Get Smart: The Business Case for Grid-Interactive, Efficient Buildings | Urban Land Institute

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Promotion of grid-interactive, efficient buildings to reduce energy costs, improve resilience, and optimize sustainability.

Grid-interactive buildings present a significant opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency within the real estate sector. These structures use smart technologies to optimally manage energy consumption, adjusting usage based on grid conditions and occupant needs. It is estimated that implementing these practices at scale could save the sector up to $18 billion annually in energy costs by 2030, highlighting their potential as a key solution for sustainability and resilience in the built environment.

Beyond the financial benefits, these grid-interactive buildings enhance resilience against power supply disruptions, allowing critical operations to continue during emergencies. Technologies such as energy storage and distributed generation contribute not only to business continuity but also to reducing peak energy demand, thus supporting grid stability. This approach offers a competitive edge to commercial and residential properties by enabling more efficient and sustainable operations.

Challenges for widespread adoption include the need for consistent data, initial investment in automation technologies, and aligning interests among real estate stakeholders. Overcoming these barriers requires collaboration among developers, operators, governments, and utility companies, alongside public policies that support infrastructure modernization and grid-interactive building strategies. Here you can find the link to view the document.

Here is the link to access the document: https://bit.ly/4ew4Gb7