Ameresco Enhances Art Institute of Chicago with Smart Building Optimization

Ameresco, a energy solutions provider, has completed a building infrastructure rehabilitation and optimization project in collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago.

The multi-phase project has improved air quality, humidity control, and overall building performance, while introducing maintenance tracking and notification systems. The upgrades will support the museum’s goal to share its singular collections with the City of Chicago and the world. 

The newly implemented systems in the museum use customized cloud-based machine learning algorithms to optimize air handler conditioning, achieving energy savings of 30–50 percent in cooling and reheat energy. The savings will help the museum to redirect funds toward its mission of promoting cultural exchange and inspiring understandings of human creativity. 

The project’s technical support includes machine learning models monitoring building performance and delivering optimized setpoints for air handling equipment. The models work with the Building Automation System (BAS) to reduce energy consumption and allow the museum to maintain expected environmental and comfort conditions.

“This project supports the museum’s role as a vital, leading cultural institution,” said Lou Maltezos, president of Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco. “By improving environmental conditions and reducing energy use, we’re helping the museum focus its resources on enriching public engagement and honoring its legacy as a steward of global artistic heritage.”