AAI Labs implements smart energy monitoring system for educational institutions
AAI Labs today announced the successful implementation of a cutting-edge energy monitoring system for educational institutions in Lithuania. Developed as part of the GovTech4All Startup Challenge, this innovative solution enables real-time monitoring and analysis of energy consumption in schools, helping municipalities reduce waste, optimize resource allocation, and create healthier learning environments.
Addressing energy management challenges
Šiauliai City Municipality faced significant challenges in managing energy consumption across educational facilities. With schools housed in buildings of varying ages and energy efficiency levels, administrators struggled to identify optimization opportunities without precise, actionable data.
"Municipalities are responsible for numerous school buildings with different infrastructure characteristics and energy consumption patterns," said Rigita Tijūnaitienė, head of City Coordination Unit at Šiauliai City Municipality. "Without accurate, real-time monitoring, it is nearly impossible to make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements or detect issues as they arise. Our goal was to implement a data-driven solution that would provide transparency and enable targeted interventions."
Innovative solution through public-private collaboration
AAI Labs' designed solution addresses several key challenges:
The system automatically retrieves energy consumption data without requiring invasive metering installations, using API integration with the national electricity provider (ESO) and non-intrusive sensors for other utilities.
A user-friendly interface provides administrators with real-time consumption data and historical trends across different periods (weeks, months, years) with options for absolute values and derived metrics (e.g., consumption per pupil or square meter).
The platform enables direct comparison of energy use across different buildings and periods, helping identify outliers and best practices.
AI-powered analysis suggests targeted interventions to improve energy efficiency while maintaining optimal indoor climate conditions for learning.
"Public sector innovation requires solutions that address technical challenges while respecting regulatory constraints," said Aistis Raudys, CEO at AAI Labs. "Our approach focused on finding creative ways to gather accurate data without disrupting existing infrastructure, resulting in a system that delivers valuable insights without requiring extensive physical modifications to school buildings."
Lessons learned and future development
The implementation process revealed valuable insights about public sector innovation. Schools initially showed limited interest in testing the new technology, highlighting the importance of involving end-users early in the innovation process. Further, different reporting methods across facilities required continuous calibration and cross-checking to ensure data reliability. In addition, direct smart meter readings could not be implemented due to regulatory restrictions, requiring adaptive approaches to data collection.
Building on this successful implementation, AAI Labs is exploring several enhancements:
Forecasting future energy consumption based on weather conditions, seasonal variations, and historical usage patterns.
Adding smart sensors and control systems to optimize heating, lighting, and ventilation in real-time based on occupancy and external conditions.
Developing interfaces that help students understand energy consumption patterns, creating learning opportunities around sustainability.
Expanding the system to monitor energy use in other public buildings beyond educational facilities.
"This project illustrates how targeted technological interventions can have far-reaching benefits for public institutions," said Aistis Raudys. "Beyond the immediate improvements in energy management, the system creates opportunities for education, public engagement, and long-term sustainability planning."
About AAI Labs
AAI Labs is a leader in developing practical artificial intelligence and data analytics solutions for government and public sector organizations. The company specializes in creating secure, transparent, and effective systems that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of data protection.