Adding Value Through ASHRAE 90.1's Energy Monitoring Requirement

ASHRAE 90.1-2022, Section 8.4.3 - Electrical Energy Monitoring, requires separate monitoring and reporting of electricity usage by use type (building total, HVAC, exterior lighting, interior lighting, and receptacles) in new construction. In our experience, too many people view this submetering requirement as a box to check – rather than an opportunity. If you have to spend money on submetering, why not implement a system you can actually get something out of?

When the time comes to select and install those meters, we encourage you to think about the big picture. Meter and system selection is the perfect place to avoid wasting money and to add value to your project.

HOW TO STOP WASTING MONEY

The reality is that not all meters integrate nicely, if at all. In addition, not all meters will connect with the BAS system you plan to install. And without good design, your meters won't tie the building systems together so that you can see at a glance how the building is really functioning.

You can throw random meters in to meet the requirement, but is that system actually going to be useful? Do you want to spend double by fixing these early mistakes in order to have a fully integrated submetering system down the road? Wouldn't you rather just put in the right system at the beginning?

If you take a little time to plan, you'll get something back from your investment, rather than throwing that money away just to check off a box. You also won't have to pay again to redo your submetering system later. 

TOP BENEFITS TO ASHRAE 90.1'S ELECTRICAL ENERGY MONITORING REQUIREMENTS:

#1: You can see exactly what’s causing your unrecovered utility costs. 

Most buildings used to be set up to meter total usage and tenant usage, and the rest was unknown… and unknowable. Having visibility into HVAC vs. interior lighting vs. exterior lighting vs. plug loads provides valuable insight into daily operations and how these essential use types contribute to common area costs.

#2: Submetering by load type makes it much easier to diagnose inefficiencies and troubleshoot problems.

For example, say your common area usage is higher than expected. But why? A dive into the data shows that all usages are in line… except the exterior lighting. Next is a controls review, which identifies that the exterior lights are on 24/7, but nobody noticed during daytime. At least now you know what went wrong and what to fix.

TL;DR

Said another way, energy and tenant submetering is more than a code requirement to check off, given the insight it provides. Including submetering during design and construction is an easy and "green" way to improve your bottom line and your property value.