According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, energy consumption in the building sector is expected to grow faster than that of industry or transportation in the coming years. From 2012 to 2030, energy use in buildings is projected to increase by 4.74 quadrillion British thermal units, driven largely by heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), which account for more than 40 percent of total building energy use.
Civil and Architectural Engineering faculty at the University are addressing these challenges through research on HVAC optimization, building envelope performance and water system management. Their projects include artificial intelligence-driven HVAC control, energy metering and studies on water usage patterns and quality. Working through the HVAC Laboratory and the Sustainability and Resilience Adaptation Laboratory, faculty collaborate with local communities, agencies and institutions such as Miami Dade College to improve energy efficiency, develop smart infrastructure and support workforce training programs that integrate the latest technological advances.
