As you know, our building and energy infrastructure is rapidly changing. We are moving to smart buildings, smart cars and a smart grid. This integration and communication presents tremendous opportunity for energy cost savings.
As a leader in the buildings industry, ASHRAE wants to ensure that its expertise is employed as policies are developed in defining the relationship between buildings and the smart grid. Building systems will be able to exchange information with electricity providers, other buildings and transportation systems. As well, building systems will receive data to inform system operation and performance. Microgrids, distributed energy resources and energy storage systems will be an important part of this new energy future.
Of course, this interconnected system must be implemented in ways that still ensure the safety, security and privacy of building occupants and their information.
ASHRAE has developed standard 201, “Facility Smart Grid Information Model”, which provides a common basis for electrical energy consumers to describe, manage and communicate about electricity consumption and forecasts.
As Canada moves to a smart grid, ASHRAE welcomes the opportunity to share its technical expertise to ensure that this transition is done effectively and efficiently, and to assist in providing the tools, resources and knowledge to ensure proper operation of buildings in this new paradigm.
Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to testify before this committee. We would be happy to provide more details on any of the issues we have discussed, and we would be happy to take questions.
Thank you.