Imagine this, people who have been waiting long enough for some George Jetson innovation: a home or office building that could sense how many people were inside, where they are and generally what they’re doing, then adjust the thermostat and ventilation.

In the bargain, energy savings up to about 30 percent. That’s what researchers at the University of Colorado in Boulder are working on.

The federally funded Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy is pitching in $2 million to spur on their work.

The research project is called SENSOR, which stands for Saving Energy Nationwide in Structures with Occupancy Recognition

“We applaud the University of Colorado Boulder team and their partners for receiving this grant and look forward to seeing how their project helps develop technologies to reduce energy usage in Colorado’s homes,” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Denver, said. “It is important that we continue to provide our communities with more opportunities for sustainable and responsible energy usage and development.”

Bennet issued a statement with fellow Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma.

“I have long been a strong supporter of ARPA-E’s research and I’m thrilled CU Boulder is receiving this grant,” Gardner said. “Increasing energy efficiency in our homes and businesses will help Coloradans save money on their energy bills and I’m looking forward to seeing what cutting edge technology CU develops as part of this project.”

University of Colorado Boulder researchers are working with those at the University of Washington, Iowa State University and Boulder’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.