As the world accelerates its efforts to combat climate change, the push for energy-efficient solutions in the built environment has never been more pressing. In the heart of this movement, a pilot project by intLife aimed at optimising energy consumption in office spaces is providing a glimpse into the future of sustainable buildings.
This AI-driven solution, currently being tested in a 2,800 sq. ft. office in Malaysia, leverages real-time data, machine learning, and sensor feedback to manage air conditioning and lighting systems more effectively than traditional models.
The environmental benefits are clear: the system reduces unnecessary energy usage, lowering both electricity consumption and the carbon footprint associated with building operations. Unlike conventional systems that rely on fixed schedules, this innovative approach adapts to real-time occupancy and environmental conditions. Through predictive modeling, it automatically adjusts settings, turning off lights and air conditioning when rooms are unoccupied and modulating temperature according to usage patterns.
The result? A potential 15-20% reduction in energy use for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and lighting.
Meeting Sustainability Goals with Precision
“The solution aligns with the sustainability goals of its corporate partners by directly addressing energy waste and carbon emissions. Malaysia, which has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, is a prime example of a market where this technology can make a significant impact,” says AikHong, Chief Technology Officer of intLife.
With specific targets set for energy savings—20% for residential buildings and 23% for commercial and industrial sectors—this solution supports the country’s broader ambitions. The pilot results so far are promising, with early data suggesting a 15-25% reduction in energy usage and a measurable decrease in carbon emissions.
Property owners benefit from detailed cost-saving projections, offering clear financial incentives in addition to the environmental advantages. The system’s back-end dashboard allows for continuous tracking of carbon emissions, helping owners report their environmental impact in real-time.
This combination of energy savings and financial insight makes the solution particularly attractive to property managers and business owners looking to meet both sustainability targets and cost reduction goals.
The Role of AI in GreenTech Innovation
At the heart of this solution lies an artificial intelligence model that sets it apart from traditional energy management systems. Rather than relying on fixed schedules or static parameters, the AI learns from user behavior, continuously adapting to optimize energy use.
It integrates IoT sensors that gather real-time data from the environment, while a wireless mesh network connects the system’s components, making it scalable and easy to deploy across various infrastructure types—particularly in older buildings where retrofitting can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.
This flexibility is particularly valuable in the ASEAN region, where markets face diverse infrastructure challenges. The system’s wireless design allows for rapid installation, with an upgrade requiring as little as four hours. The solution’s low-tech entry point makes it feasible for property owners across the region to implement, even in buildings that may not be equipped with the latest energy-efficient systems.
From Pilot to Scalable Solution
The success of this pilot project has opened the door to scaling the technology across larger buildings and even smart city initiatives. The company plans to expand its reach to high-energy-cost markets and to tap into the smart city movement, starting with Esentral, a low-carbon city project in Malaysia. The collaboration with UOB FinLab has been crucial in navigating local regulatory landscapes and connecting with potential clients across various sectors, from healthcare to hospitality to education.
In each of these industries, the technology adapts to meet specific sustainability needs. In healthcare, for example, where precise temperature control is essential, the solution offers predictive maintenance and optimized temperature regulation. In hospitality, it balances guest comfort with energy efficiency, while in education, it tailors energy management to fluctuating occupancy rates in classrooms and common spaces.
A Financial Model for Long-Term Sustainability
The business model behind this solution is also designed for long-term financial viability and scalability. Property owners pay for the hardware upfront and subscribe to the software service on a monthly basis, with an additional performance-based fee tied to the energy savings achieved. This structure ensures that the company’s incentives are aligned with the goals of its clients, focusing on continuous optimization for maximum efficiency.
The recurring revenue model, combined with performance-based components, offers financial stability while reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering measurable environmental results. By providing detailed metrics on energy savings, carbon reduction, and user satisfaction, the company ensures transparency and accountability, helping clients track both economic and environmental impacts.
A Vision for a Sustainable ASEAN
Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its reach across the ASEAN region, focusing on markets with high energy costs and strong sustainability mandates. The GreenTech Accelerator program has been instrumental in helping the company refine its go-to-market strategy, adapt its solution to regional needs, and build partnerships with local integrators. This support has accelerated the company’s growth and positioned it as a key player in the region’s transition to a more sustainable built environment.
As the ASEAN region, along with the broader global community, moves towards net-zero emissions, solutions like this one offer a tangible way to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints in a wide range of building types. By providing easy-to-implement, data-driven insights that optimize energy use, the solution not only helps meet regulatory targets but also paves the way for a smarter, greener future.
In the ever-evolving GreenTech landscape, this innovative pilot is a step toward a more energy-efficient world, one building at a time.