[This is an EXCERPT: read the whole article here.. For more on energy efficient building and net zero buildings, see these articles and features:
» Building the unbeatable deal
» California regulators propose zero-energy housing by 2020
» Mass. Governor Announces Net Zero Energy Buildings Task Force
-Ed.]

by Patrick Mazza

"A new energy ecosystem is emerging that connects smart, green buildings with a smart, green grid to optimize energy flows. Since commercial and industrial buildings represent around 40 percent of U.S. energy use, and homes another 30 percent, this represents the most significant opportunity for energy efficiency and mass-scale renewable generation.

"But creating this new green energy ecosystem means linking what are today heavily 'stovepiped' separate systems within buildings and between buildings and the grid. It also means expanding the definition of green buildings to include the digital smarts that connect diverse systems. The Green Intelligent Buildings Conference in Baltimore on April 2-3 focused on ways to cut through 'stovepipes' and build those new linkages."

"'The sad truth is that many green buildings today are neither highly efficient nor particularly intelligent, and this is a missed opportunity,' wrote Paul Ehrlich of the Building Intelligence Group in an article previewing the conference. 'We have the potential to deliver green intelligent buildings that are sustainable as well as able to deliver high-performance, low-energy usage.'

"A green intelligent building 'not only has a bike rack, green roof, and waterless urinals, but also the systems, controls, and automation needed to provide improved scheduling, coordination, optimization and usability,' Ehrlich wrote."

Photo credit: bricolage.108