VA-89-20-4 -- Predicted vs. Actual Conservation Opportunities in Commercial Buildings: Lessons Learned from Measured Energy Performance ✓ Most Recent

This paper discusses the results and experiences of using measured end-use load data in assessing the effects of conservation-related retrofits in seven commercial buildings. Electric consumption was reduced in all buildings as a result of the retrofits. Electric energy savings ranged from 4% to 38% of total baseline electric consumption. Total (all fuels) energy savings ranged from to 23%. Lighting measures were the most frequently installed conservation strategies. The other installed measures included HVAC equipment improvements and insulation and refrigeration efficiency measures. The anticipated electric energy savings from these measures was an average of 14%. The actual average electric energy savings achieved was 11%. Actual savings were less than predicted for a wide variety of reasons. The availability of measured end-use data permitted the efficacy of simulation models to be assessed. When properly specified, simulation models worked well. With careful attention to input assumptions, simulations can be effective tools for estimating conservation savings.