Emerging Technologies Leading to More Efficient Buildings, Say Industry Leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Emerging and maturing technologies such as natural gas, variable speed air conditioning, solar power, combined heat and power (CHP), and energy storage are reducing current energy use and harbor even greater potential to improve building energy efficiency, both individually and in the short term. This was the consensus of participants in the recent 21st Danfoss EnVisioneering Symposium. The event brought together executives in HVAC and related industries, as well as leaders in research and business, to discuss the future of energy efficiency in new and retrofit buildings. “With much higher building efficiencies and onsite photovoltaics, combined heat and power generation, and cleaner fuel, we will no longer be as dependent on massive coal-fired power plants,” said Robert Wilkins, Danfoss’ vice president of public affairs. The optimization of the efficiency of individual technologies is leading to increased popularity of a whole building systems approach. John Galyen, president, Danfoss North America, said “While converging technologies are creating a trigger point for change, these changes will define a new utility model of the future. And, that reality would require a change in the mindset of everyone from the equipment manufacturers to the building owners and maintenance professionals to the electric and natural gas utilities.”