Determining energy use intensity (EUI) involves dividing the total energy consumed by a building by its gross floor area. For example, a building using 50,000 kBtu and encompassing 10,000 square feet has an EUI of 5 kBtu per square foot. This metric provides a standardized method for comparing energy performance across buildings of varying sizes and types.
Tracking and analyzing this metric offers valuable insights into building efficiency. It allows for benchmarking against similar structures, identifying areas for improvement, and tracking the impact of energy-saving initiatives. Historically, understanding and improving building energy performance has become increasingly critical due to rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns. This metric plays a key role in achieving sustainability goals and reducing operational expenses.