Don’t Believe the Hype — Here’s What AI Can (and Can’t) Do for Energy Modeling
- Octavian Vasilovici
- May 13
- 3 min read
AI is everywhere right now — especially in sustainability circles. If you’re a building owner, engineer, or sustainability lead, you’ve likely heard something like this:
“Can AI just model the whole building for us?”
“Do we even need energy consultants anymore?”
The hype is loud — but so is the risk of misunderstanding it. Because here’s the truth: chasing AI too early can cost you time, blow your capital planning, and leave you with reports that look impressive… but fall apart under scrutiny.
At OptiBuild Consulting, we’re bullish on smart tools. But we’re even more bullish on knowing when the tools are ready.
So, let’s break it down:
What can AI really do in energy modelling right now?
What’s still fantasy?
And how do you build a strategy that sees through the noise?
What Energy Modelling Is Still Best At
Building energy modelling (BEM) helps simulate performance — how insulation, HVAC systems, windows, lighting, and occupancy interact with external weather and internal schedules.
Gold-standard tools like IES-VE, OpenStudio, and eQuest are still the backbone of decarbonization strategies. They’re trusted, transparent, and deliver the precision required for compliance, financial planning, and real-world performance.
But they’re also time-intensive. They require manual input, deep expertise, and sometimes slow iteration. That’s where AI starts to sound appealing — at least on paper.
Where AI Can Help
While AI hasn’t revolutionized modelling yet, it’s showing promise in specific areas — mostly to assist, not replace.
1. Faster Model Generation
Using machine learning and computer vision, AI is being tested to extract geometry and systems data from BIM files or 2D plans — helping speed up early model development.
2. Smarter Calibration
Calibrating a model to match real performance data can be tedious. AI-driven tools are being trained to analyze utility data, weather, and occupancy to fine-tune models faster and more accurately.
3. Pattern Recognition
AI excels at spotting trends. In the future, it could help detect anomalies in occupant behaviour, equipment schedules, or energy spikes — feeding those insights into better scenario planning.
4. Retrofit Scenario Testing
Some pilot platforms are exploring AI engines that evaluate thousands of retrofit combinations — showing which deliver the best return, carbon reduction, or grant eligibility.
These are smart uses of AI. They’re augmentations — not automation.
Where AI Isn’t Ready Yet
Despite all the buzz, there are some very real limitations:
Lack of standardization between AI tools and core modelling platforms
Data privacy and interoperability concerns, especially for cloud-based simulations
Insufficient training data across diverse building types and climates
Transparency issues — AI needs to be auditable and defensible for code compliance, incentives, and certification
And let’s be blunt: Most of today’s AI integrations are either in academic settings, early R&D, or niche third-party tools — not yet part of mainstream, production-grade workflows.
So, Will AI Take Over?
Not anytime soon.
What we’re seeing is the emergence of AI as a layer on top of trusted tools, not a replacement.
Think:
Faster interpretation of data
Automation of repetitive tasks
More robust what-if analysis
But the real decisions — the kind that impact capital plans, compliance, and risk — still need experienced people who understand buildings, business, and tradeoffs.
How Optibuild Uses Energy Models Today
At OptiBuild Consulting, we create performance-driven energy models that support decarbonization, code compliance, and incentive alignment. We work with architects, engineers, and owners to guide retrofit strategy and validate project viability — using tools like IES-VE and OpenStudio that are rigorous, proven, and dependable.
Are we watching AI? Absolutely. But we don’t chase trends. We chase impact. When the tools are ready — and when they earn our trust — we’ll use them. Until then, we deliver results using platforms that work.
“The minute a tool becomes a shortcut for thinking, you’ve already lost the value of energy modelling.” — OptiBuild Consulting
Tired of buzzwords and black boxes? So are we. If you want energy modelling that delivers clarity — not confusion — let’s build something real.