Historic Modernism Meets Digital Energy Efficiency

Context

Located in the heart of Düsseldorf, the “Fürst & Friedrich” office building combines historic construction methods with contemporary architecture at the highest level. Asset manager M&G Real Estate consistently focuses on digital innovation and sustainable strategies to create long-term value. The BREEAM “Very Good” and WiredScore “Gold” certified building impresses with its energy-efficient construction, high level of comfort, and modern design across seven light-flooded floors. The aedifion cloud platform supports continuous optimization of energy consumption and indoor air quality during ongoing operations – demonstrating how sustainability, digitalization, and economic objectives can effectively go hand in hand.

Key Facts

• Gross floor area: 16,500 m²
• Year built: 2019
• Building type: Office building

Starting Situation and Objectives

The aim of the project was to systematically identify and make transparent the potential for optimization in this modern building’s technical operations. Using AI-based analyses and predictive control, excessive energy consumption was to be strategically reduced to sustainably lower both operating costs and CO₂ emissions – without compromising on comfort for building users.

Project Implementation

1. Real-Time Data Capture and Analysis

Following project commissioning, the aedifion cloud platform was seamlessly integrated into Fürst & Friedrich’s existing building automation system – without any need for complex retrofitting. Thanks to the high level of digitalization in the existing technical building equipment, the relevant operating data was swiftly and seamlessly captured and transferred to the cloud. The software continuously analyzes system behavior, identifies inefficiencies in real time, and generates targeted optimization recommendations for the operations team.

2. AI-Based Optimization of Operations

As the project progressed, optimization measures identified by the software algorithms were implemented in close collaboration with the operations team, particularly in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. This included adjusting operating parameters such as time schedules and setpoints, as well as fine-tuning technical components like pumps and valves.

3. Autonomous Control

Additionally, automated and predictive AI control provides further energy savings by optimally adjusting system operations based on weather forecasts and occupancy patterns.

Savings

28 % reduction in operating costs (€89 000 annual realized potential for operating cost savings)

29 % reduction in energy consumption (560 300 kWh annual realized potential for energy savings)

26 % reduction in CO₂ emissions (141 metric tons annual realized potential for emission savings)

Conclusion and Outlook

Thanks to continuous optimization of operations through the aedifion cloud platform, malfunctions and savings potential can be identified and resolved at an early stage. This ensures continuously optimum operations that strike a balance between economic efficiency and sustainability.

Customer Feedback

“aedifion’s team of engineers impressed us with their expertise and efficient project implementation. Due to professional collaboration, sustainable building operations were proactively and quickly optimized. The resulting cost synergies benefit not only the owner, but especially our tenants.”

Victoria van Blanken | Associate Director | M&G Real Estate