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Step 2.4 Analyze energy consumption and costs

Tracking and analyzing energy data provides insight into the impact of operations on energy uses and consumption. Documentation of the energy consumption and cost analysis must be in a form that is meaningful and clear to all levels of the organization. It could be as simple as basic graphs of energy consumption or as complex as statistical models that identify the relevant variable(s) affecting energy consumption. The analysis of energy consumption and costs should be regularly maintained by using the most current energy data.

Advancing from Foundational Level 1 to ISO 50001 Level 2 for Step 2.4

You identified methods, assigned responsibilities and developed a basic approach to data analysis for foundational energy management (Level 1). For ISO 50001 (Level 2), you will build on this approach to include the energy review which will be a key consideration in the approach and responsibilities for energy data analysis. In addition to past and present energy use and consumption, the energy review will require that you analyze data related to the significant energy uses (SEUs) and energy performance improvement opportunities. You must also analyze the energy performance indicators (EnPIs), baselines, and energy objectives and targets which are developed using the information in the energy review. Analysis at Level 2 will typically be more sophisticated to monitor energy performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Advance to Next Level

How to do it

There are two associated tasks you will need to complete:

2.4.1 Determine data analysis method(s) and assign responsibilities

There are many different methods to analyze the data you collect. This can include “homegrown” spreadsheets to very sophisticated software and web-based applications designed for large, multi-facility complexes. The eGuide provides you with the DOE Energy Footprint tool that performs basic energy data analysis for your organization. Other more sophisticated software analysis products are shown in the Resources & Examples section of this step.

In general, your analysis method will depend on four factors:

  1. Data availability: What level of data is available to analyze? Is it appropriate to install metering to collect this data?
  2. Desired output: What is your goal in analyzing the data? What are you looking to determine?
  3. Skillset of personnel performing or making use of the data analysis: How much experience do the personnel performing the analysis have? Are they comfortable with the analysis method?
  4. Target audience: Who is the audience for the analysis results? What will the target audience find most useful?

Once you determine your analysis method, you’ll need to assign responsibility to conduct the analysis on an ongoing basis as new data is available. The type of person best suited for performing the analysis will be dependent on the complexity of the analysis, what resources (e.g., time and software) he/she has available to perform an analysis, and whether he/she has access to the data being analyzed.

2.4.2 Analyze past and present energy use and consumption

Data analysis can help to determine energy consumption trends, as well as measure the energy and cost impacts of implementing energy performance improvement opportunities. You can’t determine your progress on meeting your goals without first analyzing your data.

The DOE Energy Footprint Tool referred to in Step 2.3.3 and 2.4.1 will help you to perform fundamental analysis of past and present energy use and consumption, including:

  • Calculating the annual energy consumption and costs for all fuel sources and all years of energy data
  • Plotting energy consumption of individual and combined fuels by month and year
  • Generating an energy balance using a “bottom up” energy calculation of your major energy equipment, systems and processes to allow a comparison to the “top down” total facility or building energy consumption as a precursor to determining your significant energy uses. [A “bottom-up” energy analysis estimates the energy consumption by large equipment, system or process energy uses.]
  • Preparing the input data table required for the DOE Energy Performance Indicator (EnPI) tool which performs a regression energy analysis for your facility.

An example of the input and output of the Energy Footprint Tool is provided for both a hypothetical commercial building and industrial facility. Refer back to the Energy Sources Worksheet and the Energy Uses Worksheet that you filled out in Step 2.2 to help you fill in data in the Energy Footprint Tool.

Once you have your data analyzed, take a moment to examine the analysis results showing energy and energy costs plotted over time. Consider the following questions:

  • Do you see any patterns in your organization’s energy use?
  • Are there variations in the data that correspond to the seasons?
  • Do you notice increased energy consumption corresponding to periods of high equipment loads?
  • How does energy compare to energy costs?

If you would like to take your analysis to the next level, a number of additional resources are available to help you do so. For example, DOE offers a free excel-based resource called the Energy Performance Indicator (EnPI) tool to enable organizations to perform an energy regression analysis that normalizes energy consumption to account for the effects of variables impacting energy consumption, such as weather or production variations.

Resources & Examples