A Comparison on Energy Benchmarks of Designated Public University Buildings in Thailand

Abstract

Three energy benchmarks, i.e., Specific Energy Consumption (SEC), Energy Utilization Index (EUI) and Energy Performance Indicator (EnPI), were investigated for assessment of energy consumption in twenty-three designated public university buildings in Thailand. Advantages and limitations of these benchmarks were reviewed. Among the three energy benchmarks, the SEC is more convenient to be used since all required data are readily available for use. However, the SEC must be used for its own sector. Actual energy consumption of these buildings was compared with the EUI baseline energy consumption. The EUI equation was developed based on the 2007 energy consumption data. The EnPI used the up-to-date data from the building energy auditing. It is imperative that several parameters must be sufficiently collected to establish the EnPI baseline energy consumption. To establish energy benchmarks properly, policymakers need to understand which benchmark is suitable as an indicator for energy consumption for each building.