This White paper was authored and published by Siemens on June 22, 2021. This whitepaper identifies the emergence of a new type of building, the ‘grid-interactive building’, at the grid edge. The energy system is changing. Driven by climate policy, enabled by the decentralization of energy generation and digitalization of buildings and systems. Decarbonization of energy use is more technically feasible than ever before. This paper outlines some key concepts around the changing low carbon and energy efficiency landscape, and how the grid and smart buildings are starting to work together in new, connected ways as the grid-interactive building at the grid edge. It looks at the technology benefits for commercial buildings’ energy users in relation to the grid. Lastly, it outlines steps that users could take to realize these smart benefits.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI),  Automated Meter Reading (AMI), Blade/Edge Technology, Building Retrofits, Communications, Connected/ EV Vehicles, Cybersecurity/Privacy, Energy Efficiency/Management, HVAC & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Intelligent Building, Internet of Things (IoT), Large Building Controls/Automation, Lighting Systems/Controls, Post-COVID-19, Renewable Energy, Smart Cities, Smart Grid, System Integrator, Utilities, Zero Net Energy, Energy Storage, Digital Twin