Digital Futures category

The University of Technology Sydney’s Energy Intelligence project uses advanced data analytics and AI-driven insights to optimise building performance and reduce campus emissions. Launched in May 2024 as part of UTS’s Building Optimisation Strategy, the program draws on existing data sources, including half-hourly electricity metering, WiFi-derived occupancy data, HVAC telemetry, building management systems and weather data.

Led by the Data, Analytics and Insights Unit in partnership with Facilities and Operations, the initiative applies machine-learning forecasting, anomaly detection and signal processing to identify where, when and why energy is used. These insights have directly informed decisions on lighting controls, building closures, cleaning schedules and demand management. By using existing data rather than capital-intensive retrofits, UTS demonstrates how digital insight can drive measurable sustainability gains and support a smarter, lower-carbon campus.

University of Technology Sydney – Digital UTS
logo

Top 3 learnings

  • Existing data - WiFi, metering, BMS - can be mined for sustainability insight with no new hardware.
  • Digital insight only saves energy when paired with operational ownership; the Facilities partnership is decisive.
  • Managing demand and peak capacity, not just consumption, unlocks the largest sustainability gains.

Supported by

logo

Category finalists

logo
Digital Futures category

The University of Technology Sydney’s Energy Intelligence project uses advanced data analytics and AI-driven insights to optimise building performance and reduce campus emissions. Launched in May 2024 as part of UTS’s Building Optimisation Strategy, the program draws on existing data sources, including half-hourly electricity metering, WiFi-derived occupancy data, HVAC telemetry, building management systems and weather data.

Led by the Data, Analytics and Insights Unit in partnership with Facilities and Operations, the initiative applies machine-learning forecasting, anomaly detection and signal processing to identify where, when and why energy is used. These insights have directly informed decisions on lighting controls, building closures, cleaning schedules and demand management. By using existing data rather than capital-intensive retrofits, UTS demonstrates how digital insight can drive measurable sustainability gains and support a smarter, lower-carbon campus.

Top 3 learnings

  • Existing data - WiFi, metering, BMS - can be mined for sustainability insight with no new hardware.
  • Digital insight only saves energy when paired with operational ownership; the Facilities partnership is decisive.
  • Managing demand and peak capacity, not just consumption, unlocks the largest sustainability gains.

Supported by

logo

Category finalists