As energy costs soar across Europe, the drive for smarter, more sustainable living solutions has never been more urgent. Homeowners are now seeking ways to not only reduce their energy bills but also enhance their carbon footprint. The key to achieving this lies in integrating cutting-edge smart technology with innovative home solutions that prioritize ease of use, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
The transformation of industrial systems towards digitalization and decarbonization is mirrored in the residential sector. With the help of smart technology that enables them to live more sustainably, this shift heralds the emergence of connected communities where environmentally conscious residents strive to maximize their use of self-generated energy.
The Rise of Smart Communities
The fusion of top-down initiatives, like smart city projects, and grassroots movements spearheaded by tech-savvy communities is a new trend that is changing how we think about energy-efficient living. Particularly in Europe, this fusion is creating a fresh vision for the future of energy-efficient communities, where sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and convenience come together.
However, achieving this balance comes with challenges. The growing demand for domestic infrastructure, from heat pumps to electric vehicles, and the increasing reliance on 5G technology are transforming consumer behaviors. Effective tracking and sharing of energy data are now critical to managing these demands.
This article explores how communities are lowering their carbon footprints and energy costs through energy sharing and smart management. We’ll also delve into how smart technologies are revolutionizing everything from household appliances to security systems, and highlight a pioneering community near Stockholm that offers a blueprint for integrated, eco-friendly living.
Sustainable Living, Simplified
The COVID-19 pandemic fast-tracked changes in how we interact with our living spaces. Touch-free interfaces, once a novelty, have become standard in many buildings for enhanced hygiene. Meanwhile, smart solutions like intelligent lighting, heating, and HVAC systems are improving comfort and efficiency in both residential and commercial spaces.
For homeowners, these innovations offer more than just convenience. They help reduce energy bills, meet the growing demand for flexibility, and significantly lower the carbon footprint of buildings—crucial, given that buildings account for around 40% of global energy consumption.
In Sweden, a groundbreaking project involving ABB Smart Buildings, Samsung SmartThings, and other partners exemplifies how industry collaboration can drive the development of energy-efficient technologies. The Brobyholm community, in particular, is setting a new standard for smart living. Residents here are among the first in the world to benefit from a fully integrated smart home system that manages everything from energy consumption to security, all through a single mobile app.
Brobyholm: A Vision for the Future
Brobyholm represents a bold step toward a sustainable future. This new housing development aims to create a carbon-free community of 500, eventually expanding to 2,000 homes. Here, residents can make significant energy and carbon savings through enhanced access to connected smart home technology.
At the heart of Brobyholm is ABB’s InSite energy management system, which optimizes energy flows by monitoring and controlling key electrical assets, including photovoltaic (PV) generation, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and water and gas usage. This system ensures that energy is used efficiently, with excess power shared across the community or sold on the flexibility market, generating income for residents.
This approach not only reduces costs but also empowers residents to live sustainably. For example, surplus solar energy can be used to heat water tanks, while low solar output triggers energy-saving modes across devices. The inclusion of ABB Terra AC chargers for EVs further enhances energy optimization through vehicle-to-everything technology.
The Smart Homes of Tomorrow
The transition to net-zero living requires collaboration across industries and communities. Projects like Brobyholm demonstrate how open technology, industry standards, and partnerships can drive innovation and create sustainable living solutions.
As global energy demand rises, Brobyholm stands as an inspiring model of future-proof living, combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to environmental responsibility. This community is not just a glimpse into the future; it’s a significant step toward a more sustainable, energy-efficient world.
