GenAI for Building Energy Efficiency

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by nearly every industry. The buildings sector has made significant efforts toward the SDGs by enhancing energy efficiency. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies, such as advanced algorithms and models, has brought new possibilities for further enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. However, the potential of GenAI in this domain has not yet been fully explored. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current applications of GenAI in enhancing building energy efficiency. A total of 34 studies were identified from the Scopus and arXiv databases and analyzed using content and thematic analysis. Results show that GenAI provides significant advantages in building energy data processing, energy prediction, as well as energy modeling and management. This research enriches the existing knowledge body by summarizing the applications of GenAI in enhancing building energy efficiency. Furthermore, it highlights future trends of this emerging AI technology, paving the way toward a more sustainable built environment.