ARC Advisory Group – Comprehensive Building Retrofit Solutions Provide Opportunities for Growth in a Challenging Economic Climate

Posted May 27th 2010

Lately, there has been a lot of talk surrounding the Smart Grid in the United States.  Many people believe the Smart Grid will revolutionize electric energy distribution and help usher in “smart buildings” and eventually “smart cities.” However, estimates suggest that as much as 70 percent of existing buildings in the United States still rely on old pneumatic HVAC systems, and there are approximately 60 million pneumatic thermostats still in use today.  In their current state, these buildings will not be able to leverage the advantages of either the Smart Grid or benefits associated with a digital control system.  Furthermore, Smart Grid benefits will be severely limited if most buildings cannot communicate with it.