The "intelligent" building space is marked by a confluence of technologies and markets, including lighting controls, HVAC systems, demand response, building automation systems and energy management platforms. Add to the mix the integration of buildings with the smart grid, and it becomes a disparate, complex beast. The aim of intelligent buildings is increased control, thus leading to heightened performance and lowered energy costs and usage. As commercial and industrial buildings account for 40% of the energy use in the United States, at a cost of $200 billion a year, increasing building efficiency via intelligent solutions is a paramount endeavor. (Source: energystar.gov) In our November 9th conference, we ask: How do we rig the metaphorical and literal building switchboard for the purpose of increased efficiency and performance?

08:30am:    Reception, Networking and Continental Breakfast

08:50am:    Welcome and Introduction

09:00am:    Panel Discussion Begins

1.    Building Automation and Management Systems

• Continuous Commissioning: what software is available to streamline the process?
• A spotlight on wireless network technology (ZigBee, etc.)
• What is the influence of Internet Protocol related to the intersection of mechanical and IT building infrastructure? What challenges exist?
• What is the extent of system interoperability (integrating lighting controls, HVAC controls, with the existing building system, etc.) for current solutions? What integration gaps still exist?
• What software applications marry Demand Response with intelligent buildings systems?

2.    The Financial Case

• What is the payback period? How is this measured?
• What strategies exist to circumvent high initial cost?
• How do you accomplish dual incentives for building landlords and tenants?
• What tax credits exist for intelligent retrofits? Other financial incentives?

3.    Industry Blueprint: Business Models, Opportunities, and the Market

• Open Source vs. Proprietary Technologies
• How do technologies for commercial applications compare to residential, to industrial?
• The market topography: Who are the incumbents? The entrants?
• Partnerships and M&A: What opportunities for collaboration exist at the convergence of the smart grid and intelligent buildings?
• How to achieve industry alliances and communication among utilities, technology companies, building managers, and system integrators.
• City Pilot Projects: what are the examples of such projects in the public sector? The private sector? Who has spearheaded these initiatives?

10:30am:    End of Panel Discussion: Q&A, Networking

11:30am:    End of Conference

Speakers:

Adura Technologies, Zach Gentry, Chief Strategy Officer, Co-Founder
BuildingIQ, Mike Zimmerman, CEO
Echelon,Steve Nguyen, Director Corporate Marketing
Optimum Energy , Nathan Rothman, Founder & Chairman of the Board
Serious Materials, Kevin Surace, CEO

Moderator:
AltaTerra Research, Don Bray, President

Meet the Panel 

Download the Agenda 

Location:  Garden Court Hotel @ 520 Cowper St. in Palo Alto, CA. 

Driving directions:  From 101 (North or South): Exit University Avenue, go west. Make a left onto Cowper Street. Hotel is on the right-hand side in first block. From 280 (North or South): Exit Sand Hill Road, head east. Turn right onto Arboretum Road. Make a left onto Palm, which turns into University Avenue. Turn right onto Cowper Street. Hotel is on the right side in first block.

Public Transit: Take Caltrain to the Palo Alto stop, upon leaving the train station follow University Avenue 0.4 miles (6 blocks) to Cowper St, turn right.  The Garden Court is half a block down on the right hand side.

Registration: 

Log in to www.agrion.org or create a new profile.  Register directly in the section of the program.

Please contact kimberly.schoemaker@agrion.org for any further questions.