Energy Tree by Ben Arent

For the 2007 StartSomthingPC desing compertition, Ben Arent created a new device for monitering energy use in the house. The Energy tree contains a real tree, which requires no conventional maintenance from the user. The trees health is decided upon how well the user utilizes energy. If the user is extremely efficient with there energy use the EnergyTree will give the tree the nutrients and water it needs to survive and flourish. If the User is inefficient with their energy consumption the EnergyTree will poison and malnourish the tree, eventually killing it. This benefits the user by giving them a long term overview of how much energy they are saving.

Device drain is a more specific use of the product that both monitors and can control devices that are connected to the EnergyTree, allowing all devices connected by DeviceCheck to monitor energy consumption and can control and turn off all power to device when not needed, or when controlled from the EnergyTree control panel.