Fair Meter initiative » Recent updates http://fairmeter.org serving people and our planet Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:16:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6.1 Green Deal presents report on Resources Identification Tool http://fairmeter.org/?p=187 http://fairmeter.org/?p=187#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2015 12:57:20 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=187 ]]>

Cleantech development firm Metabolic delivered its report on a Resources Identification Tool for the new Dutch smart meter. The report was funded by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment and forms part of the Green Deal Fair Meter.

The report outlines the content and design of a resources identification tool. This tool follows from the discussions about a resources passport or label and aims to show what materials are present in the smart meter, where these materials originated,  under what circumstances and by which means. The tool aims to assess the smart meter on four areas that are closely linked to the Fair Meter performance ladder.

Within the procurement process of the smart meter this report will form the basis for discussions on supply chain transparency and will likely see the first build and application of this resources identification tool. The tool is designed for the Dutch smart meters but can be applied to any other product, with limited adjustments.

Please download a copy for free and let us know what you think!

RIT-Framework

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Smart (Fair) Meter tender published http://fairmeter.org/?p=184 http://fairmeter.org/?p=184#comments Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:53:45 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=184 ]]> The Dutch grid operators Liander N.V. and Stedin Netbeheer B.V. have recently published a European tender procedure for smart electricity and gas meters. Liander and Stedin have the intention to sign a contract with two parties for the development and delivery of 5 million meters in total.

One of the objectives of Liander and Stedin for this contract are derived from the Fair Meter Initiative. In this context the term ‘fair meter’ refers to a smart meter (product) built from used materials or raw materials obtained in a process of socially responsible production, as well as the use and release of smart meters in collaboration between users (operators), suppliers and consumers with maximum transparency about product composition and data management. The aim is to achieve a 100% Fair Meter over time.

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Green Deal Fair Meter signed! http://fairmeter.org/?p=160 http://fairmeter.org/?p=160#comments Sat, 01 Feb 2014 13:41:52 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=160 ]]>

On November 12th 2013 the Green Deal Fair Meter was signed, which can be considered a milestone in the development of the Fair Meter. The Green Deal is a collaborative agreement between Dutch government, knowledge institutions and grid operators for the development of a Fair Meter. Signing partners include Stedin, Alliander, Cogas, Waag Society and Amsterdam Smart City.

The Green Deal partners want to develop all aspects of the Fair Meter concept into a business case. Goal is to showcase, develop and operationalize the concept in such a way, that the roll out of the Fair Meter will actually take place in good time.

Download a pdf version in English
Download a pdf version in Dutch (original)

Secretary of State Mansveld signs Green Deal; photo: Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment

Secretary of State Mansveld signs Green Deal at Innovation Estafette 2013

Working definition of a Fair Meter

A Fair Meter is a meter made of circular materials and materials derived from socially responsible sources in a socially responsible production process. Goal is to maximize the transparency in the complete supply chain: from mining, production and logistics, all the way up to installation, use, second-life solutions and data and software management.

Important aspects in the development of this meter are a resources label, tracking all materials throughout the supply chain and circularity of the product and process. The notion of circularity focuses on life cycle design, maximizing use of secondary raw materials in production, minimizing residual waste and maximizing second life applications.

Input and action by Parties

Parties that support the Fair Meter Initiative believe the Fair Meter will contribute globally to a better society from a social and ecological point of view. Producers and consumers of this technology will minimize the social and ecological damage in the production chain and where possible restructure in the direction of social and ecological yields.

The parties that subscribe to the Green Deal, in turn, will draw up a joint execution plan in which the main elements for developing the Fair Meter, based on the general ambition above, will be made more specific.

They will focus on specifying the following subjects:

  • co-creation: innovation within tendering law
  • transparency: transparency across the chain by means of the resources label
  • circularity: minimal claim on resources
  • social responsibility and reciprocity: dealing with working conditions within the chain and the reciprocal relationship with consumers concerning the exchange of data
  • communication regarding the Fair Meter
  • mutual division of responsibilities

A 100% Fair Meter can only be achieved through close cooperation between consumers, suppliers and producers, knowledge institutions, and the government. That’s why we strive to maintain full transparency on developments and follow up actions within the Green Deal in particular, and the Fair Meter Initiative in general.

For more information, please contact us through the contact details provided on this website.

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Fair Meter Initiative develops into network of likeminded partners http://fairmeter.org/?p=158 http://fairmeter.org/?p=158#comments Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:35:30 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=158 ]]> The Fair Meter Initiative aims at developing sustainable supply chain practices for the new generation smart meters. It has developed into a network of organizations that support this development. Each party supports the initiative based on their particular value chain position or specific competence, ranging from project support to knowledge development or e.g. marketing related services.

The Fair Meter Initiative has sparked several related developments:

  • Dutch grid operators have created and subscribed to a vision document that describes the vision underlying the development of a fair meter and the necessity of such a process.
  • During the European Utility week in October 2013, supplier meetings have been organized to co-create a framework for further development towards a fair meter. One of the outcomes is a first concept-document that defines ‘FAIR’ and could form the backbone of a comprehensive program for the development of the ‘FAIR’ smart meter.
  • On November 12th 2013 a ‘ Green Deal’ was signed; it is a collaborative agreement between Dutch government, knowledge institutions and grid operators for the development of a Fair Meter. Signing partners include Stedin, Alliander, Cogas, Waag Society and Amsterdam Smart City. For more information on these developments, please see the ‘news’ page of this website.

For more information regarding the Fair Meter Initiative, please contact us through the contact details provided here

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Fair Meter Template available for review: please share your feedback with us http://fairmeter.org/?p=156 http://fairmeter.org/?p=156#comments Sun, 15 Dec 2013 13:32:55 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=156 ]]> We need your help
A concept version of our template defining ‘Fair’ is available upon request. We invite all relevant stakeholders, suppliers and value chain partners to provide feedback on the current template, add information wherever possible and assess to which extent existing frameworks can be integrated into this template to make implementation faster and easier.

Background
Following the Fair Meter Initiative supplier meeting (11-12-2013), Dutch grid operators, relevant stakeholders and suppliers have agreed on developing a general framework describing the main aspects of Fair (Raw materials, Emissions, Use of energy, Labour, Data exchange).

The current concept-template defines the various aspects of Fair and suggests a development path in the direction of a 100% Fair Meter. Parallel to this development, grid operators also investigate the opportunity to translate FAIR into quantifiable criteria in future tender documents.

Collaboration
This version is to be shared with suppliers and other stakeholders. Please note: it is a draft to be completed in collaboration with stakeholders. Co-creation with suppliers and other relevant stakeholders is crucial to ensure a workable format to define and develop ‘FAIR’; Suppliers have technical- and market knowledge and are best positioned to increase value chain collaboration. For FAIR to become reality, the complete value chain must join hands.

We therefore invite you to provide us with your feedback regarding its structure, content and further development.

Please contact us through the contact details provided on this website.

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Fair Meter Initiative Supplier meeting http://fairmeter.org/?p=152 http://fairmeter.org/?p=152#comments Wed, 11 Dec 2013 13:28:40 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=152 ]]> The 11th of December 2013, grid operators and suppliers discussed the definition of Fair, the ‘fairness’ of the current meter, and the possibility and structure of a roadmap towards a 100% Fair Meter. Furthermore, frameworks for a potential pilot project to develop a fair meter where assessed. Participants agreed on setting up collaboration for further development through the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG).

Focus on short-term actions was drafting a common definition of Fair and assess whether it would be possible to define the level of fairness of the current smart meters. For a first version of a template covering these subjects, or more information regarding this event, please contact us.

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Fair Meter Initiative Bootcamp and Supply Chain Workshop http://fairmeter.org/?p=144 http://fairmeter.org/?p=144#comments Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:57:26 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=144 ]]> Resources are running out and technology advances. There is a need for smart solutions in the energy sector. And with 14 million meters in Holland alone, making them smart and fair is a huge opportunity!

A fair meter: what should it look like? How should it work and what should it consist of? And when do we think of a meter as fair? During a two-day lasting bootcamp, nine participants worked in teams on concepts for a fair meter that were presented to various stakeholders at the European Utility Week in the Amsterdam RAI on October 16.

Smart Fair Meter

Bootcamp at Fablab Amsterdam

The bootcamp started at the Fablab Amsterdam, with taking apart an existing meter to find out what the teams were actually dealing with. Where can we find chances to make the meter smarter of more fair? Hans Nooter (MVO Manager, Alliander) stated that a fair meter should be good for planet, people and prosperity. A good starting point. Next, the groups worked for two days on various concepts, focusing on the ‘Concept of fair’, ‘The fair chain’ and ‘Empowering the customer’.

The concept of fair

This group consisting of Miquel Ballester (Fairphone), Lodewijk Loos (Waag Society) and Arno Tuinman (Alliander) came up with the idea of a competition: How smart can you get? For them, the most important aspect was to involve all stakeholders: NGO’s, consumers, geeks, hackers and the business. Secondly, you need to set smart criteria on which all the stakeholders agree. Then it is time for people to present their proposals in an open tender, after which you can vote for the winners. Who will make ‘fair’ the new ‘smart’

The fair chain

Janine Huizenga (HKU), Henk Buursen (Waag Society) and Martin Werker (Alliander) talked about new roles in the sector and about working user-centred. The main issue they addressed is having control and ownership of the data in relation to trust. Where does the collected data go? Who owns it? For consumers, it often feels that big, faceless companies store their data. Corporate institutions should thus find a way to become a person that one can talk to, instead of on becoming a data farm. Sharing data should become a personal transaction. They also came up with the idea of sharing energy: if you have a surplus, you can give some to your family or to an NGO that needs it. It all depends on how creative we really are.

Empower the customer

Laurens Schuurkamp (Waag Society), Erik Romijn (SolidLinks) and Bas Withagen (Waag Society) directed their energy on the consumer. A target group that, as we discovered during this bootcamp, is often left out of the equation entirely. Erik started by stating that he personally makes no effort at all to save energy. A very recognizable statement, because it is often too difficult to find out what will help you reduce your energy costs and the reward is too small for the effort.

“It seems like a smart meter is there for the companies, because there is no meaning in the output for me, no advice or extra knowledge.”

Their main question was how to empower people without compromising their privacy. They showed us a prototype of a meter with smart power sockets and an online data cloud. It shows the consumer which tool absorbs a lot of energy, and it is a tool that helps to make decisions based on factual information. For instance, at night, the energy is cheaper. You might want your dishwasher to start running at the cheapest moment, and let the tool decide when this is. And you can decide if you want to share the information or keep it to yourself, because it is stored locally.

Supply Chain Workshop EU Utility week

Roundtable discussions

At the RAI, we organised a supply chain workshop for participants from various backgrounds, such as meter manufacturers. During this workshop we had four roundtable discussions concerning circularity, energy, data, chain transparency. The mixed groups discussed questions such as:

  • When you hear the term fair metering, what do you think of?
  • What does the word fair mean to you?
  • Is this concept on your organization’s radar?
  • In what way can you contribute to the fair metering initiative?
  • What would you recommend as next steps on this issue?

The roundtable on chain transparency concluded that suppliers have policies on sustainability and a code of contact in place. They continued to state that parties do have the ambition to improve transparency. However, the current level of fairness or sustainability is not defined. According to this group, stakeholder communication should be key and transparency should not only focus on the chain of goods but also on the data. As the next step, they identified joint meetings with industry- and chain partners.

Communication about fair will lead to changes and demand has to come from the market: this was the main conclusion of the roundtable that focused on data. This group stated that the initiative will not come from the industry itself and that DSO’s have to accept, and anticipate to, a potentially higher cost per meter. They compared fair data to a snake pit, but they do see possibilities.

The participants of the roundtable on energy discussed the balance between the company and the customer. Data, the distribution chain, opt-in versus opt-out, pricing and empowerment were important topics. They talked about price versus value, and wondered what the policy of the grid companies is on this. They stated that companies should have a very clear proposition towards other stakeholders. Focusing on consumers (giving them a choice), an open market, visual design of the meter and campaigns are the next steps according to this group.

The group that discussed circularity states that, while the meter market is currently very much a B2B one, in the future developments will be more community driven. Because of this, they believe that creating a fair meter is not a matter of costs, but of timing. When are people ready for the developments? Where ‘meter to meter’ is the current ruling principle, this group dared to think outside the box. Why not create a system that also functions in a ‘meter to television’ manner? Their suggestion for the future however, is to start mapping what is already in place. Where do we stand today? And how can we take the appropriate next steps.

Fairmeter parts and tools

The next steps

After hearing these inspiring thoughts and concepts, it is time to look at the next steps. Marleen Stikker (Waag Society):

“After today, I am convinced that making a smart and fair meter is possible. However, there are still a lot of questions to be answered. We should look at this development as a design process, which we start together. And our call to action is: ‘Be the smartest company, the one that hits the button first. Start making that smart & fair meter!’”

Hans Nooter immediately adds actions to these words. He asks everybody to sign a declaration of Intention.

“It is important for us all to keep in touch. To continue the dialogue and help each other succeed. Waag Society and Alliander offer an open circle, do you want to join us?”

The declaration that was signed by many parties, reads:

“The signatory parties of this declaration recognize that the smart meter supply chain should be demonstrably sustainable and socially responsible, because the smart meter is an important component in smart energy grids, energy efficiency and customer relations. As parties involved in the smart meter supply chain we aim to work together to implement the fair meter principles in our day-to-day business practices.”

Organizations that support the Fair Meter Initiative:
Iskreameco, Landis+Gyr, IBM, Kamstrup, Hexing, Stedin, Waag Society, Creative Cooperative, Alliander.

See all pictures of the Bootcamp and the European Utility Week here.

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Fair Meter Initiative at the European Utility week http://fairmeter.org/?p=134 http://fairmeter.org/?p=134#comments Tue, 22 Oct 2013 13:33:48 +0000 Fair Meter http://fairmeter.org/?p=134 ]]> The Fair Meter Initiative was present with a stand at the European Utility Week 2013 at the RAI in Amsterdam, October 15-17 2013. During the exhibition opening hours there was an interactive information stand located at the exhibition floor.

At the exhibition, a Declaration of support for the Fair Meter Initiative could be signed, reading:

The signatory parties of this declaration recognize that the smart meter supply chain should be demonstrably sustainable and socially responsible, because the smart meter is an important component in smart energy grids, energy efficiency and customer relations. As parties involved in the smart meter supply chain we aim to work together to implement the fair meter principles in our day-to-day business practices.

Simultaneously, a bootcamp was organized at the Waag in Amsterdam with designers, technicians and experts in the field of smart metering.

We’ve posted a selection of photographs on Flickr.

Fair-Meter-photos

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European Utility Week 2013 http://fairmeter.org/?p=1 http://fairmeter.org/?p=1#comments Tue, 03 Sep 2013 09:28:56 +0000 Fair Meter http://domu1.waag.org/?p=1 ]]>

Meet the challenge of aligning parties and unite for a coalition in order to really implement fair meter principles in our day to day business processes. At the upcoming European Utility Week Amsterdam, October 15-17 2013, the Fair Meter Inititative will be present.

During the exhibition opening hours there will be an interactive information stand located at the exhibition floor.

At the Energy Experience platform we will facilitate a round table talk on fair meter principles, Tuesday October 15th, 15.00-16.00 hours. Involved stakeholders to –sustainable– smart meter supply chain practices are kindly invited to attend an international workshop on Wednesday October 16th, 13.30-16.00 hours. This workshop will be held parallel to the EU Utility Week at the conference venue at RAI Amsterdam.

This event will be the beginning of a shared journey up to further developing a Fair Meter. We are open to your participation and call for your ideas! Please send an e-mail to info@fairmeter.org for your attendance or suggestions.

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