Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a fundamental tool for tracking and analyzing any type of project, including energy services. These indicators help construction professionals find improvement opportunities, make informed decisions, and measure success in energy-efficient construction and building.
In this article, we will explain the four main specific key performance indicators for energy services projects. These metrics include are energy consumption, CO2 emissions, energy costs, and indoor air quality. Understanding how to measure and track these indicators is crucial for improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring the quality of the work.
Developing this type of renewable energy projects requires specific indicators analysis and specific construction progress reports that make this type of project’s follow-up easier. Keep reading to learn more about metrics for sustainability performance in construction projects and how to monitor them using BrickControl.
Energy Consumption Indicator
For Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) consumption is a key performance indicator in their projects. Monitoring energy consumption is essential for understanding the energy performance of a building. This type of measuring methods can help identify energy-saving opportunities and optimize energy efficiency in construction sites.
Energy consumption measurements should be conducted periodically at different energy consumption points in the building, such as lighting, heating, and appliances, among others. Additionally, data from electricity and fuel consumption expenses should also be considered.
What are the energy consumption metrics used in construction projects? Some useful data for measuring such consumption in construction projects include:
- Energy consumed per hour by each piece of equipment
- Energy consumption patterns throughout the day
- Energy efficiency of the equipment
- Performance of the heating and cooling system
- Energy used by the lighting system
Collecting and analyzing energy consumption data allows for detailed real-time monitoring of the building’s energy performance.
If you would like to read more about energy efficiency, check out our article here about the passive house standard.
CO2 emissions indicators
CO2 emissions are an important indicator in energy services projects as they are directly related to environmental sustainability. Analyzing these types of metrics helps identify areas for improving energy efficiency, therefore reducing the project’s environmental impact.
If you need to measure CO2 emissions you can track energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from production and transportation of construction materials and equipment. Also, you should take into account factors such as the use of renewable energy and emissions associated with waste management.
Emission factors are based on the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of energy consumed. These vary depending on the energy source, such as electricity, natural gas, or fuel. It is also important to consider indirect emissions related to the production of construction materials and transportation.
How can CO2 emissions be measured in energy construction projects? Some methods for measuring CO2 emissions include:
- Carbon Trust Footprint Expert
- GHG Protocol
- ISO 14064
Energy Costs Indicator in Construction
Each energy services project has its own costs and, therefore, its own set of energy cost indicators. However, here are some useful KPIs for environmental engineers working on these types of projects.
One of the most common metrics is the cost per unit of energy consumed. This indicator helps environmental engineers see how much each unit of energy consumed in a particular project costs.
Another common indicator is the cost per ton of CO2 emitted. This indicator is useful for evaluating the environmental costs of a project and comparing them with economic costs.
Furthermore, environmental engineers can analyze equipment costs, labor costs, and maintenance costs. It is important to provide detailed reports on these energy cost indicators to all stakeholders in the project, including recommendations for cost reduction and improved energy efficiency.
Indoor Air Quality Indicator
Key performance indicators for measuring indoor air quality are another essential for environmental engineers. These include KPIs like the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, humidity, and the presence of pollutants.
How can air quality be measured in construction projects? Use a carbon dioxide meter to measure the concentration of CO2 in an indoor space. This tool measures the amount of CO2 in parts per million (ppm) in the air.
Added to the amount of CO2, you will also need to monitor temperature and humidity. For doing this, use a thermo-hygrometer to measure the temperature and relative humidity in the air.
Regarding pollutants, different measurement methods are used depending on the type of pollutant to be measured. Here are two examples: 1) use a particle counter to measure the concentration of particles in the air; and 2) use a mass spectrometer to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds.
Monitoring these indicators helps detect indoor air quality issues and allows for taking measures to improve its quality. In turn, this can help reduce energy costs and improve the health and well-being of people living or working in the remodeled or newly constructed space.
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In conclusion, the four KPIs analyzed in this article provide a more comprehensive overview of the energy performance of these projects, and consequently, identify areas for improvement and optimization.
We hope this information has been useful in understanding the importance of generating more sustainable construction projects. If you are interested in learning more about energy in the construction sector, don´t forget to visit our construction industry blog and deepen your knowledge about this really interesting field.
