Authors:
Andreas Kamilaris
;
Giannis Kitromilides
and
Andreas Pitsillides
Affiliation:
University of Cyprus, Cyprus
Keyword(s):
Energy Conservation, Social Competition, Energy Awareness, Case Study, Blocks of Flats, Social Influence, Smart Metering, Smart Power Outlets.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Agents
;
Artificial Intelligence
;
Embedded Sensor Networks
;
Energy and Economy
;
Energy Monitoring
;
Energy Profiling and Measurement
;
Energy-Aware Systems and Technologies
;
Mobile Software and Services
;
Pervasive Computing
;
Sustainable Computing and Communications
;
Telecommunications
;
Wireless Information Networks and Systems
Abstract:
Buildings are responsible for a large fraction of the world’s total electrical consumption. Energy awareness of residents, by means of timely electrical consumption feedback through smart metering, aims to reduce the waste of energy. Further savings can be achieved by leveraging social norms and entertainment to drive sustainable behavior. In this paper, we investigate two important pillars in the energy saving initiatives, which are the recreational aspect and the social influence of the neighborhood. We performed a small case study in two blocks of flats, creating a social competition among the flats, to award those with the best energy management. Our evaluation results indicate that energy-related social games have the potential to contribute significantly in reducing the electricity footprint of home residents, engaging them in more sustainable lifestyles.