Meter
The word ‘meter’ can denote the US spelling of ‘metre’, the base unit of length in the International System of Units. However, in the UK it more commonly refers to devices that can be used to measure the quantity of a resource that passes through a point. For example, an electricity meter might measure the amount of electricity that enters a property, or part of a property, over a defined period, and this can be used to assess consumption and calculate bills. Meters are also commonly installed to record consumption of water and gas.
Smart meters provide real-time information on usage and cost information allowing consumers to manage their usage, save money and reduce carbon emissions. Smart meters also allow for easier switching between suppliers, end estimated billing and eliminate the need for meter readers to visit premises.
The word 'meter' may also be used more widely to refer to devices that record quantities at a specific point, such as a moisture meter, commonly used to detect damp in the fabric of buildings, or a light meter, conductivity meter and so on.
Articles about meters on Designing Buildings Wiki include:
- Accessible meter.
- Cloud metering system.
- Data from smart energy meters.
- Electromagnetic meters.
- Heat meter.
- Heat metering.
- Multi-jet meter.
- Net-metering.
- Remote meter reading system.
- Smart meter.
- Smart meter owners report higher, not lower, bills.
- Smart Meters Bill.
- Turbine meter.
- Ultrasonic meter.
- Velocity-type meter.
- Water meter.
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?