The U.S. Department of Energy Technical Assistance Program (TAP) recently released an 11-step outline for public sector organizations to use in developing an energy benchmarking plan.
Benchmarking is comparing a metered building’s current energy performance with its energy baseline. It can help building managers compare performance over time or between similar types of buildings or to document savings from conservation measures. Energy benchmarking is quickly becoming the green standard for businesses and cities.
Having a benchmarking plan can help organizations implement their efforts and to meet requirements of a policy or program.
The eleven tips are:
- Establish a goal for benchmarking
- Secure buy-in from leadership
- Build a benchmarking team
- Identify output metrics needed to support the benchmarking goal
- Identify the data input requirements
- Select a benchmarking tool
- Determine a collection method
- Consider the data verification process
- Evaluate analysis techniques
- Communicate the plan and formalize the process
- Planning for change
Source: Energy Manager Today
