Benchmarking energy use in schools
Local governments across the US spent approximately $5 billion, an average of $100 million per state, on energy for their public schools in 1992. This represents a tremendous drain on education dollars of which part (captured through building system and operational efficiency improvements) could be directed toward more important educational needs. States and local governments know there are sizeable opportunities, but are challenged by how and where to start. Identifying the worst energy performers, with the most potential, easily and at low cost is a key in motivating local governments into action. Energy benchmarking is an excellent tool for this purpose. The 1992 US Energy Information Administration's Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) database is investigated as a source for energy benchmarks for local-government-owned schools. Average energy use values derived from CBECS are shown to be poor energy benchmarks. Simple distributions of building energy use values derived from CBECS, however, are shown to be reliable energy benchmarks for local schools. These can be used to gauge the energy performance of your local public school. Using a stepwise, linear-regression analysis, the primary determinants of electric use in local schools were found to be gross floor area, year of construction, use of walk-in coolers, electric cooling, non-electric energy use, roof construction, and HVAC operational responsibility. The determinants very depending on the school's location. While benchmarking based on simple distributions is a good method, an improved benchmarking method which can account for these additional drivers of energy use is detailed.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-96OR22464
- OSTI ID:
- 20006333
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980815-; TRN: IM200007%%389
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1998 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Pacific Grove, CA (US), 08/23/1998--08/28/1998; Other Information: 10 volume set available for $200.00; PBD: 1998; Related Information: In: 1998 ACEEE summer study on energy efficiency in buildings: Proceedings, [3100] pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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