Imperial College London and Neuron Digital are exploring how intelligent building technologies, AI and digital twins could support more sustainable, resilient and efficient buildings and infrastructure, including during periods of extreme heat.

Combining Imperial’s research expertise in the built environment with Hong Kong-based Neuron Digital’s smart-building platforms, the collaboration will jointly explore how data, sensing technologies and digital systems can improve building performance, operational efficiency and sustainability.

Funding for the initiative has initially been provided by Venturous Group, with opportunities for wider partnership and support expected to follow. Venturous is led by CEO Benson Tam, an alumnus of Imperial College London (www.imperial.ac.uk).

“Buildings are becoming increasingly complex, connected and data-driven, creating new opportunities to improve sustainability, operational performance and urban living,” said Tam. “By combining Imperial’s research expertise with Neuron Digital’s technology platforms and Venturous Group’s experience in urban innovation, we hope to explore new approaches to intelligent and resilient, yet commercially attractive, buildings.”

Buildings and construction are among the world’s biggest climate problems with the sector accounting for around 34% of global CO₂ emissions and 32% of global energy demand. At the same time, rising global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are increasing pressure on buildings, energy systems and urban infrastructure worldwide. Improving the performance, efficiency and resilience of buildings could therefore play a critical role in achieving global climate and sustainability goals.

Together, the collaborators seek to reimagine how civil and environmental engineering can respond to these challenges. Areas of focus are expected to include intelligent building systems, operational energy performance, urban resilience, sustainability, cooling strategies and data-driven approaches to managing the built environment.

The initiative also intends to create opportunities for collaborative research, student engagement and industry-led experimentation focused on the future of intelligent and sustainable buildings. Central to this approach is the concept of living labs; real-world environments that enable researchers and industry partners to test and refine emerging technologies and approaches jointly in operational settings.

Maarten van Reeuwijk, director of research at Imperial’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, said the initiative created an “exciting opportunity” to connect academic research with pressing building and city challenges.

“Intelligent buildings will play an increasingly important role in creating more sustainable, healthy, and resilient urban environments, particularly as cities adapt to rising temperatures and increasing climate pressures,” he said.

Washington Yotto Ochieng, head of the department, added: “Our department’s challenge-led approach is designed to bring research, innovation and industry expertise together around the major challenges shaping the future of infrastructure.”

Neuron Digital (www.neuroncloud.ai) is a joint venture between Venturous Group (www.venturousgroup.com) and Arup (www.arup.com). It develops AI-enabled platforms for smart buildings and digital twins, integrating real-time sensing, analytics and operational optimisation to improve building performance and support decarbonisation efforts.