Energy performance indicators
Energy performance indicators (EPIs) are a way of measuring whether improvements have really been made within an organisation.
EPIs are used to highlight data
When we look at an organisation’s energy consumption, the data that comes from an electricity, gas or water meter is limited insofar as it depends on external factors such as the weather and production.
Energy performance indicators should therefore be used deliberately, as they enable the organisation’s performance to be genuinely assessed. The construction of an EPI depends on many factors, such as meteorological factors (Degree days, sunshine, etc.), production intensity factors (tonnage, etc.) or static values such as surface area.
How do you compare EPIs?
The interpretation of an EPI should not be taken lightly and requires consideration of the physical significance of the EPI.
Here’s an example:
The Wh/(Degree day.m²) ratio is an EPI that is very often used to account for heating performance. This EPI can be used to (1) compare changes in the consumption of the same building over time and (2) theoretically compare two buildings in terms of insulation.
Why theoretically? Because other factors can influence the energetic performance of a facility for exemple here a building.