Whole Facility Modeling Viability Based on Annual Usage

The Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program regularly employs whole-facility energy models for monitoring and tracking of participant performance within the program. Due to strict model validation criteria, not all models built can be used for savings estimations. Leveraging over 10,000 successfully created whole-facility energy models and failed model attempts, we investigate how annual energy usage and other facility characteristics impact the ability to create a viable SEM energy model. The results show a positive influence of annual usage on model viability, as well as a mix of influences based on other facility characteristics. The trends found in this study will offer insights to inform future program design, emphasizing the importance of exploring alternative measurement and verification methods that extend beyond traditional whole-facility modeling. This research is expected to transform the historical approach to modeling, moving toward a more forward-thinking and flexible framework for addressing the evolving needs of the industry.