Energy Smart Environments: Toward a Systems Perspective Framework for the Energy Dimension of Smart Systems of Systems

The rapid evolution of technology has transformed traditional infrastructures into smart interconnected systems of systems. Domains such as smart grids, smart homes, smart cities, smart transportation (mobility) and smart agriculture/gardening have emerged as cornerstones of modern innovation, addressing critical challenges like energy efficiency, urbanization, and environmental sustainability. These systems, which we generally name as “Smart Xs”, represent the two megatrends of the 21st century: integration and decentralization. However, the lack of an umbrella term to collectively unify these interconnected domains highlights the need for a holistic framework. This paper introduces the concept called “Energy Smart Environment”, as an umbrella term to cover all the Smart Xs, to explore the convergence of ambient intelligence, smart environments, and self-powered systems through energy harvesting, from the energy point of view. The “Energy Smart Environment” framework aims to bridge the gap between the“ Smart X“s, thus provides a unified holistic approach to study and teach sustainable smart system of systems as a subject matter for undergraduate and graduate students.