What's your method for measuring energy performance with efficiency tech?

Performance measurement is an art of estimating of consumption that did not happen. This is not a strict science. Therefore, validity of its results is based on a consensus between vendor and client. As much as I know, the best base for such consensus is IPMVP - International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol. This protocol is a summary of knowledge and experience of a wide international community of professionals. I find it logical, reasonable and presentable at any level.

A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that buildings without established baselines overestimate energy savings from efficiency upgrades by an average of 20%. Baseline data is essential for objectively measuring the impact of efficiency technology and ensuring your investment translates to real energy savings.

Metering: These devices measure energy consumption at various points within a building or facility, providing granular data on electricity, water, gas, or other energy sources used. Monitoring: This involves collecting and analyzing the data gathered by meters. Advanced monitoring systems can provide real-time insights, historical trends, and identify areas for improvement.

Selecting the most suitable benchmark indicators for your process relies on several factors, including process characteristics, equipment specifications, and team experience. It is imperative to reach a clear consensus regarding the benchmarks and devise a strategy to achieve them effectively. Understanding the optimal performance levels for your equipment or process is essential for determining how to guarantee maximum efficiency.

Benchmarking and rating systems offer a multitude of benefits: 1. Performance Comparison: They allow you to compare your energy use with similar buildings, providing a national or regional context for your performance. 2. Goal Setting: Benchmarking data helps establish realistic energy reduction goals and track progress over time. 3. Targeted Improvements: By identifying areas where your building falls short compared to benchmarks, you can prioritize further efficiency measures. 4. Market Recognition: High ratings from recognized programs can enhance your building's reputation and attract environmentally conscious tenants.

Effective reporting and feedback offer significant benefits: 1. Transparency and Awareness: Regular reports on energy use raise awareness among building occupants or employees, fostering a culture of energy conservation. 2. Targeted Action: Detailed reports with breakdowns by area or equipment can pinpoint areas of high energy use, allowing for targeted interventions with efficiency tech. 3. Motivation and Behavior Change: Feedback mechanisms like dashboards or consumption comparisons can motivate occupants to adopt energy-saving behaviors. 4. Continuous Improvement: Regular reporting facilitates ongoing monitoring and allows for adjustments to efficiency tech settings or strategies for optimal performance.

??We can consider energy modelling software , energy modeling and simulation software can predict energy performance outcomes and assess the potential impact of efficiency technologies before implementation. These tools simulate various scenarios, evaluate energy-saving strategies, and optimize system designs to maximize efficiency gains. MIL or machine learning algorithms can also help analyze large volumes of energy data, identify patterns, and uncover insights that drive energy-saving opportunities

Implementing a comprehensive measurement strategy is crucial to quantify the impact of efficiency tech and ensure it's performing as expected. For example, A school district implemented smart thermostats in all their buildings. Benchmarking data revealed a 15% reduction in overall energy consumption compared to similar schools without smart thermostats. This success story encouraged other districts to adopt similar efficiency measures.