1. What is EUI?

EUI (Energy Use Intensity) is a key metric for measuring a building's energy efficiency. It represents the amount of energy consumed per unit area annually, typically expressed in kBtu per square foot per year.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the EUI formula:

Where:

• Annual Energy — Total energy consumption in kBtu/year
• Area — Total floor area in square feet (ft²)

Explanation: EUI provides a normalized measure of energy consumption that allows for comparison between buildings of different sizes.

3. Importance of EUI Calculation

Details: EUI is crucial for assessing building energy performance, identifying energy efficiency opportunities, and benchmarking against similar buildings. Lower EUI values indicate better energy efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter annual energy consumption in kBtu/year and total floor area in square feet. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good EUI value?
A: EUI values vary by building type and climate. Generally, lower EUI indicates better energy efficiency. Commercial buildings typically range from 30-200 kBtu/ft²/year.

Q2: How can I reduce my building's EUI?
A: Improving insulation, upgrading HVAC systems, installing energy-efficient lighting, and implementing energy management systems can help reduce EUI.

Q3: What energy sources should be included?
A: Include all energy sources - electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, district energy, and any other energy consumed by the building.

Q4: How does EUI differ from energy cost?
A: EUI measures energy consumption intensity, while energy cost depends on utility rates. A building can have low EUI but high energy costs if utility rates are high.

Q5: Is EUI applicable to all building types?
A: Yes, but benchmarking should be done against similar building types as energy use patterns vary significantly between residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.