New Frontiers in Energy-Efficient Computing

Energy-efficient computing remains a critical challenge across the wide range of future data-processing engines — from ultra-low-power embedded systems to servers, mainframes, and supercomputers. In addition, the advent of cloud and mobile computing as well as the explosion of IoT technologies have created new research challenges in the already complex, multidimensional space of modern and future computer systems. These new research challenges led to the establishment of the IEEE Rebooting Computing Initiative, which specifically addresses novel low-power solutions and technologies as one of the main areas of concern.With this in mind, we thought it timely to survey the state of the art of energy-efficient computing.

What kind of expertise is needed for low energy construction

The construction industry is responsible for 40% of European Union (EU) end-use emissions but addressing this is problematic, as evident from the performance gap between design intention and on-site energy performance. There is a lack of the expertise needed for low energy construction (LEC) in the UK as the complex work processes involved require ‘energy literacy’ of all construction occupations, high qualification levels, broad occupational profiles, integrated teamworking, and good communication . This research identifies the obstacles to meeting these requirements, the nature of the expertise needed to break down occupational divisions and bridge those interfaces where the main heat losses occur, and the transition pathway implied. Obstacles include a decline in the level, breadth and quality of construction vocational education and training (VET), the lack of a learning infrastructure on sites, and a fragmented employment structure. To overcome these and develop enhanced understanding of LEC requires a transformation of the existing structure of VET provision and construction employment and a new curriculum based on a broader concept of agency and backed by rigorous enforcement of standards. This can be achieved through a radical transition pathway rather than market-based solutions to a low carbon future for the construction sector.