Your Information Source for Home & Building Automation

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(IS-2009-78) Development of an Operation and Maintenance Rating System for
Commercial Buildings
This report from the University of Washington presents a study for the National Center for
Energy Management and Building Technologies of the U.S. Department of Energy. This
study created a rating system to quantify the performance of outsourced building
operations and maintenance services. The ratings cover building energy usage;
operation, maintenance, and functionality of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems; building occupant satisfaction; and building operation and
management. Detailed survey forms are included in the report.
(IS-2009-77) The Influence of Home Energy Management Systems on the
Behaviours of Residential Electricity Consumers: An Ontario, Canada Case Study
This is a thesis written by a masters student at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. The
effectiveness of a home energy management system to reduce average and peak
electricity usage is reported. The home energy management system presented time-ofuse
rates via the web and allowed users to choose their level of conservation. Control
was exercised via a home gateway and X-10 control of thermostat, light switches, etc.
Overall, about 3% load reduction and 13% peak reduction was achieved with about 3%
shift in load to off-peak.
(IS-2009-76) Market failures and policy or policies' success
This publication from the International Energy Agency (IEA) focuses on the energy used
by consumer electronics, including appliances, computers, and communications devices.
The IEA is an inter-governmental agency of 28 countries including Canada and the U.S.
Total energy use by these devices is expected to double by 2022 and triple by 2030. The
IEA recommends government policies that encourage energy conserving products. They
specifically recommend products that power only those functions active in the device.
(IS-2009-75) The U.S. Smart Grid Revolution - KEMA's Perspective for Job Creation
This study from KEMA, Inc. projects the impact of $64 billion in expenditures on smart
grid projects from 2008-2012. About 278,600 jobs are expected to be created during this
period. This paper surveys the transition of the electric utility industry to accommodate a
smart grid. The smart grid will include advanced metering infrastructure (AMI),
renewables, and increased reliability.
(IS-2009-74) Mobile Advertising: Buy In or Lose Out
This paper from Oracle examines the growing market for ads inserted in web pages
delivered to mobile telephones. 23% of users click on such ads. This market may reach
$1 billion by 2012 in the U.S. Methods of inserting ads in text messages are discussed.
Billing options with ad subsidies are considered.
(IS-2009-73) Transforming the Market
This report from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
examines energy used by buildings in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Japan, and the U.S.
These countries account for two-thirds of energy consumption. Motivations to achieve
energy reduction are needed beyond market forces. The report recommends incentives,
integrated design, innovation, advanced technology, training, and an “energy aware
culture.” They warn against complacency and false optimism. Case studies are
included.
(IS-2009-72) Energy Efficiency in Buildings: A Global Economic Perspective
This study from the Peterson Institute for International Economics examines financial
motivation for building manager to improve building efficiency. The goal is to achieve a
50% reduction in green house gas emissions by 2050. The researchers examined what
would motivate the owners of residential and commercial building to make change to
reduce emissions. A worldwide investment of $1 trillion per year is needed to achieve the
goals. 83% of this investment will be paid back in 20 years through lower energy
consumption. The authors conclude “Imposing a price for carbon alone will be
insufficient to achieve the necessary emission reductions from buildings, and barriers to
adoption must be addressed through building standards, fiscal spending, and new
approaches for financing energy-saving design and technology at scale.”