Emerging Technologies/Practices: Finding the Next Generation

H. Sachs, S. Nadel, J.T. Amann, and M. Tuazon, ACEEE
L. Rainer, Davis Energy Group
G. Todesco, D. Shipley, and M. Adelaar, Marbek Resource Consultants

Keywords

Abstract

Adopting new energy-efficient technologies and practices is key for reducing energy consumption and maintaining economic growth. As efficient technologies and practices (T&Ps) increase their market share and become conventional, new T&Ps worth promoting need to be found. Fortunately, innovators introduce new T&Ps more rapidly than the market can assimilate them. Some have greater potential than others, so periodic, systematic evaluations of emerging T&Ps serve to identify the best candidates for program development. Comparing findings over time gives additional insights into the efficiency industry’s health. Our current analysis, the third in a decade, began by identifying 198 T&Ps, which were screened to select those that promise to (1) save at least 0.25% nationally when mature and accepted, (2) avoid large “lost opportunities” in new construction, or (3) capture important regional opportunities. There are still many promising technologies and practices that will save large amounts of energy. On the other hand, the number of “pure” technologies that emerged from the screening process was smaller than before. However, this was compensated for by increasing the numbers of “practices” that reflect new systems views of older issues. Particularly attractive candidates include two distribution system improvements (leak-proof ducts and duct sealing) and two practices (design of high performance commercial buildings and retrocommissioning). Automated HVAC system diagnostics and 1-watt standby power for home appliances complete the high priority list, but we identified 20–27 medium priority measures, as well.