AI Investment Enhances Energy Efficiency in Dutch Buildings
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 11 December 2024.
A EUR 11.5 million investment in Next Sense aims to optimize energy use in Dutch buildings through AI, supporting urban sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions.
Strategic Investment in Smart Building Technology
ABP and ETF Partners have jointly invested €11.5 million in Next Sense, an Amsterdam-based software developer specializing in intelligent building management systems [1]. The company’s innovative AI-powered software platform represents a significant advancement in building energy optimization, addressing the substantial energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with commercial buildings [1]. This investment aligns with the growing trend of smart city development, where digital technologies are increasingly leveraged to enhance urban sustainability [2].
How the Technology Works
Next Sense’s software provides building owners with comprehensive insights into their energy consumption patterns [1]. The system employs artificial intelligence to monitor and optimize various building systems, including energy management, lighting, and solar shading [1]. The AI learns from usage patterns to identify inefficiencies, such as heating systems operating while windows are open or spaces being climate-controlled when unoccupied [1]. This intelligent coordination between different building systems represents a significant advancement in smart building technology, similar to solutions being implemented in leading smart cities globally [2].
Proven Results and Future Growth
The software has already demonstrated significant energy savings across numerous buildings worldwide [1]. The investment will facilitate Next Sense’s expansion both within the Netherlands and internationally [1]. According to Lodewijk Meens, senior portfolio manager at ANEB, ‘The smart software from Next Sense brings buildings to life by innovatively controlling and optimizing all systems in a building, resulting in substantial positive environmental impacts’ [1]. This development comes at a time when AI-powered energy management solutions are gaining increasing attention in the Netherlands for their role in achieving sustainability goals [6].
Strategic Impact Investment
This funding represents an impact investment, part of ABP’s new investment policy that allocates €10 billion for sustainable investments in the Netherlands [1]. The investment falls under the ABP Dutch Energy Transition and Biodiversity fund (ANEB), demonstrating a commitment to combining financial returns with environmental impact [1]. This approach aligns with global smart infrastructure trends, where technology is being used to address challenges in urbanization and environmental change [5].