Human Behavior Considerations in Metrics for Smart Infrastructures

Smart systems such as physical infrastructures infused with information technology offer a great opportunity for satisfying the customer needs and managing the resources more effectively and efficiently. In this paper, we examine the smart infrastructures in terms of their sustainability potential, which in turn requires a consideration of human aspects. We consider the currently defined metrics for the smart grid and point out the lack of metrics to quantify this aspect. We then present a simple model for smart grid that considers the carbon footprint and energy consumption that would result by accounting for certain aspects of human behavior. Such a model is useful in assessing whether the sustainability objectives are being met and what actions are required in this regard.