Smart Cities--Energy Efficient Ecosystems--Future of Green Building?

The modern home is well equipped with some degree of intelligence. From smart thermostats to home security systems, we are finding new ways to outfit our living spaces to deliver more comfort and energy optimization. Commercial facilities are also being designed with these goals in mind and often consist of a number of interconnected smart systems that work together. 

Some believe that the optimization of homes and office facilities is merely the beginning. The article "Smart Homes" published in Mechanical Engineering, suggests that in order to truly optimize our energy consumption, groups of buildings must be integrated with one another. This will provide an optimal balance of supply and demand and enable in-house sustainable renewable energy s

ources that can feed extra energy back to grid. Essentially buildings, according to Mr. Geraud Darnies, President & CEO of United Technologies Corporation, will be "ecosystem themselves and rest in balance with the natural environment."  

While this type of integration can allow for new opportunities to make smart decisions,  it does pose a significant number of complexities relating to the technical challenges, as it becomes harder to monitor, predict and control. A scalable analytics system or solution capable of monitoring the performance, health management and control strategies would be necessary due to the complexity and uncertainty of such an integrated system. 

As far fetched as this may seem, smart cities may be closer than you think.  The development of data analytic programs are making this more of a reality, in addition to the increase of building control systems on the market.  The cost savings impact of such a development is undeniable, but only the future will tell whether or not this will truly be a success. 

Sources: 

"Smart Buildings." Mechanical Engineering. December 2013.

How to Reduce your Energy Costs this Summer

Air-conditioning is often a welcomed relief from the unremitting summer heat, but the high costs associated with energy consumption can leave homeowners and facility managers unsatisfied. 

Currently, HVAC systems are responsible for around 40% of total building energy consumption, which is why it is no surprise that according to a recent report by Navigant Research, the revenue of energy efficient HVAC systems will increase from 17.2 million in 2013 to $33.2 billion in 2020.  

If an energy efficient HVAC system isn't in your budget this year, there are several budget friendly ways for keeping your energy consumption down this summer. 

1. Change your Filters 

Clean air filters are key to getting the best air flow from your HVAC system. Not changing your filters could mean more maintenance because it forces your system to work harder and less efficiently. 

2. Add Insulation 

Check to make sure your facility is properly insulated. According to the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), insulation not only can reduce your carbon imprint and save you money on your energy bill, but it can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout your facility. 

3.  Programmable Thermostats 

A programmable thermostat can help control your system even when you aren't around. By setting different temperatures for different times of the day,  you are better able to monitor your energy consumption and cut on your costs. 

4. Invest in

Energy Efficient Shades 

Keeping your windows covered all day and installing energy efficient shades can help reduce the load on your AC unit. 

5. Annual HVAC Systems Maintenance 

Like your car, your HVAC system needs a yearly checkup. This can help ensure that your system is running efficiently and prevent costly problems later on. 

Getting a cooling load calculation completed by a certified engineer can also determine the efficiency of your HVAC system and can make sure your system meets required building codes.  

Want to find out if your HVAC system is running efficiently?  RGD Consulting Engineers can perform an on-site inspection of your facility to determine the proper remediation to help you save money on your energy consumption. Inquire today!