AI helps to deliver net-zero real estate

This software helps stakeholders comply with regulations and decarbonise

Spotted: The real estate sector will face huge challenges as global warming intensifies. At the same time, the industry itself is a massive source of emissions — responsible for 40 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Gaining a better understanding of the risks and environmental costs of individual developments is vital, therefore, and Swiss startup Optiml aims to make that task easier.

The ETH Zürich spin-out has developed AI-powered software that can analyse real estate assets across the most relevant ESG and regulatory data points. Built on proprietary algorithms developed over five years, the system uses the data to provide a rating that real estate developers and asset managers can use to make financial and sustainability decisions.

Users can create engineering-grade digital twins of any building, run energy simulations, and optimise scenarios based on cost and emissions. The insights can be used to help companies meet regulatory requirements, return on investment targets, and carbon emission goals.

Optiml has already completed more than 30 successful pilot projects with major asset managers and consultancies including AXA, Credit Suisse, and Grosvenor. The company has recently completed a $4 million pre-seed funding extension round led by BitStone Capital.

Written By: Lisa Magloff