Problems with Sub-metering Energy Consumption in UK Non-domestic Buildings

Session 6 Paper 2, CIBSE ASHRAE Technical Symposium, Imperial College, London, UK
18th and 19th April 2012

Sub-metering and building log books were introduced into the England and Wales Building Regulations for non domestic buildings around ten years ago to improve understanding of building energy performance. We now have significant experience on the success, outcomes, issues and problems this has raised. Although some sub-metering has been introduced successfully, it is widely accepted that many sub-metering and monitoring systems have failed to live up to expectations. Equally, compliance levels continue to be poor in this area with many new buildings left without suitable sub-metering or a building log book. The increase in Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) systems has changed the market, the technology and the flow of energy data/information. In many cases, this has given rise to new issues/problems that result in poor levels of monitoring and metering.

This paper reviews these sub-metering, AMR and log book problems. It goes on to summarise the issues and develops possible improvements in training, guidance, regulations and working practices to promote improvements in monitoring building energy performance.