What is Energy Use Intensity and Why does it matter to BPS?
Understanding Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is a key metric in the world of building performance and sustainability. It measures the energy consumption of a building relative to its size, typically expressed in terms of energy per square foot per year. EUI is calculated by dividing the total energy consumed by the building in one year (measured in kilo British thermal units or kBtu) by the total gross floor area of the building. It is important to note that this formula is typically based on the Gross Floor Area (GFA), and not just the rentable square footage. This means you need to include areas like, interior hallways, Leasing offices, and amenity spaces in your GFA; leaving these areas out will result in modeling that can inflate your EUI.
The Role of EUI in Building Performance Standards (BPS)
Building Performance Standards (BPS) are policies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency in buildings. They set performance targets that buildings must meet, which are often based on EUI benchmarks, but can be based on GreenHouse Gas Emissions, Carbon or other targets. For instance, the City and County of Denver's policy, Energize Denver, sets EUI targets for commercial and multifamily buildings, requiring them to meet specific energy performance targets.
Why EUI Matters to BPS
EUI is crucial to BPS because it provides a quantifiable measure of a building's energy efficiency. By tracking EUI, building owners can identify opportunities for improvement, comply with BPS requirements, and avoid potential fines for non-compliance. Moreover, a lower EUI indicates a more energy-efficient building, which can lead to reduced operational costs and potentially smaller carbon footprint. Although a great measure for sustainability, it is important to look at other factors like GreenHouse Gases, when determining the KPI’s that matter for your sustainability measure. For instance, if you electrify your building, you reduce your Greenhouse gas emissions, but you may increase your EUI depending on your climate and the systems in your building. Before implementing any measure it is important to consider the cause and effect as one measure may be helpful to the environment from a carbon perspective, but costly from a BPS perspective.
The Financial Impact of EUI on BPS Compliance
Failing to meet BPS targets can result in significant financial penalties. For example, under Denver's Energize Denver policy, buildings that do not meet the EUI targets are penalized $0.30/kBtu in excess. Therefore, understanding and optimizing EUI is not only environmentally responsible but also financially prudent for building owners.
Conclusion
Energy Use Intensity is a vital component of Building Performance Standards, serving as a benchmark for energy efficiency and environmental impact. As BPS policies become more widespread, understanding and managing EUI will be essential for building owners to ensure compliance, enhance sustainability, and optimize operational costs. GreenT Climate Software is dedicated to supporting the multifamily industry in this endeavor, providing the tools and expertise needed to succeed in the evolving landscape of building performance regulations.
How GreenT Climate Software Can Help
GreenT Climate Software offers solutions to help building owners manage their EUI and comply with BPS. By providing a streamlined approach to tracking and reporting energy consumption, GreenT assists in navigating the complexities of BPS policies and avoiding fines. For more information on BPS compliance and how GreenT Climate Software can assist you in managing your property's sustainability initiatives, please contact us.
