Smart buildings and smart grids only go so far in optimizing energy consumption in cities, the two need to be synchronized to complete the energy saving story. As much as 40% of total energy consumption in the US comes from buildings. While great strides have been made to develop smart building energy saving technology alongside advancements in grid infrastructure, harmonizing technology is still emerging. “Energy and buildings markets are beginning the tricky process of harmonization as major global firms look to capitalize on opportunities surrounding smart grids and distributed energy,” states our recent report Smart Buildings Meet the Smart Grid. At The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), assistant professor of mechanical engineering, Bing Dong, is using a $173,420 grant from the National Science Foundation to support his top-tier research in the development of smart cities. The grant is part of a White House initiative established last year to encourage the development of smart […]