With buildings generating over one-third of global emissions, the real estate sector is pivotal for driving decarbonization. But this transformation relies on embracing technologies that optimize energy usage. As Greg Puschnigg, CEO of BOSS Controls, notes: “Creators of sustainability solutions must empower building owners with economic returns. Combining environmental stewardship with financial value creation catalyzes change.”
Led by this ethos, BOSS Controls has developed an innovative platform bridging environmental and financial outcomes through next-generation energy optimization. Their patented Atmospheres uses real-time data collection across HVAC systems, lighting, and other endpoints to holistically analyze consumption patterns. The granular behind-the-meter analytics identify opportunities for efficiency gains, generating up to 40% energy savings in commercial buildings. “We can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of properties by optimizing the major drivers of usage,” explains Puschnigg. “Building owners immediately benefit through significantly lowering their energy costs.”
But Boss Controls goes further by enabling participation in electricity markets. The platform taps into episodic demand response opportunities, allowing buildings to generate revenue by selling unused energy back to the grid during peak events. “Buildings can create new value streams by responding to fluctuations in energy supply and demand,” adds Puschnigg. “This unlocks previously untapped revenue potential while also supporting overall grid stability and resilience.”
Global momentum on sustainability has sparked rising investment into energy efficient technologies, with over $188 billion deployed in 2021 alone. Major firms like Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Riverstone Holdings, and Vision Ridge Partners are allocating capital, driven by increasingly stringent regulations worldwide. Real estate owners are rapidly adopting solutions like BOSS Controls as both societal and policy pressures mount to curb emissions. BOSS Controls is under discussions with many leading investors to raise $25- $50m after successfully completing the deployment of their platform for one of the largest property owners in North America.
In the US, the addressable market remains largely untapped, with 80% of commercial real estate still lacking energy management systems. “Small and medium commercial buildings have been left behind when it comes to efficiency efforts,” notes Puschnigg. “Our technology empowers this previously underserved segment to become active participants in the clean energy transition.”
Europe is far ahead of the US in leveraging data-driven energy optimization solutions, with over 40% of buildings possessing energy management infrastructure compared to only 20% in the US. Stricter regulations like the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive have driven compliance. Carbon pricing mechanisms also incentivize efficiency, as does an overall cultural focus on sustainability.
“The US has lagged in adoption partly due to lower energy costs and lack of emissions regulations,” analyzes Puschnigg. “But with energy prices rising and climate change accelerating, the investment rationale for solutions like ours will become increasingly compelling.” BOSS Controls’ no upfront cost model and immediate cost savings through optimization further lowers barriers to adoption.
What sets BOSS Controls apart is its uniquely comprehensive approach. Many competitors focus narrowly on just consumption reduction or demand response optimization. “Our dual optimization of both usage and electricity market participation enables maximum cost savings and revenue generation from buildings,” explains Puschnigg. “We unlock synergies that drive rapid financial payback periods.”
Their use of behind-the-meter controls and analytics provides greater granularity than solutions relying on utility meters. “We collect real-time data straight from the source to optimize every energy control point within a building,” says Puschnigg. “This allows immediate usage adjustments tailored to environmental conditions and occupancy.” The universal applicability across endpoint types drives the immense addressable market.
Powerful data analytics also inform overall usage patterns and identify specific areas for efficiency gains. “Building owners gain complete transparency into their largest sources of emissions,” notes Puschnigg. “This allows targeting of solutions toward the biggest opportunities for carbon footprint reduction.” Robust ESG disclosure frameworks built on rigorous data further reinforce sustainability gains.
Continued R&D investment expands BOSS Controls’ capabilities and enhances building owners’ control over their energy optimization strategies. “Our vision is a more intelligent and optimized grid where buildings play an active role in driving decarbonization through leveraging innovative technologies,” shares Puschnigg. With strong first-mover advantage in a rapidly growing market, the company is primed to lead this transformation.
Fundamentally, transitioning our built environment to reach net zero emissions requires next-generation innovations that bridge environmental sustainability with financial returns. BOSS Controls’ solutions showcase the immense potential to decarbonize real estate by lowering energy consumption and carbon footprints, while also enabling participation in electricity markets. Unlocking these synergies paves the path forward for mass adoption across buildings and a lower carbon future.