University of St Andrews / Scottish Oceans Institute / Gatty Marine Laboratory
University of St Andrews: AI-driven optimisation at the Scottish Oceans Institute
Verified HVAC electricity and heat savings delivered by myCoreAI working alongside the existing Siemens Desigo CC Building Management System.
- Live occupied university building
- Weather-normalised reporting
- No infrastructure replacement
Key results
Measured savings across electricity, heat, cost and carbon
Executive summary
AI optimisation in an already well-performing building
The University of St Andrews is demonstrating how artificial intelligence can deliver measurable energy performance improvements in already well-performing buildings.
Across the April 2025 to April 2026 reporting period, myCoreAI delivered a 21.1% reduction in HVAC electricity consumption and a 9.2% reduction in heat consumption, measured against a weather-normalised baseline.
Savings were delivered without sacrificing comfort or disrupting building operations.
Deployment
Optimisation alongside the existing Siemens Desigo CC BMS
myCoreAI was deployed as an optimisation layer alongside the existing Siemens Desigo CC Building Management System.
The existing Building Management System continued to control the mechanical plant, while myCoreAI adjusted operating setpoints through 15-minute optimisation cycles based on live building conditions and forecast demand.
Deployment was completed without disruption and without replacing existing infrastructure.
Measured results
AI off vs AI on performance
| Measure | AI off | AI on | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC electricity | 122,937 kWh | 97,042 kWh | 25,896 kWh / 21.1% |
| Heat | 1,434,961 kWh | 1,302,742 kWh | 132,218 kWh / 9.2% |
| Total measured saving | April 2025 to April 2026 reporting period | 158,114 kWh | |
| Measured gross benefit | Financial benefit before subscription | Approx. £14.4k | |
| Measured net benefit | After c£4k annual subscription | Approx. £10.4k | |
Current performance
Annualised performance after learning and full control
Now that myCoreAI has learned the building and full control has been established, current performance is equivalent to approximately 207 MWh/year, delivering around £19.4k/year of gross financial benefit and approximately £15k/year net benefit after annual subscription.
Operational carbon
Measured carbon reduction using UK Government 2025 factors
Using UK Government 2025 conversion factors for grid electricity and mains gas, measured savings equate to an estimated operational carbon reduction of 29.3 tCO2e. On the current annualised position, this rises to approximately 38.4 tCO2e/year.
Leadership commentary
Project commentary
Verification note
Verified site reporting
All reported savings are based on weather-normalised site reporting and verified University of St Andrews meter data, not estimates or simulations.
Next step
Could your estate deliver similar savings?
EcoAI helps existing buildings reduce HVAC energy consumption, operational carbon and operating cost by optimising the infrastructure already in place.
Amanda Cook
BMS Manager
The project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can support measurable energy performance improvements in an already well-performing building, while maintaining comfort and normal operations.
Michal Rosa
BMS Project Engineer
The deployment shows myCoreAI working alongside the existing Building Management System, using live building conditions and 15-minute optimisation cycles to reduce wasted HVAC energy.