NEWS
Autodesk report finds growing confidence in resilience and optimism toward AI
L eaders from industries that design and make places , objects and experiences are far more confident about their companies ’ resilience than last year and have a surprisingly high level of trust in AI , according to the 2024 State of Design & Make report released by Autodesk . The group largely sees AI as a current tool rather than a futuristic pipe dream , leading to increased investment as they chase the promise of greater productivity and improved sustainability .
Design and Make industries – architecture , engineering and construction ; design and manufacturing ; and media and entertainment – employ nearly 300 million people worldwide and by 2027 will represent US $ 30 trillion in value globally . Autodesk ’ s second annual report reveals the issues and sentiments these industries are facing , with the goal of helping leaders chart a path to the future .
“ While capacity and economic constraints have dominated industry conversations , it ’ s not surprising to see increased trust and optimism in AI , digital transformation , and sustainability , as our customers aim to be more efficient and cost- effective ,” said Andrew Anagnost , President and CEO , Autodesk . “ As the world confronts unprecedented challenges , technology is our most powerful tool for designing and making a better world for all .”
Sleeping energy models unlock savings for building owners and operators
B uilding owners and operators are unknowingly sitting on valuable assets that could unlock significant energy , carbon and cost savings , according to experts across the built environment sector .
Additionally , over half ( 54 %) feel there ’ s a lack of required skills for model usage . Access to existing models is also limited , with only 23 % of architects , engineers , and contractors currently handing over models upon a building ’ s completion .
IES ’ s whitepaper advocates reviving 3D design , energy compliance or BIM models to create Performance Digital Twins . These twins merge initial models with real building data , offering insights for facilities managers to refine energy efficiency and reduce costs . Surveys reveal widespread recognition of benefits ; 64 % of building owners , occupiers , and managers acknowledge the value of energy models for efficient ongoing maintenance , while 66 % cite their main benefit as supporting net zero goals .
Despite this , barriers persist , with 66 % of respondents identifying cost as the biggest hurdle to using energy models in operation .
Performance Digital Twins , linked to live operational data , offer continuous monitoring and support certifications like NABERS and BREEAM . They are vital tools in meeting climate targets and ESG reporting requirements while enhancing building performance and occupant comfort . Pre-emptive testing of retrofit options using these twins mitigates investment risks , ensuring the adoption of the most effective measures . Moreover , by utilising them in operation , facilities managers can balance energy use and occupant comfort , identifying efficiencies without compromising user experience .
Don McLean , CEO at IES , said : “ Building owners spend money getting digital models developed as part of contracting a building design but when it ’ s complete these are often shelved and left dormant . Optimising the model to be used in the building ’ s operational stages means that a building owner is maximising its value to identify where improvements can be made to futureproof the building , drive down costs and meet net zero goals .”
10 www . intelligentbuild . tech