"Growth is inevitable and desirable, but destruction of community character is not. The question is not whether your part of the world is going to change. The question is how."

-Edward T. McMahon

Does your housekeeping list look like mine? Turn on the lights. Take out the trash. Clean the living room. The list could go on.

Have you noticed that how we perform these simple, daily tasks is changing? Smart utilities are replacing our old ones. Home automation is on the rise. Smart appliances that make our lives easier are now for sale and coming home with us.

At first glance, this influx of new capabilities has a novel appeal. After all, who doesn't want a refrigerator to make their grocery list? I know I do. However, a second look reveals deeper potential. Potential that allows us to achieve sustainability across an entire community.

How can your home connect?

Thanks to a growing demand for a connected living experience, smart home capabilities are endless. Fruit bowls can detect mold. Wi-Fi-enabled windows can provide the best transparency via smartphone. Mobile devices can unlock the door to keyless homes.

These types of products are just the start of how homes can play a greater role in the Internet of Everything (IoE).

In an Internet of Everything world, smart homes will only be a small part of a larger network of Smart+Connected Communities that will reduce overcrowding, pollution, and natural resource constraints -ultimately improving sustainability. In our work with Cities of the Future like Songdo, South Korea and Lake Nona, Florida we've begun to see the impact of truly connected communities.

For most of us, connected living won't be in the form of a built-from-the-ground-up community. Instead, we will see changes to our existing communities: Improving convenience, increasing comfort, and highs in energy efficiency. For instance, Geneva recently debuted a new charging system that powers electric city buses in 15 seconds using electricity from hydropower.

How do we reach net zero?

The Internet of Everything will enable greater capabilities for net zero construction, meaning buildings will produce as much or more energy than they consume. According to a recent Forbes article, the key to any good net zero design is to reduce consumption.

Smart homes do just that.

Utilities that rely on a unified network, like your HVAC system, can easily be monitored for efficiency. This type of home control is vital to reducing waste and creating a connected lifestyle experience.

IoE includes you

The Internet of Everything doesn't just connect data, processes and things. It connects people to all of these too. It's clear thatweare responsible for the growth and change of our world.

Maybe you will get the chance to witness the design and construction of an entire Smart+Connected city. Maybe you'll just simply install a smart thermostat in your home. The one thing that will remain constant is that the Internet of Everything ties it all together, connecting cities, one home at a time.

Do you have a smart home or use smart appliances? Let me know!