Schneider Electric - Experts & Thought Leaders

Schneider Electric, the pioneer in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announces the launch of the SpaceLogic™ Touchscreen Room Controller, an all-in-one device that leverages modern technology and seamlessly merges an innovative user interface with advanced functionality, setting a new standard for energy management and room control in buildings. Building owners and facility managers in both new and retrofit projects are under increasing pressure to meet regulatory requirements and reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions—all while ensuring occupant comfort and well-being. Capabilities of direct digital control SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller addresses these challenges by bridging the gap The SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller addresses these challenges by bridging the gap between simplicity and advanced functionality. Unlike traditional thermostats, which are easy to use but lack advanced features, or complex Building Management System (BMS) controllers, which are powerful but can be more costly and time-consuming to install, the SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller combines the ease of a thermostat with the capabilities of direct digital control, enabling efficient energy management and maintaining occupant satisfaction. Needs of modern facilities “By combining simplicity with sophistication, we’ve created a solution that meets the diverse needs of modern facilities while simultaneously driving down energy usage costs through efficiency,” said Sadiq Syed, Global Senior Vice President, Digital Buildings, Schneider Electric. “SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller redefines convenience and technology by delivering actionable insights and automation that enhance operational efficiency, reduce energy waste, and lower CO2 emissions. By addressing customer needs with innovative, easy-to-use technology, we are driving building decarbonisation and operational excellence with an exceptional user experience.” AI-driven HVAC optimization capabilities AI-driven HVAC optimization abilities in the SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller facilitate users’ AI-driven HVAC optimization capabilities in the SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller facilitate users’ participation in energy-saving programs and personalized energy-reduction strategies.  This is the industry’s only controller that dynamically optimizes room conditions to ASHRAE 55-compliant comfort standards using AI on the edge fully embedded within the device itself, rather than in the cloud. Internet and cloud connections This ensures occupant comfort is maintained in seconds and removes the extra complexity and expense of internet and cloud connections and data storage.  Having AI on the edge incorporated directly in the Touchscreen Room Controller enhanced energy optimization and overall occupancy comfort, pioneering to a reduction in occupant complaints by up to 23%. Benefits from wireless options Having AI on the edge mixed directly in the Touchscreen Room Controller enhanced energy optimization “This flexible and fast-to-deploy technology is designed to help building operations enhance energy efficiency and adapt to evolving occupant expectations,” said Justin Lavoie, Vice President of Channel Development for Schneider Electric. “It’s an ideal solution for hotels and commercial offices, where operational excellence and customer satisfaction are paramount, as well as education buildings and retrofitted buildings that benefit from its wireless options.” Other key benefits Increased Energy Savings: This all-in-one, fully programmable room controller integrates seamlessly with hotels’ building management and property management systems (PMS) for an end-to-end guest room management solution. It includes sensing for temperature, humidity and occupancy. By integrating HVAC, lighting, and blinds into a single room controller, energy savings of up to 35% can be achieved. Optimized Energy Management: Automated Demand Response implements load shedding and pricing applications compatible with regulations for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats. For example, in commercial offices, facility managers will have an advanced, flexible solution that reduces energy waste while enhancing occupant comfort through intelligent temperature and environment adjustments. Streamlined Operations: Facility managers can reduce maintenance staff hour costs by up to 25% through simple engineering tools and wireless connectivity options. Comprehensive HVAC Support: Support of common modern HVAC applications, including rooftop units, fan coil units, and heat pumps, ensures broad applicability across different building types. With 17 input and output connection points—the most of any room controller on the market today—the controller sets a new standard for versatility. Enhanced System Scalability: The Touchscreen Room Controller is equipped with 40% more capacity (terminals) compared to similar products in the market, allowing for scalability for advanced application integration. The SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller is currently available, with additional features rolling out in 2025, ensuring continuous enhancement and additional value over time.

A new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight says that annual shipments of wireless devices for industrial automation applications reached 10.7 million units worldwide in 2023, accounting for approximately 9 percent of all new connected nodes. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3 percent, annual shipments are expected to reach 19.1 million by 2028. The installed base of wireless devices in industrial automation reached at the same time 56.5 million in 2023. While wired networking solutions are still predominantly used for industrial communications between sensors, controllers and systems, wireless solutions have gained a strong foothold in a number of applications. Non-mission critical applications Wireless solutions are used in hard-to-reach locations or hazardous areas where wired solutions are impractical, ineffective or cost-prohibitive. In factory automation, wireless solutions are widely used to connect mobile industrial equipment such as automated guided vehicles and to remotely access machines for programming and servicing. In factory automation, wireless solutions are widely used to connect mobile industrial equipment In process automation, wireless technologies are increasingly used in non-mission critical applications to remotely monitor and optimise processes while also ensuring worker safety. Today, a growing number of wireless field devices are provided by many major industrial automation vendors including ABB, Emerson, Hitachi, Honeywell, OMRON, Schneider Electric, Siemens and Yokogawa. Remote monitoring applications Wi-Fi has emerged as the most widely used wireless technology in industrial environments largely due to the wide availability of compatible hardware. Providers of industrial Wi-Fi devices include Siemens, Cisco, Belden, Moxa, Phoenix Contact, HMS Networks and Advantech. The 802.15.4-based protocol WirelessHART is the second largest wireless technology used in field devices. The technology is widespread in remote monitoring applications for process industries. Emerson became the first company to market WirelessHART products in 2008 and has today an installed base of more than 10 million wireless pressure transmitters. Industrial automation market Cellular solutions are typically used for data acquisition and backhaul communications Cellular solutions are typically used for data acquisition and backhaul communications in distributed automation applications. The largest providers of cellular IoT gateways and routers in the industrial space include Semtech, Cisco, Digi International, Moxa, GE Vernova, HMS Networks, Robustel, InHand Networks and Teltonika Networks. Devices featuring Wi-Fi, WirelessHART and cellular connectivity accounted for 70 percent of the installed base in 2023. “Partnerships and collaborations between industrial automation players and technology companies are increasingly focused on artificial intelligence,” said Veronika Barta, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight. During 2023–2024, the industrial automation market witnessed both the emergence of new partnerships as well as the extension of existing collaborations focusing on AI. AI-powered industrial solutions For instance, both ABB and Siemens extended their respective partnerships with Microsoft to focus on generative AI applications in digital solutions. In addition, both Schneider Electric and Siemens have partnerships with NVIDIA to advance the use of AI-powered industrial solutions. Most recently in June 2024, Rockwell Automation announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to scale the use of AI in industrial mobile robots. “More collaborations and partnerships can be expected in the coming years as solution providers bet on AI to optimise industrial processes,” concluded Ms. Barta.

Danfoss has released a new paper, 'Data Centers and Energy: Reaching Sustainability', focused on designing and managing sustainable data centers. Part diagnosis, part roadmap, and part inspiration to meet the sustainability test provide a robust framework for developing best practices for data center design and management. As data centers grow in size and number, their energy usage and carbon emissions are also forecast to grow. With the push toward decarbonization to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, it is imperative that the data center industry implement energy-efficient and carbon-neutral cooling solutions. Source of new emissions Data centers will also need to explore holistic ways to be part of a sustainable community infrastructure Data centers will also need to explore holistic ways to be part of a sustainable community infrastructure. As Scott Foster, former Director of Sustainable Energy at the United Nations and currently a Senior Fellow at Boston University and Senior Advisor with the Enniscorthy Forum, writes in the foreword: “The digital economy is fast, ever-growing, ever-evolving, and ever more complex and energy intensive. Progress translates into data management being a source of a growing percentage of growing total greenhouse gas emissions. With global atmospheric temperatures already breaching the 1.5°C target and no clear peak in sight, such a potent and significant source of new emissions cannot be ignored.” Approaches to Data Center Cooling Following an executive summary by Jakob Jul Jensen, Head of Data Center Solutions at Danfoss, the paper explores different approaches to data center cooling, the costs of energy inefficiency, how increased energy efficiency can become a source of profit for data centers and how recent legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act is providing incentives for a green transition in the data center industry. Topics covered include the intersection of carbon, water, and energy when evaluating data center performance, the economics of sustainable data centers and the infrastructure needed for a true green transition. Advanced sustainable cooling solutions Paper also emphasizes that data centers can go beyond implementing advanced sustainable cooling solutions The paper also emphasizes that data centers can go beyond implementing advanced sustainable cooling solutions; they can become valued contributors to community energy systems where their heat can be captured and reused by other buildings: “Viewed from a community energy standpoint, then, data center excess heat can be part of a holistic system providing community energy services. The heat created by data centers can be deployed to heat buildings, heat water, and provide heat to other processes needing it. Data center heat energy can be stored in a variety of ways and used as needed to offset targeted electricity applications, especially during peak load hours, or to reduce the power load consistently throughout the day by replacing the need for electricity at a discrete location.” Additional investments in infrastructure The paper acknowledges that this would require additional investments in infrastructure, but as North America looks to decrease carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption, data center heat reuse represents a feasible solution to building a sustainable future. As part of its commitment to helping build sustainable data centers through collaboration and the sharing of best practices from major researchers, in September of 2023 Danfoss joined forces with Google, Microsoft, and Schneider Electric to launch a Pan-European Net Zero Innovation Hub. The Hub The Hub will bring together key stakeholders in the European data center sector, including regulators, researchers, operators, utility providers, NGOs, and grid/network services, with the goal of developing concrete solutions to accelerate the green transition of data centers.

The HVAC Industry gathered in Orlando for AHR Expo 2025, focusing on the latest advancements in technology. Attendees included contractors, manufacturers, engineers, system design professionals, facility managers, architects, wholesalers, and distributors. This year’s expo highlighted game-changing innovations, regulatory shifts, and emerging trends designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity. For HVAC professionals, these developments translate into practical solutions that improve system performance, optimize energy use, and simplify compliance with evolving industry standards. The Next Phase of Refrigerant Transition The transition to A2L refrigerants is a dominant theme at this year’s expo, with major players such as Arkema, Chemours, LG Electronics, Rheem, Daikin, and others showcasing the latest refrigerants and equipment solutions. Following the deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, the shift from R-410A to R-32 and R-454B is well underway, with 80% of manufacturers opting for R-454B. While concerns about flammability persist, experts emphasize that proper training and system design can mitigate risks. LG Electronics' full product line Some OEMs opted for R-454B as an option that is closer to a “drop-in” solution Some OEMs opted for R-454B as an option that is closer to a “drop-in” solution. Daikin was among the manufacturers to go all-in on R-32, which required a complete redesign of product components, ultimately pioneering to more efficient, cost-effective systems, according to the company. LG Electronics' full product line now uses R-32 refrigerant, and they started shipping products in December. All R-410A equipment will be gone by the end of Q1. variety of products on R-454B refrigerant Rheem announced their 100-year anniversary, and a new tagline, "Engineered for Life." They say the trend is toward side-discharge heat pumps, although the industry needs a mix of both. They had a variety of products on display that use R-454B refrigerant.  Attendees at AHR Expo 2025 came away with an understanding that refrigerant regulations and selecting compatible equipment will be crucial for ensuring smooth transitions in commercial and residential applications. Intelligent Building Automation and Controls Smart HVAC technology is revolutionizing building control, with AI-driven automation Smart HVAC technology is revolutionizing building management, with AI-driven automation, IoT connectivity, and remote monitoring taking center stage. Companies like Distech Controls and Schneider Electric are introducing IP-based controllers that integrate seamlessly with existing building management systems. Belimo’s intelligent butterfly valve and Delta’s Node-RED Programming with built-in Python support, among other products, are making automation more powerful and user-friendly. Copeland’s Sensi Touch 2 smart thermostat Copeland’s Sensi Touch 2 smart thermostat and Sensi equipment interface module (EIM) can eliminate the need to pull additional wires during installation. The system is weatherproof, indoor, or outdoor, and communicates using radio frequency (RF). AHR Expo 2025 made a strong case that investing in smart controls will improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enable predictive maintenance. Hydronic Systems for Data Center Cooling One major player is Bell & Gossett/Xylem, whose hydronic cooling systems target data center market The rise of data center cooling solutions was another recurring theme at AHR. One prominent player is Bell & Gossett/Xylem, whose hydronic cooling systems target the data center market. The company’s e-1531X and e-1532X smart pumps offer enhanced energy efficiency and a larger "efficiency island." These systems are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable data center cooling, providing a net-zero roadmap. As data center energy consumption rises, hydronic solutions offer a scalable, efficient approach to thermal management. Heat Pumps Expand Capabilities and Market Reach Heat pumps continue to dominate as a top energy-efficient alternative for commercial and residential applications. Companies such as Danfoss, Mitsubishi, and Samsung are pushing the boundaries with heat pumps that operate in extreme temperatures. Danfoss is progressing forward related to four application areas at AHR 2025--heat pumps, data centers, RTU/DOAS, and retail/refrigeration. Emphasis is on lower emissions and better energy efficiency. Midea drew a lot of attention at AHR 2025, including modular air handler Midea drew a lot of attention at AHR 2025, including their modular air handler – the  EVOX G³ – that breaks down into three pieces for easy movement and installation in any of six configurations. They are also opening showrooms throughout the country so consumers and contractors can see and touch the products. Integration with renewable energy sources Johnson Controls-Hitachi mini-splits have a self-cleaning feature called FrostWash Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s Hitachi mini-splits have a self-cleaning feature called "FrostWash;" they intentionally build a frost layer on the coil so the fine particulates can be captured and then melted away, thus avoiding mold and other contaminants. It can be used in lieu of UV light, which damages plastics. The heat pump market is growing rapidly, and advancements in low-temperature performance and integration with renewable energy sources will drive adoption. The Drive Toward Sustainability Sustainability is a recurring theme at the expo, with manufacturers prioritizing energy-efficient equipment, smart automation, and low-GWP refrigerants. Companies like Lennox, and Rheem are launching highly efficient packaged rooftop units and unitary heat pump systems. Grundfos’s distributed pumping technology and Ziehl-Abegg’s ZAcore intelligent control platform further demonstrate the industry's push toward lower energy consumption and minimal environmental impact. Investing in sustainable HVAC technologies Availability is paramount, and they are opening a new factory in Mexico Lennox is serving the "emergency replacement" market for HVAC equipment with their Xion line. Availability is paramount, and they are opening a new factory in Mexico. Telling the "story" of humidification at AHR 2025, Condair has products for any vertical. They say more education and awareness are needed on the value of humidification. As regulations tighten and demand for green building solutions rises, investing in sustainable HVAC technologies will be critical for long-term success. Smarter, Cleaner, and More Efficient AHR Expo 2025 underscores the industry's shift toward smarter, cleaner, and more efficient HVAC solutions. Whether it’s refrigerant transitions, intelligent automation, or advanced heat pump technology, staying ahead of these trends will help HVAC professionals deliver superior performance while meeting regulatory requirements. The innovations showcased in Orlando set the stage for a future where HVAC systems are not only more efficient and environmentally friendly but also easier to manage and integrate into modern buildings.

AHR Expo 2024 was abuzz with activity, befitting a dynamic industry in the throes of change.  Industry developments such as electrification and the refrigerant transition render business opportunities on the AHR Expo show floor, where exhibitors display a determination to meet the challenges and thrive in the process. Walking from booth to booth during the three-day show in Chicago, I saw the best the HVAC industry has to offer, up close and personal. Innovation and adaptability are the watchwords as the industry journeys into 2024 and beyond. Refrigerant Transition Top of Mind  Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment The technology transition is well underway for OEMs seeking to meet a pending AIM Act deadline at the end of the year. OEMs are choosing to embrace either R-32 or R454-B refrigerant to replace legacy R-410A, which is being phased out. Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment, while R-32 offers advantages such as higher capacity, higher efficiency, and easier cradle-to-cradle management. Arkema Arkema is the only producer of R-32 refrigerant in the United States. The newer refrigerant is being embraced as HVAC OEMs seek to meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, to use lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants in their products. The technology transition is just part of the AIM Act implementation that will also limit allocation and require refrigerant management. Chemours Chemours is a manufacturer of R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C refrigerants. At AHR, they presented hourly education sessions on a variety of subjects. The refrigerant transition will impact everyone in the industry, including refrigerant producers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and end users. R-454B refrigerant provides identical performance in HVAC systems compared to the previous refrigerant (R-410A). There is less need to redesign equipment; just adding sensors for leak mitigation can address the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants. Because of the 2025 deadline, 2024 will be the “year of new products” in the HVAC market. OEMs pioneering Innovation  Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets Innovation in the HVAC market is led by companies such as Carrier, which has introduced 100 new products each year for the past eight years. Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets, and providing flexibility for customers. New products include the AquaSnap 30RC air-cooled chiller and the AquaEdge 19MV chiller with low GWP refrigerant to meet pending regulatory requirements.  Copeland Copeland, recently divested from Emerson, also emphasizes innovation, including 12 research and development (R&D) facilities, 1,700 engineers, and more than 3,000 patents. At a press conference at AHR Expo, the 100-year-old company announced it is a “new” company owned by Blackstone Private Equity.  Products featured Among the featured products at AHR are Copeland’s oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology; and Copeland’s CC200 case controller, specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of the current retail grocery refrigeration environments. Copeland also pledges to play a role in educating the market about new trends and the transition to new refrigerants.  Emphasizing a Smaller Footprint  Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency Daikin Daikin highlights the Atmosphera, a single-zone ductless split system (using R-32) that can reduce carbon emissions by 80% (compared to R-410A). Also, Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency. Products emphasize a smaller footprint and less weight than their predecessors. Rebel Applied is a packaged rooftop unit that continually adjusts operation to address the building load, consuming less energy. Trailblazer HP is an air-to-water heat pump chiller with a reversing function that allows the product to switch between cooling and heating based on temperature requirements.  Friedrich Air Conditioning Friedrich Air Conditioning features the Breeze universally flexible inverter heat pump, a ducted mini-split for upgrading traditional equipment. It works with any furnace or air handler, has side discharge, is 40% smaller, and is cold weather capable to minus 13. Friedrich's new Vert-I-Pak is a line of M1-compliant single package Vertical Heat Pumps (available in 9K, 12K, 18K, and 24K Btu), supporting decarbonization efforts with heat pump operation down to 10°F. High Efficiency for Commercial and Residential Johnson Controls Johnson Controls exhibits their highly efficient residential and commercial HVAC solutions designed for Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 compliance and helping customers achieve Net Zero goals through decarbonization. On display was the York High-Efficiency 18 SEER2 Side-Discharge Heat Pump with up to 30% smaller footprint than vertical-discharge equipment. Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning's Aircore 700 single split system is aimed at light commercial and residential. Midea Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit Midea, known for selling consumer products, has kept a low profile in the professional sector, selling products that are either OEMed for Carrier or private-labeled by a contractor company. Seeking to promote the Midea brand, the Chinese company is staking its claim on the trade market with an emphasis on performance: The company exceeded performance in the Department of Energy’s “ColdClimate Heat Pump Challenge:” Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pump awareness Results of a survey conducted by Midea show that more than half of homeowners are not fully aware of heat pumps and their function. Awareness lags among contractors, too: 70% of contractors indicate they do not know that the current’s advanced heat pumps can generate 100% heat output to a minimum temperature of minus 4 F. Wide Selection of New Products Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US emphasizes all-electric heat pump solutions. The Deluxe Wall-mounted H2i sumo System connects with an outdoor unit, and the intelli-HEAT dual fuel system can determine the best source of heat – electric or gas – on cold days. Among commercial products, Heat2OHeat Pump Water Heaters are designed to produce high-volume domestic hot water for commercial facilities in any climate. LG Electronics LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and building management solutions for residential and commercial applications. Home electrification products include the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system; the LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater the LG Electronics Home 8 Energy Storage System, and ThinQ, LG’s mobile app. LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit The LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit features a customizable picture frame that doubles as a cooling and heating vent. Also, LG’s Medium and High-Temperature Hydro Kit Systems use a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water. LG’s Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S is suited to light commercial use where single-phase power is available and as an HVAC solution for outdoor air treatment. Easier Access for Technicians  Rheem Manufacturing New equipment at the Rheem Manufacturing booth at AHR Expo includes true multi-zone operation, smaller footprints, lighter weights, and components that are positioned for easy access by technicians. An LED in the control cabinet displays a fault code that identifies the problem to service technicians. The Resolute and Renaissance lines are commercially packaged heat pump units. The company is emphasizing the transition from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant by the end of 2024. Aeroseal Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant Aeroseal seals ducts by spraying a vinyl acetate polymer substance to increase HVAC efficiency. Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant, and a 30% tax deduction is available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  Airzone Airzone is a Spanish company that controls inverters and VRFs (variable refrigerant flow units). Their communication gateway controller incorporates protocols from various manufacturers, and the Easyzone is an easy-to-install zoning system.  Infinitum Infinitum manufactures a motor system that leverages a printed circuit board as a stator, making the motor system lighter weight and also smaller, quieter, and more efficient. The Aircore EC uses a standard printed circuit board manufacturing process to eliminate bearings. The component is used in blowers by OEMs Lau, Acme, Canarm, and Peerless, whose products are displayed at the booth.  Bell & Gossett Bell & Gossett debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve sustainability Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings and reduce complexity in the design process. Combining pumps and smart motors are the e-1510 end-suction pump, e-80 vertical in-line pump, and TECHNOFORCE e-HV packaged booster system.  NIBCO Simplifying the job of an HVAC installer is the PressACR copper press connection system from NIBCO, which connects copper pipes without brazing, which involves soldering and high temperatures, thus a fire hazard. The patent-pending groove design and crimp pattern support the higher-pressure requirement of an HVACR system. Pipes are pressed together using PressACR jaws and adapter jaws in a variety of sizes. NIBCO also displayed its Webstone brand of residential and commercial valves.  Control Products Provide Data  Resideo Resideo displayed home system products, including the Honeywell Home T10+ thermostat with RedLINK 3.0; sensors enable temperature balancing for hot and cold spots. Pro-IQ Services provides software tools designed for the connected home, including insights on heating, cooling, water, and indoor air quality devices to help contractors track customers. Professional-grade water damage prevention, the First Alert L2 WiFi Water Sensor and Switch provide alarms if there is a water leak.  Schneider Electric The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management Schneider Electric seeks to be “digital partners for our customers,” working with Fortune 500 companies seeking to achieve ESG (environment, social and corporate governance) goals. They help customers establish where they are currently vis-à-vis their goals and then deploy science-based key performance indicators (KPIs) to direct them to where they want to be. The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management, including two products for the small and medium building (SMB) market. Energy measurement Schneider measures energy usage through power meters, indoor air quality, and energy spent to achieve efficiency, compiling data according to what the customer wants to achieve. They sell through a national sales team, direct branch business (20 branches), and 200 system integrators (EcoXperts). Their customers include QSR (quick-service restaurant chains) that control climate centrally with data compiled in the cloud.  Siemens Siemens displays solutions for smart, adaptable buildings for a sustainable tomorrow, including the Building X system and the Sustainability Manager application, providing an understanding of a building’s performance and tracking it against sustainability and compliance targets. The Building X Lifecycle Twin tracks operational building performance via a “digital twin,” providing an augmented reality (AR) headset through which one can view equipment with information superimposed on the screen. Uponor  Uponor seeks to leverage the capital cost of heating systems to deliver heating and hot water. They make pipes and connectors and other technologies, including the AuqaPort, which improves water quality and energy savings in domestic hot water (DHW) applications. They seek to future-proof buildings by combining energy efficiency and comfort. Water recirculates and provides hot water on demand using 40% less piping. A “radiant roll-out mat” is preconfigured piping that can be rolled out to simplify installation. 

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is seemingly drawing to a close, living, working and learning at home is set to continue. Under this new normal, home electricity use is expected to double by 2050. Simultaneously, as climate change devastates communities around the world, we are faced with a moral and economic obligation to cut CO2 emissions from houses. Our goal is to build Net Zero houses and we can't get there fast enough. Fossil fuels use in heating systems Many countries continue to rely on coal, oil, or gas to power their heating systems. Continuing to rely on these fossil fuels, to keep us warm through harshening winters and cool throughout intensifying summers, simply adds to CO2 emissions. In fact, households account for 72% of global greenhouse gas emissions and energy-intensive HVAC systems are a core contributor to this. Whether you live in a hot or cold country, the result is the same - unsustainable carbon emissions. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is the inception point for homes to become sustainable. Sustainable standards in the home Regulation is already driving change in countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands It’s crucial that efforts to cut emissions don’t also cut living standards. Turning the heating off and suffering through the cold just isn’t an acceptable solution. The priority should be to cut emissions, not necessarily power consumption. Therefore, the use of clean energy for heating and cooling, as well as heating with ambient heat and heat pumps, could be an effective solution.  Regulation is already driving change in countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In these countries, fossil fuels are being banned where more sustainable, renewable alternatives are available, chiefly for powering homes. Some countries use other mitigation strategies: in California, for example, all new homes must be fitted with solar panels by law.  Heat pumps popular in Europe As another way to sustainably power homes, heat pumps have already proven extremely popular in Europe, especially in Scandinavian nations. Electricity in these countries is already generated mainly by climate-friendly wind and hydropower. According to calculations by Fraunhofer ISE, heat pump systems in Sweden generate 90% fewer carbon emissions, in comparison to heating systems that rely on natural gas. Electrical vehicle (EV) charging However, renewable generation alone won’t be enough. When the wind isn’t blowing or the sun shining, renewable energy sources can suffer intermittency issues. Sadly, we’re not yet at the point, when all our domestic power needs can depend on renewable energy Electrical vehicle (EV) charging, which is becoming more popular, is a heavy load and expensive to charge at peak times. This can force us to switch back to traditional carbon-based sources when our power needs outstrip supply. Sadly, we’re not yet at the point, when all our domestic power needs can depend on renewable energy. At least, not without assistance from digital technology. Sustainable smart home technology To decisively cut emissions in the home, clean energy must be paired with the use of sustainable smart home technology. IoT-connected sensors and intelligent systems can provide the deep insight that we need to make impactful and responsible energy decisions. Effective energy management is central to efforts to decarbonize our dwellings. A lot of the energy consumed by HVAC is inevitably wasted, either through forgetting to turn it off, when it’s no longer needed, or heating rooms that aren’t occupied for most of the day. Preventing this becomes much easier, once you have visibility and control through smart energy management systems. Smart systems enable efficient renewable energy use Any home can be digitally retrofitted to become more efficient. Once energy is made visible through digital and IoT (Internet of Things), only then it can be measured and analyzed. Consumers are then empowered to make small changes to their consumption habits, to reduce wasted energy and its resulting emissions.  Smart systems can also facilitate more efficient use of renewable energy sources. When all smart systems are interconnected under one platform, AI algorithms can automatically adjust what source the house draws energy from. Combining digital retrofits, energy storage, and management When a home has access to energy storage technology, it can store up excess power generated by renewable sources When a home has access to energy storage technology, it can store up excess power generated by renewable sources, which can be used later, when the power demand is high. This ensures that non-renewable energy sources are only tapped, when absolutely necessary.  By combining digital retrofits, energy storage, and robust AI-powered energy management solutions, we can decarbonize our HVAC systems and our homes. A smart, connected approach to consumption can keep us warm in winter and cool in summer, without impacting the biodiversity around us. Smart homes: Powering change As our homes become fitted with more advanced IoT-connected devices, the ability to effectively manage our homes’ energy needs is indisputable. To keep costs and emissions down, a secure interoperable power management system is crucial, to becoming more sustainable and enhancing our quality of life. Businesses and governments need to ensure that people have the freedom to make sustainable living choices within the home, which don’t undermine living standards.