Guest blog: AI as an enabler in resilient infrastructure
Guest blog by Andrew Lambert, CEO at EMS.
In the face of escalating climate change, the need for climate resilient infrastructure has never been more critical. Technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), is playing a pivotal role in enhancing climate resilience. One such innovative project is CYPHER-AI (Cyber-Physical Enhanced Resilience with AI), which aims to revolutionise building automation and cybersecurity, contributing significantly to climate resilience.
The Challenge of Climate Change
Climate resilience refers to the ability of systems, communities, and infrastructures to withstand, adapt to, and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses. As climate change intensifies, buildings and infrastructure must be designed and managed to cope with extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and other environmental challenges including air pollution.
The European Union (EU) has recognised this need and has implemented directives such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to decarbonise buildings. This directive mandates the use of energy management systems, which require scalable, secure, and interoperable solutions. However, existing automation systems often struggle with integration, interoperability, and cybersecurity, making compliance with the EPBD and the EU Cyber Security Act challenging.
Where AI and IoT Can Create Resilience
AI and IoT are transforming various sectors by enabling increased automation and smarter decision-making. In the context of climate resilience, these technologies offer significant benefits. AI and IoT enable continuous monitoring of environmental conditions and energy usage, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimise efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. Predictive analytics powered by AI can analyse vast amounts of data to predict climate-related events, helping communities and infrastructures prepare and respond more effectively. Additionally, IoT devices can automate responses to environmental changes, such as adjusting heating and cooling systems in buildings to maintain optimal conditions.
Introducing CYPHER-AI: A Technology Solution
CYPHER-AI is a groundbreaking project that leverages AI and machine learning to enhance security and interoperability in building automation. By utilising the KNX IoT standard, CYPHER-AI aims to monitor and safeguard building networks, ensuring secure, efficient, sustainable, and seamless digitisation of buildings. The primary objective of CYPHER-AI is to address key climate change challenges by developing advanced technological solutions. The project focuses on several key areas, including AI-based autonomous defence mechanisms, self-sovereign identity management, energy-efficient security frameworks, and enhancing existing standards like KNX IoT to improve interoperability among different vendors.
Expected Impact of CYPHER-AI
The impact of CYPHER-AI extends beyond technological advances. The project is expected to deliver significant economic and societal benefits. CYPHER-AI will provide cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for IoT and building automation, driving industry standards and creating value through patents, publications, and increased sales. By enhancing trust in digital infrastructures, CYPHER-AI will contribute to economic resilience. The project is expected to boost employment, foster innovation, and support the growth of the KNX market, which is projected to reach €107 billion by 2031. Additionally, CYPHER-AI's solutions will enable the secure and sustainable digitisation of buildings, contributing to the EU's decarbonisation goals and promoting energy efficiency.
Challenges in Implementation and How to Overcome Them
Implementing AI and IoT solutions for climate resilience comes with challenges, including interoperability, scalability, and cybersecurity risks. Ensuring different systems can communicate and work together seamlessly is crucial for widespread adoption. CYPHER-AI enhances existing standards like KNX IoT to improve interoperability. As buildings become more digitised, cybersecurity becomes a critical concern. CYPHER-AI addresses this by developing robust cybersecurity solutions that protect building networks from threats and vulnerabilities.
What Does it Mean for the UK
The UK has significant opportunities to lead in the development and implementation of AI and IoT solutions for climate resilience. By leveraging projects like CYPHER-AI, the UK can promote innovation, support the growth of innovative technologies that enhance climate resilience, create jobs, and drive economic growth through the development and deployment of advanced digital infrastructures. Additionally, these efforts will contribute to national and international sustainability and decarbonisation targets.
Conclusion
Technology, particularly AI and IoT, is a key enabler of climate resilience. Projects like CYPHER-AI demonstrate how innovative solutions can address the challenges of building automation, energy management, and cybersecurity. By enhancing the resilience of buildings and infrastructures, technology not only supports climate adaptation and mitigation efforts but also contributes to economic and societal well-being. As we continue to face the impacts of climate change, the role of technology in building climate resilience will become increasingly important. Through continued innovation and collaboration, we can develop the tools and solutions needed to create a more resilient and sustainable future.
Climate, Environment and Sustainability Programme activities
The techUK Climate Programme provides opportunities for members to present tech solutions that assist carbon emission reduction, circularity, and human rights goals. We also help our members with their own net zero transition, including measurement, implementation, compliance, and reporting. Visit the programme page here.
Our 2025 work programme for the Climate, Environment and Sustainability Programme - get involved!
Get involved with our sustainability work in 2025!
As 2024 turns in to 2025 we are really excited to share the work programme for our sustainability programme. The below sets out our focus areas, working groups and programme outline as well as events/webinars and we'd love to get you involved.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK
Craig Melson
Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK
Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.
Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
Alec joined techUK in 2025 as the Programme Manager for Sustainability within the Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Programme.
In his role, he helps lead on key sustainability and climate topics, including ESG disclosures, supply chain due diligence, human rights, e-waste, biodiversity, and the move to the circular economy. He also supports data centre members with sustainability challenges.
Prior to joining techUK, he worked as a policy staffer for a United States Senator. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and SUNY Geneseo. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports, going to the movies, and travelling.
Programme Assistant, Data Centres, Climate, Environment and Sustainability, Market Access, techUK
Lucas Banach
Programme Assistant, Data Centres, Climate, Environment and Sustainability, Market Access, techUK
Lucas Banach is Programme Assistant at techUK, he works on a range of programmes including Data Centres; Climate, Environment & Sustainability; Market Access and Smart Infrastructure and Systems.
Before that Lucas who joined in 2008, held various roles in our organisation, which included his role as Office Executive, Groups and Concept Viability Administrator, and most recently he worked as Programme Executive for Public Sector. He has a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the Andrzej Frycz-Modrzewski Cracow University.
