Smart Residential Energy Systems – How Pervasive Com- Puting Can Be Used to Conserve Energy

Energy consumption in buildings accounts for about 40% of total energy consumption [1]. The residential sector alone has seen a rise in electricity consumption by 54% since 1991 [2]. To a large extend, this increase can be traced back to the growing number of electrical appliances. While most large appliances (e.g., dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) have become more efficient over the years, the numerous small appliances introduced into residential environments contribute significantly to today’s energy consumption. This growing number of devices and the lack in consumption transparency make it difficult to address the question of how to conserve electricity. Fortunately, “smart” pervasive computing technology can help to acquire underlying information and through combination with feedback and automation capabilities leverage energy saving effects thereafter.