Intelligent consumer use of our limited energy supply is now recognised as one of the major factors in the green revolution. According to the Smart Energy Home Initiative, which brings together companies to overcome the barriers that prevent sustainable houses from being the norm, buildings consume 40% of the energy used in Europe and contribute to 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, with the loss in monetary terms estimated at €60 billion a year.
Using home automation technology for energy control can reduce power consumption by limiting use to where and when it is most needed … therefore saving money on energy bills without affecting quality of life.
The Potential
Not so long ago, home energy control was one of the more mundane applications of home automation. Now, though, it has become the most important one, thanks to the need to conserve our planet’s resources.
Some examples of home energy control: zoned heating and cooling, lighting control, and automatically opening and closing windows and curtains for natural lighting and heating control. There are impressive applications even for energy control. One of my favourites is a dishwasher (which has been set to start in the middle of the night) that can send a message to the water heater to turn up the water temperature as needed — so dishes are properly cleaned and sterilized — and then turn it down again. This is realistic, practical and definitely possible.
via With green “in,” home automation’s time is here | Innovation.
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