Emerging Technologies and Practices for the Building Sector

ACEEE has tracked new energy-efficient technologies and practices in the buildings sector for over a decade. Pulling emerging technologies into the market is an important strategy for reducing energy consumption while maintaining economic growth. In 1993, 1998, and 2004, ACEEE and our partners conducted comprehensive studies on Emerging Energy-Saving Technologies and Practices for the Buildings Sector. Since 2006, this work has been extended on an annual basis. Together, the reports we publish have provided a common foundation of information for a wide array of state and federal agencies, utilities, utility research and development organizations, and public-interest organizations. Many of the high-priority technologies identified in these reports have since entered the mainstream marketplace.

What are Emerging Technologies?
For the purposes of our work, "emerging technologies and practices " are defined as those that are either: (i) not yet commercialized but are likely to be commercialized and cost-effective for a significant proportion of end-users (on a life-cycle cost basis) over the next few years; or (ii) commercialized, but currently have penetrated no more than 2 percent of the appropriate market. Measures with only long-term potential as well as measures that have already shown significant acceptance in the market are excluded from analysis.

Emerging Technologies Summit
The Emerging Technology Coordinating Council and ACEEE host a Summit on Emerging Technologies in Energy Efficiency every other year. The summit brings together a diverse audience of stakeholders to discuss the latest innovations in energy-efficient technologies and practices and to highlight key policy considerations at the state and national level. Read the latest announcement or review the program and presentations from the 2004 Summit.

Reports on Emerging Technologies and Practices

In 2006, our Emerging Technologies program evolved from a series of large publications to an on-going web-based resource, with at least five new or substantially updated technologies and/or practices reported individually each year. Links to these and past reports are now available for easier access by agencies and organizations planning energy policies and programs, as well as researchers investigating the roles of technology in energy service markets. Priorities are established with input from stakeholders who subscribe to the program. To become a subscriber, contact Harvey Sachs, Project Director.

Past Reports

For more information contact:
Harvey Sachs, Program Director
Jennifer Thorne Amann, Senior Associate
Amanda Korane, Research Staff

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