% of global emissions, greater even than transportation at 25%.

Without radical change in the sector, it will be impossible to make the emissions cuts agreed in the Paris Agreement to hold global average temperature rises under 1.5°C. Already AI is helping design lower carbon buildings and deploy nature-based solutions to help cities cope with rising heat and rainfall. And it is likely that AI and advanced digital technology will hold the key to developing vital low-carbon alternatives to steel and cement.

This week representatives from major tech companies like Microsoft, NGOs, and government figures from the UK and Singapore joined the second annual Digital Horizons sessions hosted by global sustainability development consultancy Arup.

They discussed ways of overcoming the barriers to AI and advanced technology adoption and speeding up its development in the built environment. Attendees highlighted key examples of where it is currently being deployed. They included: using machine learning and satellite data to prevent flooding and reduce urban heat in cities; and an ambitious project of connected digital twins that integrate the physical and digital aspects of the UK’s energy system.

Formerly head of AI strategy at DeepMind, Will Cavendish is now Global Digital Leader at Arup and an adviser to the UK Government on advanced digital technology and AI. He said: “The debate around AI is plagued with scepticism. But we know this technology can drive sustainability, enhance resilience, and boost efficiency.