Aireavu Delivers 87% Energy Savings in Modular Buildings using trustworthy AI

Aireavu has released the findings of a landmark research collaboration with Portakabin, University College London, Verv and d-fine, revealing that AI can cut user-driven energy waste in modular buildings by as much as 87%, without compromising occupant comfort.

Transforming Energy Efficiency in Modular Buildings

The year-long Innovate UK–funded project analysed around 10 million data points per month across multiple Portakabin buildings nationwide. The goal was to understand how trustworthy AI can monitor and reduce user-driven energy behaviour, often the largest source of avoidable consumption in temporary and modular facilities.

The results were decisive. By introducing AI-driven monitoring and control, participating buildings saw the majority of user-driven waste eliminated, with peak reductions of up to 87%. Crucially, indoor comfort was maintained or improved, and occupants continued to have full control over environmental settings. Independent evaluators, d-fine, confirmed the system’s transparency, reliability and trustworthiness.

“A breakthrough for energy performance”

Aidan Pearce, Head of Design, Engineering and Innovation at Portakabin, highlighted the value for customers facing rising energy costs:

“With rising energy prices, businesses need solutions that save energy and improve efficiency. With this research, our customers will be able to see the benefit of AI controls and can make better informed decisions about their energy usage.”

Nic Shulman, CEO of Aireavu, described the findings as a major milestone for organisations seeking meaningful progress toward net zero:

“This breakthrough demonstrates how Aireavu’s technology can transform energy performance in modular buildings. By using trustworthy AI, we are helping organisations cut waste, reduce emissions, and take meaningful steps towards net zero.”

Significant Carbon Reduction Opportunity Across Estates

In many modular buildings, up to 70% of total energy use can be wasted through user-driven behaviour. This study demonstrates a clear opportunity for organisations across sectors such as education, healthcare, commercial offices and construction to reduce their carbon footprint using Aireavu’s AI-powered optimisation technology.