How artificial intelligence will change the housing retrofit process

Panakaduwa, Chamara; Coates, Paul; Munir, Mustapha

Abstract

The operation of the housing stock in the UK is reported to contribute 18% of the total carbon emissions. The UK is required to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. As 80% of the housing stock of 2050 is already built, retrofitting the existing housing stock to meet sustainability requirements is critically important. However, due to various reasons, the progress of housing retrofit in the UK is stagnated. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword in technology for a long time. Recently there has been considerable progress. It is believed that AI will influence a lot of areas in different aspects. However, the full potential of AI is yet to be identified. Considering these aspects, the paper tries to identify the potential change brought about by AI to housing retrofit. The study has been conducted as a selective literature review, followed by a CATWOE analysis. The findings of the study show that the designing process and project management functions as the clear beneficiaries of artificial intelligence. Further, the government and the construction companies as the owners will also have a considerable influence. Mainly, the processes applicable to housing retrofit will be optimised with artificial intelligence. The findings of the study mainly benefit policymakers, homeowners, retrofit professionals and construction companies. However, this study will show only the possible directions of AI towards housing retrofit. The revolution of artificial intelligence is now a documented reality. Accordingly, the synergy of housing retrofit and AI is an important opportunity to move the industry forward.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 10th International Congress on Architectural Technology (ICAT)
• Start Date: Jan 19, 2024
• End Date: Jan 21, 2024
• Acceptance Date: May 5, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024-01
• Deposit Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Publisher URL: https://sites.google.com/site/archtechcongress1/proceedings?authuser=0