Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform building engineering practice, CIBSE has argued, but its use must always be underpinned by professional judgement, human verification and a clear understanding of the legal and professional responsibilities involved.
In a new position statement on AI, CIBSE has said AI will be able to amplify engineering expertise and support building safety to enabling more complex tasks, reducing repetitive work and improving productivity.
By freeing engineers to focus on higher-value activities, AI could also help unlock greater innovation and support the delivery of better-performing, more sustainable buildings.
But engineers remain professionally and legally accountable for the work they produce, it also emphasised, regardless of whether AI tools have been used.
AI-generated outputs must therefore be critically assessed and verified by qualified professionals, rather than accepted without scrutiny.
Ahmed Hegazi, head of knowledge and digital at CIBSE, said: “We see enormous opportunities for AI to enhance engineering expertise, drive innovation and deliver better buildings.
“But in an industry where safety, competence and accountability are paramount, technology must support professional judgement, never replace it,” he added.
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