The idea represented in this design paper involves a close examination of current energy expenditure of residential buildings, particularly in marginalized areas. Sponsored by partners at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) as well as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, students are tasked to come up with unique low-cost and easily implemented solutions to achieve optimal comfort while also reducing energy usage in residential buildings. This was achieved by learning current methods and usage figures. The specific design challenge is to then figure out how to utilize/modify current sensors in the home to aid in energy reduction efforts. Included in this design is an overview of energy problems and an evaluation of current methods with a proposed plan to make them better.
