2025 California Green Building Awards
Honor in Innovation
This California State University, Dominguez Hills project is beautifully direct and transparent, representing a breakthrough in autonomous building optimization and demonstrating a best use of AI. A fully automated AI-agent from Facil.AI operates directly through the Building Management System to continuously optimize the heart of the university's central plant: the chiller.
Since the AI agent was implemented, overall plant efficiency has improved by 48%, breaking records for central plant efficiency. The plant has three 1,000 ton chillers and services a 1.5 million square feet in the middle of Carson, California.
The AI agent learns from real-time plant data, evaluates outcomes, and autonomously adjust control parameters within clearly defined safety parameters to maximize efficiency without interrupting the site team’s daily tasks.
Additionally, by increasing plant efficiency, the campus as a whole is saving energy and dollars can go back into the campus - a predominantly disadvantaged community - for other projects. Recognizing the innovation of the central plant, students are encouraged to take plant tours and see the practical application of AI in the real world.