A new study spearheaded by the University of Chicago utilized machine learning to analyze the effectiveness of energy efficiency upgrades in all California K-12 schools. Here are 5 key findings from its study:
1 - The Performance Gap is real in current energy efficient retrofit projects
- The performance gap is really a projection gap because that is where the problem starts
- Real savings only equal 24% of projected savings in California K-12 Schools
- Overall CA schools still found a 3% energy consumption reduction which would equate to a $240 Million a year savings nationwide for schools
2 - Retrospective studies need be considered when choosing which projects to prioritize
- Lighting and HVAC projects have the closest projected to realized savings in this study and should be prioritized
3 - Projection models and Energy models do not account for real world occupant behavior
- Savings projections are generally done in a vacuum rather than benchmarking to real world conditions which tend to lower savings
- Modelers need to include drivers of real world energy consumption when developing projections
4 - There is no characteristic other than location that can predict realization rates across schools
- A market opportunity will arise if finding a way to pinpoint this characteristic can be developed
5 - Can't just measure one upgrade against itself
- Must look at all upgrades in conjunction because each component of upgrade may play a different part in the totality of upgrades for that building
To read the study in its entirety please go to:
https://epic.uchicago.edu/sites/default/files/School_Main.pdf
