system stresses. While requiring greater sensors, controls, and communications in buildings, the GHG

impacts of demand responsive buildings are unclear, because shifting loads in time may increase or

decrease total energy consumption and may move toward more or less carbon intensive electricity. There

is likely to be considerable regional variation in the environmental impact of real time pricing and

demand responsive buildings, with the most positive effects occurring where peak capacity is oil fired.

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In a dynamic technological society, projecting beyond the immediate future based on current

trends can be misleading. The drivers determining where people work and live, and how they use build 

ings, could change radically over the next 50 years.  Short  and long term trends may influence future

decisions about buildings, with GHG consequences:

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  High fidelity communications may promote more telecommuting and teleshopping, increasing

the space and communications requirements in homes and allowing employers and employees to

be more locationally footloose.

  If hybrid vehicles and other more fuel efficient vehicles gain market share and the relative cost

of driving versus other activities falls, high mobility lifestyles and sprawling urban landscapes

may continue.  

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  More flexible, modular, and adaptable interior designs could more easily enable homes to be

converted for a variety of purposes, allowing occupants to age in place.

  Wireless technologies will increase the potential for monitoring and controlling the operation 

of buildings; smart sensors and controls will adjust environments to respond to the needs of

occupants.

  Increased requirements for high quality electricity to support the digital economy could pro 

mote the development of on site power production, offering greater energy efficiency by putting

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waste heat to productive uses.

24

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Towards a Climate Friendly  

Built Environment