Energy Performance Indicators (EPIs) occupy a central position in monitoring and improving the energy efficiency of an industrial or tertiary site. What are their meanings? Why is it vital to monitor them? How can we define and implement them efficiently? We'll explain it to you.
Energy Performance Indicator : definition
An Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) is a metric that evaluates energy efficiency by relating energy consumption to influential factors, but which are not directly modifiable.
Factors considered in developing an IPE may include variables such as:
- weather conditions, such as unified degree days - DJU - or sunshine;
- productivity, such as the number of pieces produced perhour or tonnage;
- the occupancy rate;
- fixed characteristics, such as surface area.
So, instead of focusing only on the amount of energy consumed (measured in kWh) for heating, we will also include parameters such as heated surface area or volume, as well as outdoor temperatures in our energy efficiency assessment
What is the use of an Energy Performance Indicator?
Monitoring Energy Performance Indicators (EPI), also known as energy monitoring, offers multiple benefits to companies.
First of all, the establishment of energy performance indicators allows a precise analysis of the site's energy consumption by taking into consideration all the relevant corrective factors for each type of use. Consequently, monitoring of IPEs makes it possible to examine in a precise and detailed manner all aspects of energy consumption, use by use.
Additionally, monitoring energy performance indicators is very useful for comparing data over specific periods and tracking their development in detail. It also makes it possible to identify anomalies or drifts of energy consumption, which facilitates the rapid implementation of measures to improve the energy efficiency of systems with malfunctions. Ultimately, this practice reliably ensures energy savings within the organization.
Finally, the use of Energy Performance Indicators makes it possible to determine all the energy costs associated with a production process or a specific stage of the process, taking into account the different variables mentioned previously. This monitoring also facilitates the forecasting of expenses linked to the site's energy consumption.
Thus, the team involved (including the energy manager, the maintenance manager, the financial department, the accounting department, and general management) can have clear, reliable and relevant data to make informed decisions.
How to monitor Energy Performance Indicators?
The definition and monitoring of energy performance indicators are specific to each sector of activity, each company and even each building.
For example, a company in the food industry which must permanently maintain a temperature of 10°C in its production space will not have the same energy performance indicators as a metallurgical production site or tertiary offices.
To guarantee the precision of the definition and monitoring of energy performance indicators while minimizing the risk of error, it is essential to rely on the use of energy management software.
The definition of Energy Performance Indicators for your building?
The analysis of data through Energy Performance Indicators (EPI) requires a precise methodology and an adequate interpretation of the different explanatory variables. To define relevant IPEs for a building, it is imperative to have precise knowledge of all energy consumption on the site, as well as external factors likely to influence these consumptions, such as occupancy rate and outside temperature, then analyze their evolution.
The definition and monitoring of EPIs requires a methodical and rigorous approach. In the absence of this rigor, inappropriate decisions could be made.
What is the link with ISO 50001?
The creation of a metering plan and the establishment of Energy Performance Indicators (EPIs) grouped within a dashboard, as well as the precise measurement of the savings made, are essential elements of energy management and make part of the requirements of the ISO 50001 standard - Energy management systems (available on the website of the International Organization for Standardization).
