Abstract | Saving energy in buildings has always suffered from a lack of detailed information on how much each individual device within a building actually uses. The topic of “energy aware” devices covers a set of technologies that can reveal data on each individual energy-using product. This report presents information and analysis of policy and program opportunities to reduce electricity use by encouraging devices to become energy aware. Its key findings are that: • Energy aware devices are a key opportunity for more efficient building operation • Energy aware devices can reduce costs for developing some energy policies and lead to better results • Energy aware devices can be used for cost-effective monitoring and evaluation of energy efficiency projects and programs • Energy aware devices can be implemented for relatively low cost • Recommended policy actions are: o Work to guide technology development in this area o Establish minimum standards for energy aware device capabilities o Incorporate energy awareness requirements into voluntary programs o Set out a path to incorporating energy awareness requirements into mandatory standards • Policies and technologies in this area should respect consumer privacy • EDNA and the Connected Devices Alliance (CDA) can serve an important role to promote and coordinate policy in this area globally, to: o Work with standards organizations on communication protocols o Sponsor the development of free, open source management system software o Act as a global coordinator of policies and programs that promote energy aware devices. In this report, “energy aware” refers to the capability of a device to measure or estimate its own power and energy use. “Energy reporting” refers to the capability of an energy aware device to report its power and energy use via a communications network.
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