Establishment of energy management tools for facilities managers in the tropical region

Abstract

Purpose - To establish national energy performance benchmarks and an energy efficiency classification system for commercial office buildings from whole building to sub-systems level for building professionals including facility managers. Design/methodology/approach - Issuing of survey form and questionnaires to 16 building owners before field interview. Building physical data and systems nameplate, quantities and types were verified on site. The past 24 months electricity consumption bills were also collected from building owners. Physical environmental conditions and short-term power measurement on building systems were done to determine the level of energy consumption and performance. Research limitations/implications - The classification and benchmarking methodology developed is useful for the regions to establish their own database and tools. Practical implications - The building energy performance assessment and auditing methodology are useful to both building owner/manager and energy services companies (ESCOs) in carrying out systematic assessment and analysis on building energy characteristics. The benchmark system established will also serve as a reference to building professionals to adopt a more holistic approach in designing an energy efficient building. Useful also for building owners who are considering carrying out retrofitting works on their existing building or systems. Originality/value - The study provides detailed whole building and systems benchmarks for Singapore. The results provide an objective evaluation system of commercial office building energy performance. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.