Verizon and the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) have signed a first-of-its kind agreement to find ways for the information and communications technology industry (ICT) to reduce energy consumption.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed this week marks the first partnership between an ICT company and a DOE national laboratory.
NREL says the work with Verizon could produce a blueprint for energy efficient operations in one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world on a square-foot basis.
The ICT industry consumes 3% of U.S. electricity, half of which is used by telecommunications.
Verizon says it will advance its goals to become more efficient in its own operations and provide customers with intelligent efficiency solutions.
NREL and Verizon will share expertise and resources in:
- energy efficiency and energy management at Verizon’s buildings, plants and data centers
- advance smart grid technologies and best practices, including energy and communication technologies in homes and buildings
Smart grid software company eMeter is also likely to benefit from the partnership. EMeter and Verizon teamed up in February 2011 to develop cloud-based meter data management offerings for the utility industry.
In January 2011, Verizon launched a Home Monitoring and Control pilot program that allows customers in select markets to control smart appliances, thermostats and lights-among other devices-with their smart phones.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. The lab recently commissioned one of the world’s most energy efficient office buildings on its campus in Golden, Colorado. The 222,000 sq. ft. building produces as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis and includes an extremely efficient data center.
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