Sean Vo, National Director of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Levven continues the conversation after speaking on how smart home platforms are revolutionizing energy efficiency in residential settings during the virtual Smart Energy Summit panel, “Unlocking Energy Efficiency through Smart Home Platforms.”

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Looking ahead, what projects or developments in energy are you particularly excited about this year, and why?

This year, I am particularly excited about advancements in and the increased use of low voltage systems.  This provides benefits in the efficiency of energy usage by devices that are inherently DC. There is a 20% loss off efficiency at the conversion between AC to DC that this could solve for. There are also the prospects of newer advancements in onsite energy generation for residential use. These developments promise to enhance sustainability by allowing for more precise control and optimization of energy use within homes. The potential for real-time energy monitoring and automated demand response is a pivotal moment in reducing grid pressures from electrification and costs for homeowners.

Collaboration is key in driving innovation. Can you discuss some successful partnerships or alliances that have accelerated the adoption of energy technologies and enhanced consumer engagement?

Without implementation and adoption, innovation won’t thrive. We are currently fielding other opportunities with experts and influencers to bring our messaging to the forefront. Levven has partnered with forward thinking homebuilders such as Minto, Mattamy, and Brookfield to join our mission in making homes more affordable, personal and sustainable with our Switched Right Technology. With this technology, every home gets energy saving automation at every switch as a standard. Industry Educators, such as Construction Instruction and Building Knowledge Canada that truly bring construction professionals together to understand material and construction science to a holistic level. There is only so much that can be taught through reading and conversations, but true learning and mastering takes place in a hands-on environment. 

As a leader in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of energy in the next 5 years?

A circular economy but for electrification - how do we close the loop on localizing energy creation, consumption, and distribution? This will relieve some of these stressors on the grid as more devices, appliances, and other technologies become commonplace and affordable. The question to ask is, how do we create a self-sufficient home at a reasonable initial cost? Net Zero and Passive Homes are aiding in energy efficiency and sustainability but are a luxury line item. We need to accelerate the affordability and adoption of these technologies in the everyday home. To focus on what’s presently out there and the future, innovators should create Technology implementations that serve multiple purposes from existing and new construction applications.

Reflecting on your career journey, what has been a standout moment or achievement that you're especially proud of?

Honestly, it’s a tie between being a present parent at home and the relationships that have grown over the years and celebrating their accomplishments. I’m a firm believer in the way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first. No one person can whistle a symphony on their own. This goes for both being a partner in a relationship and in industry. Keeping this perspective has cultivated me into a rounded expert that is surrounded by professionals and a wife that is smarter than me.

What are you most excited to discuss during Smart Energy Summit?

During the Smart Energy Summit, I am most excited to discuss the last mile of smart energy. I believe operational visibility is paramount in achieving energy efficiency. Homeowners are left in the dark (literally) when it comes to the energy-sphere in their homes. We need innovators who accelerate an understanding of energy consumption and how we can develop further efficiencies. Our part in this is empowering homeowners with better control and insights over their switching systems. Sharing insights on how integrated systems can provide homeowners with greater control over their energy use, reduce costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability will be a highlight. I am also looking forward to exploring the latest innovations and hearing from other experts in the field.

What emerging technologies are you currently focusing on to enhance home energy management and energy efficiency?

Low voltage electrical controls and standardization with Matter. Levven has prioritized the development of these two technologies. Matter creates an opportunity to remove the costs associated around Cloud infrastructure that are a hinderance to affordability and adoption. There is also the exploration of advancements in improved battery technologies. This would aid in our goal to reduce time, labor, and material consumption in the push for further affordability.

What strategies does your company use to engage and educate homeowners about the benefits and operation of home energy management systems?

Levven supports multiple pathways to engage and educate homeowners. This includes social media interaction, accessible informative videos, and a user-friendly mobile app. We also collaborate with home builders and ecosystem partners to provide demonstrations and hands-on experiences for homeowners, helping them understand the long-term benefits and savings associated with smart energy systems.

How does your company plan to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) into home energy management systems, and what is the strategic vision for this integration?

We see a need for partnerships and integration with our technology. By developing interoperable technologies that can communicate and coordinate with the grid, we aim to optimize in providing data from our system in the pursuit of energy efficiency and consumption.

In what ways do your in-home energy efficiency programs benefit consumers directly, especially in terms of cost savings and environmental impact?

Levven is the lowest-cost provider of whole-home smart electrical controls in the home building industry. Unlike traditional wired options that add thousands of dollars to the home, Levven typically adds $0 to $350 in cost to each home while delivering app-enabled features and energy-saving automation at every switch. As a pioneer in sustainable construction, Levven has independently verified its environmental impact. A Cradle-to-Gate study conducted in partnership with SSRIA (Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association) and SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) revealed a ~120 lbs reduction in embodied carbon emissions per home. Ongoing Life Cycle Assessment research indicates an average energy savings of 4% for homeowners, even with minimal use of automation features.

What are the biggest challenges you see in the industry, and how can they be overcome to unlock the full potential of energy management? Adoption, ease of installation, and education.

Initial cost and complexity of implementation are the biggest hurdles for our industry. The initial cost is something I refer to as smart tech debt. Someone in the construction pipeline pays for the devices. While long-term operational savings can offset this debt, the typical eight-year homeownership period often prevents homeowners from fully realizing the benefits of these smart devices. Until consumers are made aware of this gap, adoption will continue to struggle. This is a driving factor for manufacturers to create cost-effective technologies suitable for both retrofit applications and new construction projects.

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