A new paradigm for the design and management of building systems

Leveraging the emerging technologies of Energy Informatics and cross-reality, a new concept is proposed for how buildings and their systems are designed and operated. The basic premise of Energy Informatics contends that information has the power to reduce energy consumption, which, in a simple fashion, is asserted as “Energy + Information = Less Energy”. The concept of informatics can be applied to energy issues in the built environment from scales ranging from individual pieces of equipment (such as with fault detection and diagnostics) up to regional or country level (such as with a smart electrical grid). Facilities Management and Modeling (FMM) is introduced as a new form of information systems to apply the principles of Energy Informatics to increasing energy efficiency in building operations. There are three core principles that guide the design of FMM: measurement, modeling, and management. The characteristics and use of FMM are discussed. Also introduced are potential applications for how cross-realty concepts can be applied in the training of students and professionals in the operation of complex building systems.

► Current methods for design and control of building systems have not taken advantage of recent advances in technology.
► Energy Informatics can be used to create a new paradigm for the design and operation of buildings.
► Energy Informatics can be applied at the equipment, building and utility scale.
► Cross-reality environments can also be used in conjunction with Energy Informatics in the future.
► The purpose of this article was to stimulate thought within industry and researchers.