Microsoft uses machine learning to develop smart energy solutions

Microsoft Real Estate and Security (RE&S) is responsible for heating and cooling 115 buildings in the Puget Sound area. Microsoft Core Services and Engineering (CSEO) partnered with RE&S to improve the effectiveness of the schedules for their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to reduce costs and increase employee comfort. CSEO implemented machine learning to predict when employees will arrive into Microsoft buildings each morning and how long it will take for a building to reach its optimal comfort temperature. As a result, we were able to generate a dynamic HVAC schedule that resulted in significant cost savings and increased employee comfort for RE&S. We're continuing to implement machine learning in our buildings throughout the Puget Sound region and we're encouraging the rest of Microsoft to use machine learning to optimize operations and drive digital transformation.