“Energy monitoring and targeting (M&T) is an energy efficiency technique based on the standard management axiom stating that “you cannot manage what you cannot measure”. M&T techniques provide energy managers with feedback on operating practices, results of energy management projects, and guidance on the level of energy use that is expected in a certain period. Importantly, they also give early warning of unexpected excess consumption caused by equipment malfunctions, operator error, unwanted user behaviours, lack of effective maintenance and the like.

The foundation of M&T lies in determining the normal relationships of energy consumptions to relevant driving factors (HVAC equipment, production though puts, weather, occupancy available daylight, etc.) and the goal is to help business managers:

Identify and explain excessive energy use
Detect instances when consumption is unexpectedly higher or lower than would usually have been the case
Visualize energy consumption trends (daily, weekly, seasonal, operational…)
Determine future energy use and costs when planning changes in the business
Diagnose specific areas of wasted energy
Observe how changes to relevant driving factors impact energy efficiency
Develop performance targets for energy management programs
Manage energy consumption, rather than accept it as a fixed cost.”