Enhancing Energy Flexibility: How Evergreen is Paving the Way to a Low-Carbon Future
Innovative Solutions and Strategic Collaborations for Sustainable and Resilient Energy Systems
As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, the need for energy flexibility in buildings becomes increasingly critical. At Evergreen, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable building technologies that not only meet current energy efficiency standards but also adapt to the dynamic needs of the energy market. Recently, we had the opportunity to address these issues in a panel at the Energy Flexibility Forum: Advancing Building and Community Management Solutions in Prague. This panel, organized as part of the GLocalFlex project, focused on demonstrating grid balancing mechanisms through cross-sectoral interconnected and integrated energy ecosystems enabling automatic flexibility trading. In this blog post, we will explore the ten key questions discussed during the panel, highlighting how Evergreen’s innovative projects, like the Figino Resort, are at the forefront of this transformative movement.
Q1. How can building energy flexibility contribute to a low-carbon future energy system? Building energy flexibility plays a crucial role in a low-carbon future by allowing buildings to adapt their energy demand in response to supply conditions. This adaptability enhances the integration of renewable energy sources by aligning energy consumption with periods of high renewable energy generation, thus reducing reliance on carbon-intensive power sources. At Evergreen®, our focus on advanced solar technology and hydrogen as an energy vector in projects like the Figino Resort demonstrates our commitment to such flexibility, ensuring our projects contribute to a sustainable and low-carbon energy ecosystem.
Q2. How can energy flexibility be quantified? Energy flexibility can be quantified through indicators such as the Demand Response Potential (DRP), which measures a building’s ability to adjust its electricity load in response to external signals. Other metrics include the Shiftability Index and the Load Shifting Potential, which assess the capacity to shift energy usage across different time periods. These quantitative assessments help in designing systems that optimize energy consumption patterns in line with renewable availability, a strategy Evergreen® employs to maximize the efficiency of our energy-efficient building solutions.
Q3. How can energy flexibility be harnessed? Energy flexibility can be harnessed through technologies such as smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure, and energy management systems that enable real-time monitoring and control of energy usage. By integrating these technologies into buildings, like in our Figino Resort project, Evergreen® enables automated adjustments to energy consumption based on grid demands and renewable supply, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing operational costs.
Q4. How do multicarrier energy systems contribute to energy flexibility? Multicarrier energy systems, which utilize multiple energy sources and carriers (e.g., electricity, heat, gas, hydrogen), enhance energy flexibility by providing various options for energy generation, storage, and consumption. These systems allow for better balancing between supply and demand, facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. Evergreen® leverages multicarrier systems to ensure our projects are versatile and adaptable to different energy inputs and market conditions.
Q5. Can energy flexible buildings contribute to energy system resilience? Yes, energy flexible buildings can significantly enhance energy system resilience by reducing peak load pressures on the grid and providing backup options during outages or fluctuations. Buildings with the ability to modulate their energy demand and supply can act as micro energy hubs that support grid stability. Evergreen® designs buildings with these capabilities, ensuring they not only meet energy efficiency standards but also contribute to the broader resilience of the energy infrastructure.
Q6. Who are the stakeholders involved in energy flexibility? Stakeholders in energy flexibility include building owners, tenants, utility companies, energy service providers, local governments, and regulatory bodies. Each plays a role in implementing and benefiting from flexible energy solutions. Evergreen® actively collaborates with these stakeholders to tailor our engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with local regulations and community needs while maximizing energy efficiency.
Q7. What new approaches to the design of energy flexibility solutions can increase user engagement? Innovative design approaches such as gamified energy management systems, real-time energy consumption feedback, and personalized energy saving tips can significantly increase user engagement. By making energy usage data accessible and understandable, users are more likely to adjust their behavior to save energy. Evergreen® incorporates these user-centric designs into our projects, fostering a culture of proactive energy management.
Q8. How should energy performance standards and requirements be adapted to support building energy flexibility? Energy performance standards should evolve to not only mandate minimum energy efficiency levels but also reward flexibility capabilities that align energy usage with grid needs and renewable energy availability. Standards like these would encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and designs that Evergreen® specializes in, promoting broader implementation of flexible and sustainable building solutions.
Q9. What business models can successfully develop and utilize energy flexibility? Business models such as Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS), where customers pay for energy services rather than the energy itself, can drive the adoption of energy flexibility. This model encourages the use of energy-saving and flexible technologies without upfront costs to the user. Evergreen® supports such models by offering consultancy and engineering solutions that facilitate the transition to innovative and flexible energy usage practices.
Q10. How can policy evolution support the future deployment of energy flexibility? Policy evolution can support energy flexibility by incentivizing investments in smart energy technologies, revising building codes to require or reward flexible energy capabilities, and supporting pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits of energy flexibility. Such policies would align with Evergreen®’s strategic objectives, enabling us to contribute more effectively to the development of sustainable, flexible energy solutions in the markets we serve.
Conclusion
Building energy flexibility is a cornerstone of the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system. By incorporating advanced technologies such as smart grids, multicarrier energy systems, and user-centric energy management designs, we can create buildings that not only minimize their carbon footprint but also actively contribute to grid stability and resilience. The insights shared during the Energy Flexibility Forum in Prague, organized under the GLocalFlex project, emphasized the importance of these innovations. At Evergreen®, we collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop tailored solutions that meet local regulations and community needs, promoting a proactive culture of energy management. As policies evolve to support energy flexibility and innovative business models like Energy-as-a-Service gain traction, the future deployment of flexible energy solutions will become increasingly viable. Through our commitment to cutting-edge engineering and sustainable practices, Evergreen® is proud to lead the way in creating the flexible, low-carbon buildings of tomorrow.
Giuseppe Macario
CEO & Senior Executive Project Director at System Evergreen AG