Analysis of the energy performance of office buildings in Montreal in 1988

Abstract

This paper presents the energy performance of office buildings in Montreal based on a survey of 68 buildings (2.5 million square metres). The results indicate an average annual normalized energy consumption of 502.2 kWh/(m 2yr) and an average annual normalized energy cost of 19.5 $/(m 2yr). The electricity represents 68% of consumption and 73% of cost, while the oil and gas each represent 15% of consumption and about 7% of cost. The energy signatures are then developed using the utility bills and the weather data, thus adding information to the overall pattern of energy performance. The analysis indicates a large potential to improve the energy performance of office buildings in Montreal. It also shows that buildings built after 1970 use less energy, but in terms of energy cost there is not a significant difference between old and new buildings.