MIPS Smart Building

The Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) Smart Building Research Project at Morgan State University’s School of Architecture and Planning (SAP) is a transformative initiative aimed at integrating smart building technologies to improve energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. This project is a collaboration between Morgan State University and GEMM COMM, leveraging advanced technology to optimize energy use in urban and underserved communities. Through research, industry partnerships, and student engagement, the project supports Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.

Additionally, the project facilitates outreach to the business community, including building owners and operators, to assist with Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) compliance. Through program resources, technical support, and data-driven recommendations, stakeholders can implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures while ensuring regulatory adherence.

ABOUT THE MIPS RESEARCH PROJECT

The project explores AI-driven energy management systems, smart sensors, and sustainable design to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor environmental quality. Key areas of focus include:

• Smart building design and retrofitting
• Energy efficiency solutions for underserved communities
• IoT and AI integration for real-time energy optimization
• Workforce development in clean energy technologies

SAP and GEMM COMM are piloting technologies to optimize energy use, extend equipment lifespan, and lower costs. This partnership aligns with Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 and broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

IMPACT & OUTCOMES

The MIPS project aligns with Maryland’s climate action goals and EPA recommendations to transform research into scalable, real-world applications. Key anticipated outcomes include:

• Supporting the Building Energy Transition Task Force with data-driven recommendations for energy efficiency.
• Contributing to a 20% reduction in energy costs for commercial and residential buildings.
• Providing workforce development and employment transition programs for communities in need.
• Advancing smart technology deployment to drive energy conservation and sustainability in Maryland and beyond.

Through the partnership with GEMM COMM, the project extends beyond technical innovation to deliver social and economic benefits. GEMM COMM specializes in funding and executing environmental initiatives in underserved communities, ensuring that cost savings from energy-efficient solutions translate into tangible financial relief for residents. Additionally, the project serves as a model for integrating cutting-edge research into policy recommendations and community-driven solutions.

CONTACT & RESEARCH TEAM

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR 
Dr. Abimbola O. Asojo, FAIA, IDEC, LEED AP, NOMA 
Dean & Professor, School of Architecture + Planning, Morgan State University
📧 abimbola.asojo@morgan.edu | 📞 443-885-3225

CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Siddhartha Sen
Associate Dean & Professor, School of Architecture + Planning, Morgan State University
📧 siddhartha.sen@morgan.edu | 📞 443-885-1864

Dr. Abiodun Rowland Oloye
Research Associate, School of Architecture and Planning, Morgan State University
📧 roolo1@morgan.edu | 📞 667-375-8724

CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS
GEMM COMM
Khalid Malik, LEED AP
Executive Director
📧 khalid@gemmcomm.org | 📞 240-281-8857 | 🌐 www.gemmcomm.org