AI Framework for Advancing Healthy Built Environments
11th July, 2024, by Ismael Kherroubi Garcia
Linus Zoll & Google DeepMind / Better Images of AI / Generative Image models / CC-BY 4.0
On 1st July 2024, the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) published the AI Framework for Advancing Healthy Built Environments, a practical guide for organisations in built environment sectors to make decisions about artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that promote human health and wellbeing.
How can AI tools be used in a manner that promotes people-first places?¹ This is a question that IWBI has become keen to explore as the global authority for transforming health and wellbeing in buildings, organisations and communities. To fill in knowledge gaps and meaningfully work in the space of AI, IWBI sought out Kairoi’s expertise. What has resulted is the AI Framework for Advancing Healthy Built Environments, a practical guide for organisations in architecture, engineering, construction, building operations (AECO) and related sectors to make AI-related decisions that promote human health and wellbeing.
Access the full AI Framework for Advancing Healthy Built Environments from here.
IWBI’s AI Framework for Advancing Healthy Built Environments is the first framework for responsible AI that explicitly incorporates Kairoi’s AI Ethics Canvas.² This a significant accomplishment for Kairoi, and a demonstration of the effectiveness of our approach to AI ethics.
The framework provides three particular insights for organisations across a myriad of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, facilities management and real estate:
- The UN Global Compact,³ which sets out good business practices, both serves as a strong foundation for thoughtful approaches to AI, and helps steer companies away from significant harms posed by poor judgement in the AI space;
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals⁴ provide ideals for companies to strive for, and, in tandem with Kairoi’s Four Pillars for Responsible AI,⁵ have been used to outline 36 specific interventions to operationalise responsible AI considerations; and
- Case studies are an effective tool for training on AI ethics, and were developed to support IWBI’s AI Champions to reflect on the impacts of diverse AI applications across built environments.
The framework also provides a roadmap for future developments in responsible AI in building sectors. In particular, there is a need to:
- More clearly link the Framework with IWBI’s equity-focused initiatives;
- Explore opportunities for partnerships with other standards and industry organisations; and
- Call for greater transparency from AI providers to enable the adoption of the Framework.
The intersection of both built environments and AI proffers a great opportunity for positive, sustainable impact on people’s lives. However, in a context of great excitement about AI technologies, we must be purposeful in how we prioritise the needs of people.⁶ At Kairoi, we continue to support built environments industries in taking thoughtful approaches to AI tools and systems, and are proud to celebrate IWBI’s leadership in this space.
Read IWBI’s launch of the report here.
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References
¹ Pimentel, J. & Kherroubi Garcia, I. (2024) Leveraging Machines for Meaning: IWBI’s AI Framework for Advancing Healthy Buildings, IWBI, online [accessed 11 July 2024]
² Kherroubi Garcia, I. (2023) Introducing Kairoi’s AI Ethics Canvas at the RSA, Kairoi blog, online [accessed 12 December 2023]
³ United Nations Global Compact (n.d.) The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, online [accessed 11 July 2024]
⁴ United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (n.d.) The 17 Goals, online [accessed 11 July 2024]
⁵ Kherroubi Garcia, I. (2024) The Four Pillars of Responsible AI, Kairoi blog, online [accessed 11 July 2024]
⁶ Pimentel, J. & Kherroubi Garcia, I. (2024) Moving Beyond the Hype: Advancing Common Principles for Responsible AI in the Built Environment, IWBI, online
