HousingAi - new approaches in using Ai and machine learning towards net-zero, resilient cities

Artificial intelligence is transforming every stage of the housing value chain, from initial architectural design and construction through to asset management, maintenance, and daily living. This technology offers potential solutions for urgent issues such as housing shortages, climate risks, and productivity deficits. However, these opportunities are accompanied by significant challenges, including digital exclusion, algorithmic bias, data governance issues, and the danger of implementing models that are inappropriate for the realities of informal settlements and the Global South. The Urban Transitions Mission (UTM), in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (tbc) and the Global Covenant of Mayors, is organising a session on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) towards green housing and affordability. The session critically and practically examines how artificial intelligence is transforming the design, construction, governance, and use of housing and urban space, and to identify actionable pathways forward. The session will be organised as a panel discussion. It will be divided into two parts: the first panel (35 min) will delve into showcasing cutting-edge applications of Housing and AI provided by UTM stakeholders and/or being piloted across the UTM city cohort. The second panel (35 min) will delve into existing AI pilots and models from the UTM cohort, governance implications and the challenges and benefits for the wider urban community. The remaining time will be allocated to Q&A. We aim to demonstrate practical, high-impact use cases, including predictive Energy Modelling; Climate-Risk Mapping (e.g. for rapidly urbanising cities and informal settlements; Generative Design for Net-Zero Communities; Inclusive AI Governance. This networking session brings together experts, international organisations and city representatives working on AI and energy (e.g. Greater Amman Municipality) and heritage buildings (e.g. Sheki), together with experts on social housing and its global challenges (IADB), as well as solution providers in the AI and urban space (e.g. Google). Participants will be able to interact in the session, as well as take home useful insights on how to integrate AI into their local climate action plans, ensuring that the next generation of housing is not only net-zero but also intelligent, adaptive, and human-centric.