PROJECT OUTPUTS
RESULTS
In the short term the results have included:
- Intelligent metering of energy and/or water consumption for about 70 public sector buildings in 4 European countries, including office space, leisure centres, and schools.
- Training material prepared for use with building occupants.
- Building occupants trained in monitored buildings.
- Range of energy and water savings from the use of intelligent metering and behavioural change demonstrated- savings in energy and water from acting on intelligent metering information, and energy savings from other training activities in the project.
- Development of a best practice methodology (roadmap) for intelligent metering and training elsewhere.
- Case studies have been produced giving examples of the use of intelligent metering and training experiences in the project.
- More widespread understanding and knowledge of the intelligent metering approach.
- Numerous activities to disseminate the concept of intelligent metering, and the project, have been carried out, for example with press releases, radio/TV appearances, presentations at a range of events, and project bulletins being produced.
- Development of a framework for on-going training.
Through the demonstration, training and dissemination elements of the project the results of the project in the longer term should include:
- Increased take-up of intelligent metering in European countries
- Significant energy savings in public buildings through behavioural change
- Established training programmes for building occupants
Findings from the project:
- It is possible to collect half hourly energy and water consumption data for a number of public sector buildings (e.g. offices, schools, sports centres, and community centres) in 4 European countries in a common database, and for it to be processed and displayed in graphs on an internet site.
- Some initial preparation work is necessary to ensure that data from the different intelligent metering data collection systems being used is in the required format for computer analysis software.
- The intelligent metering data collected helps with the use of the bespoke training package, which was developed specifically for use with occupants of the buildings using intelligent metering.
- There are significant savings to be made using the intelligent metering approach and by involving the staff in monitored buildings.
- The project has shown that energy and water savings can be achieved from the use of intelligent metering and behavioural change of building users. For some buildings being monitored in the project, energy or water saving opportunities have been identified from analysis of half hourly consumption monitoring data. In cases where these opportunities have been discussed with a representative in the building and corrective action has been taken savings have been obtained.
- Energy savings have been obtained from training sessions and related behaviour change activities in the project. For example following some training sessions it has been possible to identify at least short term savings from the intelligent metering information collected.
- Staff training is not a 'fit and forget' option, but needs to be reinforced and re-emphasised, for example annually.