Network synergy effect: Establishing a synergy between building network and peer network energy conservation effects

Abstract

Researchers have demonstrated that network effects on energy consumption exist when buildings are examined within physical networks (i.e. they exhibit an inter-building effect) and when individuals influence the energy use of their peers (i.e. a peer network effect is present). However, any synergy that may exist between these two effects from which greater aggregate energy savings can be achieved remains unexplored. To examine this potential synergy, we simulated a residential block in EnergyPlus and analyzed the impact of two retrofit options. We identified a case where the less energy efficient option for a single house produced higher efficiency in the neighboring houses. We then conducted a survey of homeowners that asked them to make a decision between such retrofit options. Our results reveal a phenomenon that knowledge of the impact of the two retrofit options on each building combined with strong personal relationships between the homeowners can drive decision-making toward aggregate optimal outcomes. These outcomes resulted in energy savings that were greater than the sum of the energy saving potential when either one of the conditions was individually satisfied. We conclude by defining this additional energy saving potential at the intersection between the two effects as the network synergy effect.