Making Buildings Smarter and Energy-Efficient - Using The Internet of Things Platform

Abstract

Smart grid, as a concept tries to revolutionize the conventional grid structure by incorporating Information Technology components and making the communication bidirectional. However, there is a greater thrust to make the distribution and utility side of the grid smarter owing to a greater number of end-users and increase in energy consumption. It needs to be prioritized as the global energy consumption levels are increasing by the day. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 7) to ensure energy security and sustainable energy development also need to be met. This article discusses the salient points and characteristics of energy-efficient buildings, which have been occupying significant research space over the last decade owing to advances in Information Technology and Smart grid technology. This article would also help to broaden the research scope by amalgamating several domains such as energy, construction technology, and information technology into one. © 2012 IEEE.