This summer, the New York State Energy Research Development Agency (NYSERDA) held a Real Time Energy Management (RTEM) Global Energy & Building Hackathon, challenging engineers, data scientists, and software developers to propose data-driven solutions to improve buildings and reduce their climate impact. In partnership with Onboard Data, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, ASHRAE New York Chapter, Proptech Challenge, and Building Energy Exchange, the Hackathon attracted over 300 participants from private, public, and academic institutions across the globe.
Participants analyzed approximately 200 buildings worth of time-series data from NYSERDA’s Real Time Energy Management database to identify, prioritize, and implement building decarbonization and electrification initiatives. Data sources included building automation systems and connected devices, utility meters, equipment submeters, and IoT sensors from commercial and multifamily properties located throughout New York.
On July 27, Building Energy Exchange hosted the RTEM Hackathon Demo Day, showcasing best-in-class submissions that accelerated the electrification and decarbonization of New York’s commercial and multifamily buildings. Representatives from AKF Group, Cherre, SWTCH, Goldman Copeland, Brookhaven National Lab & Ecolong, Carnegie Mellon University, Building Energy Intensity Toolchain (University of Victoria and University of Texas), Prescriptive Data, and Trane, presented their submissions to a judging panel of industry experts and program partners. Finalist submissions covered a diverse array of topics—from heating electrification opportunities (heat pump readiness) and building controls optimization, to lead generation platforms for RTEM vendors.
NYSERDA awarded $55,000 to seven organizations across two categories: Use Case Innovation, and Technical Demonstration. In the Use Case Innovation category, AKF Group won first place, receiving $15,000, while Cherre, SWTCH, and Goldman Copeland received $5,000. In the Technical Demonstration category, Brookhaven National Lab & Ecolong received $15,000, while Carnegie Mellon University and Building Energy Intensity Toolchain received $5,000. Watch their submissions below:
AKF Group — $15,000, Use Case Innovation Category
Cherre — $5,000, Use Case Innovation Category
SWTCH — $5,000, Use Case Innovation Category
Goldman Copeland — $5,000, Use Case Innovation Category
Brookhaven National Lab & Ecolong — $15,000, Technical Demonstration Category
Carnegie Mellon University — $5,000, Technical Demonstration Category
Building Energy Intensity Toolchain (University of Victoria & University of Texas) — $5,000, Technical Demonstration Category
About NYSERDA Real Time Energy Management (RTEM)
Real Time Energy Management (RTEM) combines technology and services to act as the functioning brain of a building, sending live performance data to a cloud-based system, where it is transformed into actionable insights for property owners, building managers, and tenants. NYSERDA’s RTEM oversees multiple program areas that focus on disadvantaged communities, maintaining best practices among RTEM users, and providing education as to how to practically install clean energy technologies.
Visit NYSERDA’s RTEM website to learn more about available RTEM programs designed to boost your bottom line, gain real-time visibility into your building’s energy performance, improve system reliability, and more.
The RTEM team welcomes collaboration and educational opportunities—get in touch here.