Energy AI
We’re using AI to monitor energy consumption and improve performance.
The La Trobe Energy AI Platform (LEAP) contains over one billion data points, engaging 150+ students and generating 20+ international research publications.
The La Trobe Energy AI Platform (LEAP) is the intelligence platform underpinning the La Trobe University's Net Zero program.
By bringing together real-time data from buildings, utilities and campus infrastructure, LEAP transforms complex operational data into actionable insights that improve performance, support evidence-based decision making and accelerate our progress towards Net Zero.
Developed as a Living Lab, LEAP also drives research, innovation and student learning while continuously improving the way our campuses operate.
Learn more about LEAP
LEAP in action
As part of our building optimisation program, La Trobe University used a Melbourne-based proprietary AI platform to create cloud-based digital twins of the building systems at the Sylvia Walton Building, TLC and LIMS1.
Drawing on data from the Building Management System (BMS) and metering systems, the digital twins created virtual models of the buildings' chiller systems. This enabled different operating strategies to be tested and refined in a virtual environment without affecting thermal comfort.
The AI platform identified opportunities to optimise operation through targeted control updates to improve energy efficiency. Measurement and verification (M&V) undertaken by the La Trobe Energy AI Platform (LEAP) tracked the operational changes, measured their impact and verified the results.
LEAP identified opportunities to optimise HVAC control strategies across three buildings, improving comfort, ventilation and energy performance.
LEAP measured and verified the energy savings achieved through mechanical and building systems upgrades, exceeding the project's CO₂ reduction target by 30 per cent.