In this Chapter, a method for optimizing 24-hour scheduling of several neighboring buildings equipped with independent DERs is proposed. The chosen buildings have different electrical energy consumption and load profiles, and the buildings’ thermal demands are modeled more precisely. The data provided by smart meters enable buildings to participate in demand response programs and the communication infrastructures among the buildings make the drawing of bilateral contracts possible. Three strategies named independent, cooperative, and centralized operations of buildings are investigated. The outcome of optimizations in these scenarios shows that the daily operational cost can be considerably reduced through reciprocation / cooperation among the buildings.
