Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, has unveiled its latest AI and cloud-based tool aimed at helping building owners and facility managers reduce energy consumption and accelerate decarbonization efforts. The new offering, called Trane Autonomous Control Powered by BrainBox AI, utilizes artificial intelligence to automatically identify and implement optimization actions, making it an HVAC optimization solution that connects to existing climate control systems.
This innovative tool sends real-time, optimized control commands to lower energy use and minimize carbon emissions. It also incorporates predictive weather data and occupancy trends, ultimately improving overall building performance and sustainability. Buildings are a significant contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for 15% of global emissions and over 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States alone. Due to their nature, buildings are one of the most challenging sources of emissions to replace.
Trane Technologies recognizes the pressing need for sustainable building solutions. Donny Simmons, a representative from the company, emphasized the importance of their new offering, stating, “The demand for more sustainable building solutions grows each day. Leveraging innovative AI-enabled solutions is one of many ways we are helping customers dramatically reduce their carbon footprints, while meeting business goals and doing the right thing for the planet.”
The company has tested the Trane Autonomous Control in multiple sites with a client in the U.S., and the results have been promising. The tool has demonstrated significant energy performance improvements and substantial CO2 emissions reductions of over 30% across more than 100 facilities.
In 2019, Trane Technologies launched the Gigaton Challenge, aiming to reduce 1 billion metric tons of CO2 from its customers’ footprint by 2030. The new AI-powered tool will support this initiative and the company’s broader sustainability targets. Trane Technologies has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with a 90% reduction in emissions across its entire operations.
To achieve these goals, the company has developed a comprehensive net-zero roadmap. In the short term, Trane Technologies aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% below 2019 levels by 2030. Scope 3 emissions, which include product use and the supply chain, represent the majority of the company’s total carbon emissions. Trane pledges to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 55% per cooling ton compared to a 2019 baseline by 2030, with a further target of 97% reduction by 2050.
Trane Technologies has already made significant progress towards its net-zero targets. In 2022, the company reduced Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by over 27,000 metric tons of CO2 compared to 2021. It also achieved a 43% reduction in operational emissions intensity and a 25% reduction in location-based emissions from the 2019 level.
The launch of Trane Autonomous Control, in collaboration with BrainBox AI, represents a significant step forward in Trane’s sustainability and net-zero efforts. With over 1 million connected devices, this new tool will provide valuable insights into building emissions. BrainBox AI, the technology developer, has announced plans to expand the AI tool for commercial real estate to multi-site retail portfolios. The company has also been recognized for its contributions, receiving over $6 million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, the country’s largest financier of sustainable businesses.
In conclusion, Trane Technologies’ new AI and cloud-based tool is a groundbreaking solution that enhances energy efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, and contributes to the company’s sustainability and net-zero targets. If more companies in the sector follow suit, the world will be one step closer to decarbonizing buildings and other built environments.
