Nationwide, the Department of Energy estimates that if commercial buildings could utilize sub-meters to identify energy savings of just 2%, it would represent actual cost savings of $1.7 billion.
As a result, the U.S. federal government, along with over 200 major commercial building sector partners, has recently issued a simple challenge to U.S. manufacturers to promote energy savings:
“If you can build wireless sub-meters that cost less than $100 apiece and enable us to identify opportunities to save money by saving energy, we will buy them.”
So far, at least 18 manufacturers have agreed to participate in the challenge.
This challenge helps to identify a problem and promote the necessary innovation. Electricity sub-meters can provide building operators with information to help them identify savings. For example, a wireless sub meter could be installed at various electrical panels throughout the building to give a more detailed picture of where the electricity is being used, helping to identify savings. And while wireless sub-meters are available, they typically cost about $1,000/installation. This challenge can help reduce the cost by about 90%.
A performance-based manufacturing specification has been developed by the Energy Department, with assistance from members of its Better Building Alliance and federal agencies.
The specification details the minimum performance requirements for a wireless electric energy metering systems. You can view a full PDF version of the specification here.
The following partners have signed letters of intent expressing interest in purchasing the meters:
- Bullitt Foundation
- CBRE
- Enterprise Green Communities
- Fitzmartin Consulting
- Jonathan Rose Companies
- McKinstry
- Natural Resources Defense Council
- Prologis
- Stanford University
- University of California–Berkeley
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- U.S. Federal Energy Management Program
- U.S. General Services Administration
- Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
- Whole Foods Market
- Yum! Brands
For more information on this initiative, read the U.S Department of Energy’s full press release: Federal and Industry Partners Issue Challenge to Manufacturers.
