The ACEEE today issued a report (link) entitled “A Defining Framework for Intelligent Efficiency,” calling intelligent efficiency the first major new source of energy to be discovered in years.
As governments, civil society, and others travel down to Rio later this month for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, or RIO+20, they would be well advised to peruse this report. The report points to intelligent efficiency as a key to future energy sustainability, having the potential to dwarf the impact of other older and better-known sources of energy.
So what is intelligent efficiency? The report describes it as a new recognition of the importance of holistic, system-based energy efficiency. Whereas many of the enabling technologies (e.g., sensors and controls) are not new, nor is the concept of a systems approach to efficiency, what is new is the recognition of the integration of ICT-enabled efficiency with human behavior as constituting a unique and powerful force for future sustainability.
As you’ll note on page 8 of the report, the authors helpfully diagram their view on three types of intelligent efficiency:
People-centered efficiencies: Provide real-time information and management tools enabling consumers and others to take efficiency action
Technology-centered efficiencies: Use sensors, controls, and computer software to automate efficiency processes; and,
Substitution with Energy-Saving ICT Services: Shift behaviors, services and structure of the economy in ways that displace energy usage.
While the report notes that “intelligent efficiency represents a pivotal opportunity in a time of constrained resources to step up our energy efficiency game, and to lay the foundation of a thriving US economy, ” it also notes that US policymakers can make a difference. The actions they can take include: leading by example by implementing intelligent efficiency solutions; enhancing data availability; and, redefining regulatory business models to better promote intelligent efficiencies.
The world is abuzz with curiosity about what the future will be like as we connect cars, appliances, even entire cities with the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology evolution will usher in new opportunities [...]
As world leaders, business executives, the scientific community, and others meet in Paris for the COP-21 summit it is clear that the question is no longer whether our climate is changing, but how do we [...]
At yesterday’s White House Summit on “Climate & the Road to Paris: Business & Science Coming Together administration officials announced that 81 companies have now made public commitments to the “American [...]
All over the world, smart technologies are revolutionizing urban life. They are making cities more livable (safer, healthier, more convenient, and more vibrant), more workable (more mobile, competitive, [...]
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an amazing new revolution in technology that connects everyday objects that are not traditionally connected to the internet. This week, ITI’s Dean Garfield emceed a great [...]
Earlier today, ITI testified at the House Energy and Power Subcommittee Hearing on “Strategic Petroleum Reserve Discussion Draft and Title IV Energy Efficiency.” Rona Newmark of EMC Corp served as our [...]
Earlier today, Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) reintroduced the Energy Efficient Government Technology Act (EEGTA). They were joined by Reps. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), David McKinley [...]
I’m in San Francisco for the first ACEEE Intelligent Efficiency Conference, “Mainstreaming Intelligent Efficiency.” After attending last night’s opening reception, I can tell this is going to be a great [...]
In 2010, U.S. drivers used 170 billion gallons of gasoline, enough to drive about 3 trillion miles—the equivalent of about one thousand trips to Pluto. That mobility was unprecedented, but those gas-guzzling [...]
The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) strongly supports today’s introduction by Sens. Mark Udall (D-CO) and Ed Markey (D-MA) of the “Access to Consumer Energy Information Act” or “E-Access [...]