In 2007, Stuart Lombard faced a common problem upon returning from a winter vacation: his home was uncomfortably chilly. This experience prompted Lombard to search for a solution that would allow him to conserve energy while maintaining a comfortable living environment. Dissatisfied with the limited capabilities of existing thermostats, Lombard saw an opportunity to revolutionize the industry and make a positive impact on the environment. Thus, the journey of Ecobee, the pioneer of smart thermostats, began.
(Image credit – Ecobee)
A Vision for Change
Lombard recognized that technology could be harnessed to help people conserve energy, save money, and reduce their environmental footprint. With the rise of modern technologies like the iPhone, Lombard saw an opportunity to introduce smart home technology that would empower individuals to make sustainable choices. The goal was to create a newly designed, Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat that would not only be easy to program but also offer quicker responses than any other thermostat on the market. Lombard believed that this innovative approach could motivate others to adopt energy-efficient lifestyles and have a significant impact on the future of powering homes.
The Birth of the Smart Thermostat
As the business gained momentum, the team at Ecobee grew larger, consisting of individuals like John and Mark who shared Lombard’s vision for a sustainable future. Together, they ventured into uncharted territory, disrupting the stagnant thermostat industry. In 2009, Ecobee launched the world’s first smart thermostat, setting a new standard for home comfort and sustainability. This groundbreaking product paved the way for millions of people to adopt energy-saving practices.
Milestones in Sustainability
Since its inception, Ecobee has achieved numerous milestones in sustainability. By providing smart thermostats to homeowners across North America, Ecobee has collectively saved more than 27.8 TWh of electricity, equivalent to taking all the homes in major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago off the grid for an entire year. Additionally, Ecobee’s thermostats have prevented 5.1 million tons of CO2e emissions, which is comparable to removing 1.1 million cars from the road for a year. These achievements demonstrate the significant impact that Ecobee has had in the fight against climate change and the building of greener communities.
Designing for a Sustainable Future
Ecobee’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the functionality of its thermostats. The company emphasizes the importance of reducing waste by creating long-lasting products. An Ecobee thermostat has an average lifespan four times longer than a smartphone, reducing electronic waste and promoting durability. By designing devices that are future-proof and compatible with future software updates, Ecobee ensures that its products remain relevant and useful for years to come.
Empowering Customers and Supporting Communities
Ecobee understands that sustainability is a collective effort. Through initiatives like the “Donate Your Data” program, Ecobee empowers customers to contribute to scientific research aimed at building a cleaner energy grid and homes of the future. By sharing anonymized thermostat data, customers can play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable world. Additionally, Ecobee has partnered with community housing organizations, cities, NGOs, and utility providers to donate and subsidize thermostats, helping families lower their energy bills and combat energy poverty.
Energy Conservation: Making a Collective Impact
The average household in the United States produces 7.5 tons of CO2 emissions per year, with a significant portion attributed to heating and cooling. Ecobee’s ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats and sensors have been instrumental in reducing energy costs by up to 26% for homeowners. This translates into an average annual savings of $234 per home and billions of kWh of energy savings for Ecobee users. By providing innovative solutions for energy conservation, Ecobee enables individuals to make a meaningful impact on the environment.
Sustainability Built-In: Engineering for Longevity
Ecobee strives to create products that become fixtures in homes, reducing the need for frequent replacements. With a focus on easy disassembly and repair, Ecobee minimizes electronic waste and promotes a circular economy. Thousands of thermostats are refurbished and resold each year, keeping them out of landfills and extending their lifespan. By incorporating recycled plastics and ethically sourced materials, Ecobee reduces its environmental footprint and ensures product sustainability.
Building a Healthier Planet and Society
Sustainability encompasses more than just energy conservation; it also involves promoting social responsibility. Ecobee actively seeks to minimize its environmental impact by using recycled materials and fully recyclable packaging. One in three families face challenges paying their utility bills, and Ecobee addresses this issue by partnering with organizations to donate and subsidize thermostats. By leveraging technology and innovation, Ecobee aims to create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
The journey of Ecobee is a testament to the power of innovation and a commitment to sustainability. From the invention of the world’s first smart thermostat to the continuous development of new technologies, Ecobee has transformed the way people heat and cool their homes. Through energy conservation, empowering customers, and supporting communities, Ecobee has made a significant impact on the environment and society as a whole. As the company looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to remove the complexity of running a modern home while promoting energy-saving practices and positively impacting the environment. With Ecobee, comfort and sustainability can seamlessly coexist, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
