Welcome back to The Energy Brief. In this bi-weekly LinkedIn series, Matt Challinor explores the latest funding, collaborations, product updates, and funding news from the cutting-edge smart building, energy, and cleantech companies in the US, Europe, and APAC.

 

 

Recently, my team & I returned from the AHR Expo in Florida. As well as enjoying the sunshine, we had the best time connecting with new and existing clients, candidates, and industry professionals while exploring the latest tech in the market.

With this in mind, I thought we could focus this week’s newsletter on the companies creating leading technologies across the energy space – who’s doing what, and how?

 

1. AI-powered HVAC optimization

What it is: AI-driven HVAC systems use real-time data and machine learning to adjust heating, cooling, and ventilation dynamically, reducing energy waste. Companies like BrainBox AI and 75F are leading this space.

Why it matters: AI can cut HVAC energy consumption by 25-30%, helping buildings hit sustainability targets.

2. Digital Twins for Building Management

What it is: Digital twins create a real-time virtual model of a building, allowing facility managers to simulate scenarios, optimize performance, and predict maintenance issues. Microsoft’s Azure Digital Twins is a key player.

Why it matters: Helps reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and improve building automation.

3. Smart Windows & Dynamic Glass

What it is: Electrochromic glass that automatically tints or adjusts transparency based on sunlight, reducing the need for cooling or heating. An example: View, Inc.. and SageGlass by Saint-Gobain.

Why it matters: Can reduce HVAC loads by up to 20%, improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

4. Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs)

What it is: Buildings that communicate with the electrical grid in real-time, adjusting energy use based on demand and renewable energy availability.

Example: DOE’s Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB) initiative.

Why it matters: Helps buildings store energy, reduce peak demand, and integrate renewables.

5. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) for HVAC

What it is: Stores excess cooling or heating energy in materials like ice or phase-change materials (PCMs) for later use.

Example: IceBank® by CALMAC, a Portfolio of Trane.

Why it matters: Reduces energy consumption during peak hours and lowers HVAC operating costs.

6. Smart Ventilation & Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV)

What it is: Uses sensors (CO2, occupancy, humidity) to adjust ventilation rates dynamically, improving indoor air quality while saving energy.

Example: Airthings for Business & TROX DCV systems.

Why it matters: Optimizes fresh air intake, reducing energy waste from unnecessary ventilation.

7. Solid-State Refrigeration

What it is: Next-gen cooling technology using magnetocaloric or electrocaloric materials, eliminating the need for traditional refrigerants.

Example: Phononic Inc‘s solid-state cooling.

Why it matters: No refrigerants = lower environmental impact and higher efficiency.

8. Wireless Energy Harvesting Sensors for Smart Buildings

What it is: Sensors that generate their power from light, motion, or radio frequencies, eliminating battery replacements.

Example: EnOcean’s battery-free wireless sensors.

Why it matters: Reduces maintenance and enables massive-scale IoT deployment in smart buildings.

9. AI & Robotics for HVAC Maintenance

What it is: Robots and AI-powered systems that automate HVAC system inspections, duct cleaning, and repairs.

Example: Neural Concept AI HVAC optimization & HVAC inspection drones.

Why it matters: Reduces downtime, labor costs, and improves system efficiency.

10. Hydrogen-Powered HVAC & Heat Pumps

What it is: Hydrogen fuel cells are being tested for HVAC applications and heat pumps as a clean energy alternative.

Example: Rinnai America Corporation & Bosch exploring hydrogen-fueled heating.

Why it matters: Could replace natural gas in HVAC systems with zero-carbon heating solutions.

 

smart home building energy

 

Latest industry news:

In the UK, where wind power generation in 2024 was the largest energy source for the first time, a startup called Drift is looking to extract even more power from offshore wind by effectively chasing after it — in a racing yacht.

FC Barcelona and Panasonic have signed a sponsorship agreement whereby the Japanese multinational will become the new ‘Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Provider’ for Espai Barça for four seasons up to 30 June 2028.

The European Commission has unveiled plans to mobilise more than €100bn to support EU-made clean manufacturing as part of its Clean Industrial Deal (CID) which aims to accelerate decarbonisation.

Volvo Group has unveiled its groundbreaking new ES90 electric car, which features groundbreaking charging technology to add hundreds of kilometres of range in a matter of minutes.

A “critically important” battery park has been approved by the Scottish Government. A renewable energy storage company Apatura has secured planning permission for a new 400-megawatt capacity battery energy storage system.

Volklec, a UK start-up supported by former Britishvolt investors, is collaborating with a Chinese supplier to establish a 10GWh gigafactory with an investment of more than £1bn ($1.26bn).

Transguard Group, a leading provider of integrated security, facilities management, and business support services, announced a strategic partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub to drive innovation in smart building solutions.

 

 

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