Energy-Efficient Buildings Play Key Role in Smart Grid Technologies and Policies
Washington, DC, January 17, 2011 – Ingersoll Rand plc (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments, announced that it joined the Demand Response and Smart Grid Coalition (DRSG) -- the largest coalition of smart grid enablers -- to enhance its ability to promote advanced energy saving solutions.
The DRSG educates policy-makers, utilities, the media and other stakeholders on the smart grid technologies and regulatory changes needed to create a more efficient energy infrastructure. As part of its membership, Ingersoll Rand will participate in DRSG-led meetings and events by providing expertise on how smart buildings can contribute to an overall smart grid.
“As a long-time innovator of energy-efficient solutions for buildings, our work with the DRSG and their members will help us to further facilitate the deployment of technologies that will allow buildings to use energy more efficiently and intelligently,” said W. Scott Tew, executive director, Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (CEES), Ingersoll Rand. “This will lead to significant environmental and economic benefits for businesses and consumers.”
According to the International Energy Agency, global energy demand will grow 55 percent by 2030. If the world does not manage to balance these demands with smarter energy investments by directing them into climate-friendly technologies, emissions will go up 50 percent by 2050, instead of down by 50 percent, as recomended by the scientific community .
However, today’s emerging technologies allow for demand management (real-time and predictive energy load management) that can reap significant energy cost savings. As a result, America’s homes, buildings and industrial facilities must go beyond the electrical grid and interact with a new, smarter grid with smart building control systems of their own.
“Working with the DRSG enables Ingersoll Rand to participate in shaping national policies and to gain valuable insights into how best to meet customers’ current and future energy management needs,” said Jordan Doria, manager of Stakeholder Engagement, CEES. “There are many unanswered questions about future demands on the existing energy infrastructure. We look forward to enhancing the understanding that is necessary in shaping a smarter grid to permit the adoption of more environmentally informed choices.”
The DRSG membership includes many respected and influential companies in information technology, energy products and services, and other related sectors, such as Cisco, General Electric, and Google.
In 2011, DRSG aims to raise awareness and knowledge amongst a new group of policymakers about the challenges to, and benefits of, building a smarter energy grid. The broad-based mission will encompass developing policies and influencing standards, as well as furthering market-based initiatives. This will help Ingersoll Rand continue to drive innovation and provide complete solutions that will accelerate the transition a more energy-efficient nation.
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About Ingersoll Rand
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) is a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments in commercial, residential and industrial markets. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Hussmann®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane® —work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $13 billion global business committed to sustainable business practices within our company and for our customers. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.
Contact
Christopher Tessier
704-877-7216, christopher.tessier@irco.com