Communications of the ACM
Ole Miss to Tweet its Watts
SmartSynch SmartMeters will monitor energy consumption levels of the historic Lyceum and other structures at the University of Mississippi.
Credit: University of Mississippi
SmartSynch Inc., a smart grid infrastructure company using Internet protocol via public wireless networks, is partnering with the University of Mississippi to reduce the power consumption of campus buildings while publishing real-time results for the general public on Facebook, Twitter and RSS feeds.
SmartSynch is working with UM to design an online dashboard for SmartSynch SmartMeters, which will enable the university to monitor, analyze and report on energy utilization among its campus buildings in real time to social networking Web sites. The program is part of the university's "Red, Blue and Green" campaign.
By deploying SmartSynch SmartMeters, the University of Mississippi hopes to identify a detailed pattern of electricity usage at its buildings and, using the smart meter data, determine methods to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions.
SmartSynch recently installed 16 of its SmartMeters on UM's Oxford campus, with additional deployments planned. The university is monitoring energy consumption levels for several of its main buildings, including the Lyceum (the first and oldest building which houses administrative offices), John Davis Williams Library, Gillom Sports Complex and parts of its football stadium and Indoor Practice Facility.
SmartSynch's SmartMeters will enable UM to monitor energy consumption, track building power performance over time, compare building energy usage and monitor the weather's impact on energy utilization, all while reducing its carbon footprint. By using an online dashboard tool, university officials can track each building's energy consumption in real time and archive data for analysis and comparisons.
Additionally, UM will use Facebook, Twitter and a RSS feed to provide regular public updates on its buildings' energy usage based on SmartSynch smart meter data. Each building will have its own profile on the sites.
"Ole Miss is offering a new twist on green operations by allowing students, faculty and anyone else to witness actual power consumption levels for select campus buildings," said SmartSynch CEO Stephen Johnston. "Energy users reduce the unnecessary use of lighting, appliances, climate control and other devices when they have access to immediate energy consumption data. By installing SmartSynch SmartMeters across campus and leveraging social networks, UM will unlock this power-saving function and, in the process, exemplify visionary green leadership."
The Red, Blue and Green campaign is a green initiative overseen by the university's Office of Campus Sustainability. Its mission is to build institutional learning capabilities that support improvements in building design and operations, landscaping, procurement, energy and water conservation, waste minimization, recycling and services.
SmartSynch supports the Red, Blue and Green campaign, and Johnston spoke at the university's 10th Annual Worldfest about SmartKids, a school program sponsored by SmartSynch to teach children about energy usage and how they can help their families conserve energy.
"Being environmentally responsible is an integral part of the Ole Miss culture and having SmartSynch on board with our sustainability efforts by supplying its SmartMeters significantly strengthens our ability to optimize our operational efficiency," said Jim Morrison, UM director of strategic planning and coordinator of campus sustainability. "We look forward to expanding our partnership with SmartSynch as we continue to roll out its SmartMeters on campus."
Once registered online at http://www.olemiss.edu/green, students, faculty, building administrators and others will be able to access smart meter data and receive updates on the university's energy usage.
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