The Building Technologies Office research is helping make buildings become smarter about the amount and timing of energy use through the Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB) Initiative. In addition to improving the energy efficiency of the overall building, this research focuses on making equipment more intelligent through next-generation sensors, controls, connectivity and communication. These capabilities give building occupants more control in managing building comfort and productivity while saving money on energy bills, plus they can benefit the electric grid by enhancing grid reliability and resilience, deferring capital expenditures, and helping balance the supply of renewable generation.
Other Publications
Presentations
GEB Blog Series and News Updates
New Notice of Intent for a Funding Opportunity to Improve Energy Efficiency and Demand Flexibility of Buildings
EERE announced its intent to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement entitled, Connected Communities.
February 13, 2020
Department of Energy Invests $74 Million in Building and Construction Technologies and Innovations
DOE announced $74 million for 63 selected projects to research, develop, and test energy-efficient and flexible building technologies.
February 10, 2020
Heat Pump Water Heaters Achieve Significant Peak Reduction and Energy Savings
Studying the load shifting and efficiency potential of heat pump water heaters relative to electric resistance water heaters in residential buildings.
December 11, 2019
Economic Dispatch of Combined Heat & Power System in Upstate New York
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently completed preliminary testing of its promising Economic Dispatch.
October 22, 2019
Georgia Power Unveils Atlanta's First Smart Neighborhood
DOE recently helped unveil a new community of 46 smart townhomes in Atlanta.
August 1, 2019
Buildings and the Grid 101: How Much Does Timing Matter?
Understanding when efficiency occurs, and its value at those times, is a central component of BTO’s efforts.
May 21, 2019
Buildings and the Grid 101: Why Timing Matters
We will dig deeper into why the timing of energy efficiency matters. To put it simply, it’s a matter of economics.
May 8, 2019
How Advanced Building Technologies in Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings Can Support the Grid
As part of its grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEB) vision, BTO directs breakthrough research that will make building technologies smarter.
December 20, 2018
Buildings and the Grid 101: How Are Building Technologies Office Partners Researching and Validating in the Field?
With a rapidly changing energy industry, Southern Company recognizes that accelerating technology development is more important than ever.
May 1, 2018
ASHRAE, Buildings, the Grid, and Resources to Face the Challenges
Enabling smarter grids has the potential to create a revolution in the building sector that will save energy and costs.
April 25, 2018
Buildings and the Grid 101: Opportunities and Challenges from HVAC, Water Heating, and Appliances
HVAC, water heating, and other appliances represent more than half of the total energy used in U.S. residential and commercial buildings.
March 16, 2018
Buildings and the Grid: Helping Commercial Buildings Get Smarter
The intersection of occupant comfort, productivity, and energy reduction is no secret.
February 12, 2018
Buildings and the Grid 101: It Matters, But How Much?
It’s the last days of holiday shopping, and everyone is noticing all of the Internet-connected products out there.
December 21, 2017
Buildings and the Grid 101: Challenges
Buildings are becoming more responsive and dispatchable, reacting to grid needs while also helping American businesses and families to save energy.
October 19, 2017
Buildings and the Grid 101: Why Does it Matter for Energy Efficiency?
Every hour more than 200,000 new devices get connected to the Internet globally, and the U.S. market for these devices is the world’s biggest.
September 12, 2017
GEB Project Spotlight
Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
Lead Performer: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Golden, CO
Lead Performer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory – Richland, Washington
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