The effectiveness of current smart home technologies to improve energy efficiency
Richard Smith, Loughborough University, UK.
This thesis explores the barriers to domestic energy consumption in the context of the implementation of smart monitors.
Smart metering, or demand side response, helps consumers to manage and adjust their energy usage. It heralds the creation of a smart grid infrastructure, helping to reduce energy load on the national networks. However, there are considerable shortfalls in current smart monitors, which may present future challenges to effective demand side response.
This paper reviews current smart monitors, highlighting the need for design improvements to facilitate sustainable changes in user behaviour.
This paper was the Highly Commended Winner, Undergraduate Dissertation Award, CIOB International Innovation & Research Award, 2014.
The judges said, “This is a well-written and well-presented dissertation. It sets out clear objectives which were delivered throughout to demonstrate the barriers to domestic energy consumption reduction through the use of smart meters. Both quantitative and qualitative data were well analysed and synthesised to draw the research findings and conclusions.”
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.