Terminology You May Come Across
As your community begins to calculate its carbon footprint, conduct audits, and track energy performance, you will likely encounter certain technical terms. These terms often appear in audit reports, software tools such as Portfolio Manager, and conversations with consultants. Having a working knowledge of them will help you interpret results and communicate more effectively with administrators and fellow residents.
Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Energy Use Intensity has become a standard way of comparing the energy efficiency of buildings. It measures how much energy a building uses per square foot in a year, expressed in thousands of Btus. Like miles per gallon for cars, the lower the number, the better the performance. EUI is closely linked to greenhouse gas emissions, since more energy use typically means more emissions.
- Site EUI looks only at energy consumed in the building itself (such as gas burned in a boiler).
- Source EUI also accounts for energy lost in generation and transmission (such as electricity lost before it reaches your building). Because Source EUI shows the bigger picture, it is the metric used by the EPA’s Portfolio Manager to assign Energy Star scores.
Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs)
Energy Efficiency Measures are the specific steps taken to reduce the amount of energy your buildings consume. Examples include installing LED lighting, upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems, or adding insulation. These measures reduce energy demand, which in turn lowers both operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Reduction Bars (ERMs)
While many efficiency measures also reduce emissions, some actions are specifically aimed at cutting greenhouse gas output. These can include replacing a gas boiler with an electric heat pump, switching to renewable electricity, or phasing out diesel-powered vehicles. Such measures go beyond saving energy, they directly reduce the community’s carbon footprint.
Why These Terms Matter
Buildings are typically the largest source of emissions in senior living communities, which is why energy performance metrics like EUI are so important. Knowing your EUI helps you set benchmarks, track progress, and compare your community to others. Understanding the difference between efficiency, energy reduction, and emissions reduction measures will help residents and staff prioritize projects and make informed choices.
Some communities have even found that publishing their EUI or Energy Star score can strengthen marketing efforts, as prospective residents increasingly value climate-conscious operations.
