A recent Aireavu study in collaboration with Portakabin and UCL reveals that artificial intelligence can cut energy waste in modular buildings by nearly 90%, offering a transformative approach to decarbonisation and sustainable design.
A recent study conducted by Aireavu in collaboration with Portakabin and University College London (UCL) has demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) can reduce energy waste in modular buildings by up to 87%. Supported by Innovate UK and involving industry partners such as Verv and d-fine, the research focused on leveraging AI to monitor and control energy consumption efficiently while maintaining occupant comfort. Over the course of a year, pilots conducted across several Portakabin buildings generated approximately 10 million data points monthly, enabling detailed analysis of user-driven energy waste, most of which was significantly curtailed through AI intervention.
Importantly, the study ensured that indoor environments remained comfortable and stable, with controls allowing occupants to adjust settings like temperature. D-fine, specialists in AI assurance, assessed the system’s reliability, transparency, and user-friendliness, endorsing it for responsible integration in modular buildings. According to Nic Shulman, CEO of Aireavu, the technology represents a transformative opportunity for organisations to slash energy waste and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with broader net zero ambitions.
Portakabin’s Head of Design, Engineering and Innovation, Aidan Pearce, emphasised the relevance of such AI-enabled solutions amid rising energy costs, noting that clients will now be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding their energy usage. This development coincides with Portakabin’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, reflected in its broader energy-saving initiatives including the launch of the Energy-Saver modular range, designed to reduce energy consumption by over 60% through high-efficiency technologies like air source heat pumps and smart lighting.
This study is part of a wider UK-based project named TRUST2, led by UCL’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. TRUST2 explores the integration of advanced AI and machine learning (ML) to optimise building management, with a strong emphasis on responsible AI use and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, particularly focusing on energy consumption and scope 3 emissions. Industrial partners, including BlockDox, Portakabin, Verv, and d-fine, collectively develop systems that not only reduce operational energy demand but also provide valuable data on indoor air quality and occupancy patterns to inform smarter building designs. D-fine’s role as AI assurance partner ensures that algorithms adhere to principles of explainability and trustworthiness, crucial in maintaining human oversight in automated building systems.
The responsible deployment of AI within the built environment sector has gained further institutional support with the recent launch of a global professional standard by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This standard seeks to address industry complacency regarding AI adoption by promoting transparency, accountability, and human-centred decision-making. Darius Pullinger, RICS senior standards assurance specialist, highlighted the necessity of this framework to prepare the industry for evolving technical and social challenges posed by AI integration in construction and building management.
Additionally, academic programmes such as UCL’s Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc equip future professionals with the skills needed to harness emerging technologies like AI for sustainable building design and operation. This educational focus mirrors industry trends towards more energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings that also create healthier indoor environments for occupants.
In summary, the use of AI in modular buildings represents a significant advance in industrial decarbonisation efforts, combining cutting-edge technology with proven sustainability principles. The findings from the Aireavu-Portakabin study and associated projects highlight a future where building management systems not only minimise energy waste but also uphold high standards of occupant comfort and environmental responsibility, supported by evolving professional standards and academic research.
- https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/mmc-news/research-finds-ai-in-modular-buildings-can-drastically-cut-energy-waste/157412/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/mmc-news/research-finds-ai-in-modular-buildings-can-drastically-cut-energy-waste/157412/ – A study by Aireavu and Portakabin has found that artificial intelligence can cut energy waste by up to 87%. The research, co-funded by Innovate UK and in collaboration with University College London, Verv, and d-fine, demonstrated that AI effectively monitors and controls energy usage in modular buildings. Pilots conducted in several Portakabin buildings over the past year analysed 10 million data points monthly, showing that most user-driven energy waste can be eliminated with AI, while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. D-fine confirmed the AI’s trustworthiness and user-friendly operation, making it suitable for modular buildings. Nic Shulman, CEO of Aireavu, stated that this breakthrough demonstrates how their technology can transform energy performance in modular buildings, helping organisations reduce waste and emissions. Aidan Pearce, head of Design, Engineering and Innovation at Portakabin, highlighted the importance of AI controls in saving energy and improving efficiency, enabling customers to make better-informed decisions about their energy usage. Additionally, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors launched a new global standard for responsibly using AI in construction, aiming to tackle complacency and put humans at the heart of decision-making.
- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/news/2024/sep/casa-trust2-research-explores-responsible-ai-building-management – Research led by Professors Duncan Wilson and Steven Gray at University College London’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment aims to transform building management through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Funded by Innovate UK as part of the Accelerating Trustworthy AI: Phase 2 Collaborative R&D competition, the TRUST Phase 2 (TRUST2) project collaborates with industrial partners including BlockDox, Portakabin, Verv, and D-Fine. The project focuses on providing tools to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, particularly concerning energy consumption data and scope 3 emissions. It also aims to inform building design by providing operational data about indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupancy energy use, ultimately enabling building companies to improve operational efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. As part of the UK-wide operational pilot, BlockDox and Verv will integrate their AI/ML technologies to develop a system for modular buildings provided by Portakabin. D-Fine will provide oversight as the AI assurance partner, ensuring that the AI/ML algorithms are explainable, trustworthy, and responsible.
- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/smart-buildings-and-digital-engineering-msc – The Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc at University College London offers innovative opportunities in the design and engineering of buildings with more efficient integrated services. The programme leverages advances in technology and artificial intelligence, combined with unprecedented access to building operation data, to teach students to utilise advanced modelling tools, data analysis, and machine learning to engineer smarter, more sustainable buildings that create healthier environments for occupants. The course prepares students for careers in innovating the engineering, design, and operation of integrated building systems, with a strong emphasis on sustainable building design and the creation of smarter, more energy-efficient, and low-carbon buildings tailored to the needs of their occupants.
- https://connected-environments.org/portfolio/trust2/ – The TRUST2 project, led by UCL Connected Environments, aims to advance understanding of the complex interactions between physical spaces, technical systems, and human occupants in modular buildings. Using commercially proven sensors and equipment, the project develops explainable AI/ML models for optimised building management. The goal is to provide tools to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, focusing on energy consumption data and scope 3 emissions. It also aims to inform building design by providing operational data about indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupancy energy use, ultimately enabling building companies to improve operational efficiency by reducing their carbon footprint. The project involves collaboration with industrial partners including BlockDox, Portakabin, Verv, and D-Fine.
- https://www.buildingbetterhealthcare.com/new-portakabin-modules-cut-energy-use-by-up-to-60–82330 – Portakabin has expanded its modular building systems with the launch of its Energy-Saver range, engineered to reduce energy use by more than 60%. Developed in collaboration with Energy Building, the solution enables healthcare estates and facilities teams to meet stringent environmental and carbon reduction targets while reducing running costs. The modules, available as Portakabin Solus and Titan Energy-Saver systems, can achieve an Energy Performance Certificate ‘A’ rating. They are fitted with air source heat pumps, which produce around 4.5kW of heating for every 1kW of electricity consumed, and high-frequency, energy-efficient lighting controlled by motion detection sensors and dimmer controls.
- https://www.portakabin.com/ie-en/about-us/sustainability/ – Portakabin demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through various initiatives. The company sources the majority of its materials from certified sustainable and managed sources. Insulation materials used in wall and roof panels contain no HCFCs and have an ozone-depletion potential of zero. Lean engineering practices are employed to make manufacturing processes as efficient as possible, and intelligent design removes waste-generating operations from the manufacturing process. Since January 2012, Portakabin has upheld its Zero Waste to Landfill achievement, with any non-recyclable waste incinerated for power generation. Additionally, the company offers sustainable design options for buildings, including low and zero carbon technologies such as solar heating systems, passive ventilation, air-source and ground-source heat pumps, and green roofs.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative was published on November 27, 2025, and has not appeared elsewhere prior to this date. The report is based on a recent study, indicating high freshness. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content does not appear to be recycled or republished across low-quality sites. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material does not affect the freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Nic Shulman, CEO of Aireavu, and Aidan Pearce, Head of Design, Engineering and Innovation at Portakabin, are unique to this report. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, and no variations in wording were noted. This suggests the quotes are original and exclusive to this report.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from PBC Today, a UK-based publication focusing on planning, building, and construction news. While it is a specialised outlet, it is not as widely recognised as major media organisations like the BBC or Reuters. The involvement of reputable organisations such as Aireavu, Portakabin, University College London, and d-fine adds credibility to the report.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and supported by the involvement of reputable organisations. The study’s findings align with existing research on AI applications in building energy efficiency. The language and tone are consistent with industry reports, and there are no signs of sensationalism or off-topic details. The report lacks specific factual anchors such as exact dates for the pilots conducted, which could enhance its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, with no evidence of recycled content. The quotes are original and exclusive. The source, PBC Today, is a specialised but credible outlet, and the involvement of reputable organisations supports the plausibility of the claims. The lack of specific factual anchors is a minor issue but does not significantly impact the overall assessment.
