Exchange Quay Adopts AI to Slash HVAC Costs and Boost Sustainability

CSR Sustain, Till Asset Management, and CBRE Collaborate on Major HVAC Optimisation Project.

One of Salford's most recognisable office destinations, Exchange Quay, is undergoing a significant green technology upgrade, rolling out an AI-powered HVAC optimisation platform across its estate.

The project, a collaboration between asset managers Till AM, managing agents CBRE, and building performance consultancy CSR Sustain, targets one of the most significant sources of energy consumption and operational cost in commercial buildings: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

The initiative is part of Exchange Quay's wider commitment to enhancing its ESG credentials by making its buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable for occupiers.

How the AI-Powered "PEAK" Platform Works

At the core of the project is CSR Sustain's CSR PEAK platform. Powered by advanced building analytics, the system continuously monitors and optimises HVAC performance in real-time.

Crucially, the platform also provides AI-driven automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD). This data-driven approach allows the building management team to move from reactive to proactive maintenance, receiving real-time alerts that predict and identify equipment issues before they become major problems.

The result is lower running costs, a longer lifespan for equipment, and more consistent, comfortable environments for the people working in the buildings every day.

Luke Cleary, Technical Director at CSR Sustain, says:

"It's great to be partnering with Till AM. With their sophisticated building stock and the forward-thinking team at CBRE, they've got the perfect foundation to drive real operational improvements."

About CSR Sustain

Bury-based and owner-managed, CSR Sustain is a CIBSE-certified consultancy specialising in AI-powered HVAC optimisation. The company helps commercial real estate owners improve sustainability, cut energy use, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance occupant comfort across their portfolios.

The Insider Take: Why This Matters for the Broader Market

This move by a major asset like Exchange Quay is more than just a simple tech upgrade; it's a clear signal of a much broader trend that landlords and occupiers need to understand.

Rico Naylor - CEO of CRE Insider

1. The "Operational Turn": For years, the focus in green real estate has been on development achieving high BREEAM or WELL ratings on new builds. This project signifies the "operational turn" where the next wave of value creation (and cost-saving) will come from making existing buildings smarter, more efficient, and more responsive.

2. Data is the New Currency: The implementation of AI and fault detection moves building management from a world of educated guesswork to one of hard data. For landlords, this data provides a clear, auditable trail of efficiency improvements and ESG performance, which is increasingly demanded by investors and corporate occupiers.

3. The Occupier Experience Pays: In a competitive office market, tenant comfort is a key differentiator. An AI-optimised HVAC system that prevents rooms from being too hot or too cold isn't just a maintenance issue; it's a crucial part of the workplace experience that directly impacts productivity and tenant satisfaction. Landlords who invest in this technology are investing in tenant retention.

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