Energy Dashboards:
Using Real-Time Feedback to Influence Behavior

The first step towards reducing energy use is knowing how much energy is being used by what devices. Improving the efficiency of these devices produces some energy savings, but does not do anything to change the behavior of those using the devices. Changing behavior requires feedback that “dashboard monitors”—systems that monitor and display energy about a building’s performance—can provide. Some research has shown a 10%-25% reduction in energy use when building occupants are able to track their consumption. These dashboards—such as...