More U.S. utilities are adopting programs to promote grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs).
GEBS will be critical to the grid of the future, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Some programs focus on energy savings and others on demand flexibility, but none of those surveyed reap the benefits of both, according to new ACEEE research.
GEBS, also called “smart buildings,” can help utilities adapt to rapid changes in the grid, including the adoption of technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps. They deliver substantial energy and emission reductions by using highly efficient materials and equipment.
GEBS can also be resources to the grid by using less overall energy than a normal building and strategically shifting or reducing energy consumption during peak times. The simplest programs type includes automated demand response (ADR) that sends a signal to equipment in a building to reduce its load.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2021
Fannie Mae green bonds program could be greenwashing
Analysis shows significant number of green bond properties become less efficient.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2021
Three Texas cities head list of most environmentally vulnerable
Hazard analysis includes natural disasters and government response categories.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2021
Bill would reform New York’s public contracting process
Council on Public Contracting Reform to have contractor representation.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2021
AGC pushes for more environmentally friendly construction
Contractor trade group supports government investment, tax incentives to reduce carbon footprints.
Codes and Standards | Aug 11, 2021
Decentralized approach to codes means emissions reduction responsibility falls on local officials
Efficiency advocates focusing more on local code amendments.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2021
Dept. of Energy issues model energy code determinations for commercial, residential buildings
2021 IECC offers 9.4% site energy savings.
Digital Twin | Aug 9, 2021
Digital Twin Maturity white paper offers guidance on digital twin adoption
Provides lifecycle map and an approach for incorporating digital twins.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2021
Contractors can be liable for building failures many years after project completion
Personal injury suits could be brought decades after substantial completion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2021
Mass timber is a natural choice for building recycling through deconstruction
Designing wood buildings to optimize recovery of materials for disassembly aids carbon sequestration.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases initial version of the Spawn of EnergyPlus software
Targets new use cases in advanced controls, district systems, and grid integration.