NBI metrics reveal energy-efficiency opportunities
Fierce Energy, November 12, 2013New Buildings Institute (NBI) has developed what it calls the “first ever” set of plug load energy use metrics, which will allow easy insight into building energy use. A study of the NBI metrics to assess plug load energy use at PECI headquarters in the First and Main building in downtown Portland, Oregon revealed an 18 percent kWh reduction of PECI’s plug load.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), plug load is one of the fastest-growing sources of energy use in commercial buildings. In typical offices, 15 to 20 percent of energy use can be attributed to the plug load of computers, monitors, printers, desk lamps, telephones, etc. In buildings with HVAC and/or lighting systems that have been upgraded or improved to be more energy efficient, plug load can reach as high as 50 percent of total energy use.