M2M Connectivity: Driving Innovations in Energy Efficiency

By: Susan Diegelman, Director of Public Affairs, AT&T

Machine-to-machine (M2M) technology and the broadband networks that deliver its value are revolutionizing how we are shaping a greener environment. Thanks to M2M solutions, cars have become more than just machines that help us get from point A to point B and our building systems have never run more efficiently.  If deployed en mass, M2M technology could provide solutions to America’s infrastructure challenges.  

The proliferation of broadband technology and M2M solutions has enabled us to more efficiently carry out green building practice; creating safe, healthy, sustainable and intelligent buildings. During the "Smart Buildings Make Happy Workers" panel at last week's Good Jobs Green Jobs conference U.S. Green Building Alliance detailed  how their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, have helped make “green buildings” into a standard practice. Several practices that were considered revolutionary at the start of LEED are now common practice and some are even now standard building code—lessening the overall impact the commercial building sector has on the environment.

 A panel discussion on connected cars and their environmental benefits recognized that new options have arrived for vehicles that increase fuel efficiency and lessen environmental impact. Many of these M2M advancements address reducing harmful emissions, a priority at both state and federal levels of government.  This event also highlighted additional connected car benefits, like improved design, more options for safety and security, and other choices that enhance efficiency of transportation as a whole.

Broadband enabled vehicles and smart building technologies provide significant environmental benefits with real-time data gathering, processing and analysis through M2M connectivity. Put quite simply, M2M is fueling innovation. The road to a greener future will be powered by a next-generation broadband infrastructure that covers every corner of the country and delivers the internet-based services and functionalities we need for 21^st century living.  To build, improve, and expand that advanced broadband network, our country will need skilled workers, private sector investment, and modern regulations that encourage continued innovation and help us move forward.  Better informed vehicles and smarter buildings can accelerate our path to a cleaner environment, but the right infrastructure must be in place before we can unlock that potential.