Trane Launches AI-Based Building Decarbonization Solution

HVAC and climate control solutions company Trane Technologies announced today the launch of Trane® Autonomous Control Powered by BrainBox AI, a new artificial intelligence and cloud-based building systems optimization tool aimed at helping building owners to accelerate decarbonization and reduce energy consumption.

Buildings are a significant contributor to GHG emissions, accounting for around 15% of global emissions, and one of the hardest sourced to replace, given their long-term nature. In 2019, Trane introduced the Gigaton Challenge, aiming to reduce one billion metric tons of carbon emissions from its customers’ footprint by 2030.

According to Trane, the new solution uses AI to automatically and continuously identify and implement optimization actions, incorporating variables ranging from predictive weather data to occupancy trends to deliver improved building performance and sustainability.

The company said that it tested the new solution in multiple sites with a U.S.-based customer, resulting in significant energy performance improvements, and carbon emissions reductions of more than 30% across more than 100 facilities.

Trane said that the new offering will directly support its Gigaton Challenge goals, alongside its sustainability targets. Trane’s climate goals include a target to reduce Scope 3 emissions, or value chain emissions outside of tis direct control, by 55% by 2030, as well as goals to achieve a 97% reduction in emissions per cooling ton from use of the company’s products, and a 90% reduction in GHG emissions across its global operations by 2050. Scope 3 emissions, including use of products and supply chain, make up the vast majority of the company’s carbon footprint.

Donny Simmons, President, Commercial HVAC Americas at Trane Technologies, said:

“With the heating and cooling of buildings representing about 15% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, the demand for more sustainable building solutions grows each day. Leveraging innovative AI-enabled solutions is one of many ways we are helping customers dramatically reduce their carbon footprints, while meeting business goals and doing the right thing for the planet.”