Podcast

Transcript

Denis: I understand you're in charge of facilities for this rather stunning new high-rise. What does that encompass?

Cornice: I coordinate all the systems in the building, like lighting and HVAC. I'm ultimately responsible for energy consumption in the building, as well as safety, worker productivity and comfort.

Denis: That's a big job. How do you stay on top of everything?

Cornice: Automation and information. I have more computers per cubic inch than a stealth fighter. Altogether I have a team of 460 systems, and they're all networked. I check in with each of them once in a while, about 60 times a second.

Denis: What are some of the biggest challenges of your job?

Cornice: The staff can be difficult sometimes. Johnson, for example, can be, you know, a little controlling. Office romances complicate things. HV broke up with AC last week and all the gossipy IM messages almost brought down the network. And the janitorial robots keep harassing the thermostats with lines like "hey, Honeywell."

Denis: So maintaining productivity and controlling energy consumption -- do those make the list?

Cornice: No, frankly, that's just not that challenging any more. Oh, I've been fine-tuning the algorithms for the VFDs in the variable-flow chiller plant...

Denis: Hold on, Cornice, you're getting a little technical…

Cornice: Sorry, I forget you're only human. Basically, Denis, the systems in my building run themselves. In the last minute I've granted access to 31 employees, turned off cooling in 7 empty meeting rooms, dimmed the lights in the parking garage, and ordered a new fan for the 40th-floor ladies room. All without lifting a finger, as you people might say.

Denis: That's impressive. You just opened today, so you probably don't have any idea of actual energy savings.

Cornice: On the contrary, my carbon-based friend. Bim reports that so far today...

Denis: Bim?

Cornice: Yes. He's magnificent. Former model. Now he's in charge of continuous commissioning.

Denis: I see.

Cornice: So far today I've used 70 percent less energy per square foot than code requires, and the wind turbines on my roof are generating the remaining 30 percent, plus some extra that I'm selling back to the utility.

Denis: We'd like to have you back, when you have more long-term results to report.

Cornice: It would be my pleasure.

Denis: Cornice Leed, congratulations on being the first sentient building, and thank you for joining us.

Denis: Thank you, Denis. And happy April Fool's Day. One question...

Denis: Yes?

Cornice: Is it OK if I put this interview on YouTube? I want my share it with my friends.

Denis: Better yet, Cornice, your friends can find the Energy Priorities podcast on iTunes.

Previous April Fool's Day articles on Energy Priorities:

"Ethanol and Biodiesel Producers Turn to Rutabagas as Feedstock "

"Webster's Enters "Nucular" in Dictionary"