Social computing for home energy efficiency: Technological and stakeholder ecosystems

Abstract

Many initiatives exist with the goal of providing the required tools to improve energy efficiency of households. Encouraged by public administrations, supported by the private industry, and demanded by an environmentally-aware society, several systems are gaining attention, mainly, energy consumption sensors, smart meters, and energy management platforms. The latter pretend to increase their impact and engagement with emerging social networks focused on energy efficiency matters and applying knowledge engineering disciplines. This paper describes the current home energy efficiency ecosystem, outlines some missing pieces and advances required to achieve its potential outcome, and surveys the existing social media platforms. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.