Smart Buildings Pilot Project Gets $61M Investment

Smart buildings are getting even smarter with the help of a US$61 million investment from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE announced the money will go toward 10 pilot projects that will equip more than 7,000 buildings with smart technology to reduce energy use, costs, and emissions.

Connected communities of grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) use smart controls, sensors, and analytics to communicate with the U.S. power grid, reducing the amount of energy they require during periods of peak demand. This capability is used to optimize buildings and distribute energy resources to maintain the comfort of the building occupants, lowers utility bills, and reduces grid system costs, according to the DOE.

“These projects will help universalize technology that can maximize the efficiency and sustainability of America’s nearly 130 million buildings and make significant headway in the fight against climate change,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.  

A recent DOE study estimated that by 2030, GEBs could save up to $18 billion per year in power system costs and cut 80 million tons of carbon emissions each year. DOE’s first two connected communities in Alabama and Georgia have already demonstrated this potential by using approximately 42-44% less energy than today’s average all-electric home. 

The 10 pilot projects represent a cross-section of the buildings industry that include utilities, local governments, homebuilders, and end-users. The 10 selectees are: The Ohio State University, Electric Power Research Institute Inc., IBACOS Inc., Open Market ESCO LLC, PacifiCorp, Portland General Electric, Post Road Foundation, Slipstream Group Inc., Spokane Edo LLC, and SunPower Corp.