The November 14, 2023, report by Jennifer Kent from Parks Associates/Nice discusses U.S. residential building management and retrofits, emphasizing automation and envelope (insulation) solutions. It discusses recent government laws and ASHRAE standards, using California as a case study for leading energy policy, and how other U.S. states are beginning their journey into sustainable urban housing construction and development with energy-efficient designs. Consumer demand is strong for saving on energy bills by installing smart appliances, switching to LED lighting, and becoming better educated about how heating and cooling systems affect electrical loads. The report emphasizes the importance of providing easy access to real-time data on household energy consumption.

Keywords: Building Retrofits, Energy Efficiency/Management, Lighting Systems/Controls, Renewable Energy, Zero Net Energy, Peak Demand, Carbon Emissions, Energy Consumption, PV Solar Panels, Energy Production, Battery Storage