What is this?
Phantom Load is an interactive 3D computer game set in a realistic building environment. Players explore the building, identify its components and energy use, investigate systems, improve the building performance, and lower carbon emissions.
What is a 'phantom load'?
A phantom load is the electricity consumed by devices that remain plugged in even when they are not actively in use. This 'hidden' power is used for standby functions, remote control features, and instant-on capabilities. Devices draw energy even when they appear to be 'off.' A phantom load can be any energy use that does not give a productive output. In the game, you will hunt for these invisible energy drains and apply practical solutions to eliminate them.
Why should you play Phantom Load?
Because it's fun! The game is all about understanding building science and energy flows. Making the invisible visible. You get your hands on building systems, seeing how they fail, and improve them. You spot inefficiencies and implement fixes. If you want a career in building performance, this is the way to start.
Who made this game?
Phantom Load is developed by a team led by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), with financial support from Infosys Limited. This work is openly licensed via CC BY NC ND 4.0.
Need more information?
Write to us at support@phantom-load.in
Current Build #
Version 2.0
Copyrights
Copyright © 2026 Indian Institute for Human Settlements
Made available via CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
