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Unlocking the Power of AI in Smart Infrastructure for UK Buildings
How Johnson Controls is Leading the AI Revolution in Smart Buildings
Vijay Sankaran, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Johnson Controls, is spearheading a digital transformation across the built environment. His vision is clear: to digitise operations end-to-end, from customer experience to field service and factory operations. At the heart of this strategy is OpenBlue, Johnson Controls’ intelligent platform that integrates HVAC, fire, security and workplace systems into a unified ecosystem.
For UK organisations facing rising energy costs, ageing infrastructure and pressure to meet net zero targets, AI-powered smart infrastructure offers a practical and future-ready solution. It enables buildings to learn, adapt and respond in real time — delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, sustainability and occupant wellbeing.
Watch the Full Interview
“We’re moving from a society of reacting to data into a society of the data being proactive on behalf of humans. Our customers are telling us they want to be proactively notified when a chiller is about to go down. With AI, we can have a set of instructions on how to prepare for that proactive event.”
Vijay Sankaran - Chief Digital and Information Officer, Johnson Controls
At the centre of this transformation is Johnson Controls OpenBlue, a secure and scalable smart building ecosystem that integrates an open data platform with AI powered applications to deliver results across the building life cycle. OpenBlue delivers measurable benefits for customers, including:
- Predictive maintenance: Reducing downtime and costs
AI algorithms analyse equipment performance in real time, identifying faults before they escalate. This allows facilities teams to schedule maintenance proactively, reducing unplanned outages and extending asset life. In fact, Johnson Controls has found that chillers, boilers and air handling systems can consume up to 25–30% of a building’s energy. AI-driven optimisation can deliver 10–20% energy savings.
- Intelligent control improves energy efficiency
AI enables dynamic control of HVAC, lighting and other systems based on occupancy, weather and usage patterns. This helps buildings reduce energy waste while maintaining comfort. By aligning equipment usage with external factors like climate and regulation, Johnson Controls helps UK organisations reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions and meet sustainability goals.
- Enhanced occupant experience through personalisation
AI can tailor building environments to individual preferences, improving comfort and productivity. From air quality monitoring to adaptive lighting, smart infrastructure creates healthier, more responsive spaces. These improvements are especially valuable in sectors like healthcare, education and commercial real estate.
- Data-driven decision-making at scale
Platforms like OpenBlue Enterprise Manager provide actionable insights by analysing vast amounts of building data. Facilities managers can optimise space usage, track sustainability metrics and make informed decisions that align with long-term goals. Generative AI also plays a role, offering clear recommendations in plain English to simplify troubleshooting and compliance.
Building smarter for a sustainable Britain
AI-powered smart infrastructure is not just a technological upgrade—it is a strategic investment in the future of UK buildings. With Johnson Controls, organisations can unlock new levels of efficiency, resilience and sustainability. Whether you're managing a public sector estate or a commercial portfolio, AI can help you meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s ambitions.
Watch the full interview on YouTube to hear more from Vijay Sankaran on how Johnson Controls is shaping the future of smart infrastructure.