TO-98-12-4 -- The Significant Role of Energy Calculations in the Success of Long-Term Energy Guarantees PDF

Situations can arise in long-term energy-savings guarantees in which changes, beyond those caused by the energy conservation measures, will happen to the building or its usage and affect building energy usage and demand. These changes typically occur after the time period that is used to establish a historical usage baseline for the guarantee. When this occurs, a calculated baseline adjustment can provide an effective method of accommodating the change while still retaining the basic tenants of the original energy guarantee.

To fill their intended function, baseline adjustments must be accepted as being fair and equitable by both the owner and the performance contractor who is providing the energy guarantee. This is best achieved through energy calculations that logically and objectively apply the physical laws of HVAC to the specific characteristics of the situation.

This paper presents examples of the types of situations encountered in four years of extensive performance contracting experience and the calculation approaches that are proving to be the most successful.

Units: Dual