Buildings

Stanford researchers are studying how to improve energy-systems management in buildings and conserve energy use during construction and manufacturing of building materials. Some research looks at how energy-efficiency standards for appliances and buildings affect purchase prices and operating costs. Faculty and students have also developed software to disaggregate home-electricity usage to provide consumers with useful information about specific appliances and commercial-building owners with optimal data for energy-efficiency retrofitting. Other research topics include net-zero energy buildings; how light bulb technologies affect consumer decision making and innovation by lighting manufacturers; effects of nudges like ecofriendly labeling on consumer decision making when purchasing major appliances; and ways for the construction industry to overcome barriers to adopting energy-efficient innovations.