Research
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Plug Loads
Increasingly, Lucid's customer base is tracking energy consumed by end use, giving us an important look into the role that building occupants (as opposed to facility managers) can play in conserving energy.
According to new research by our team, "plug loads" -- the innumerable devices in commercial buildings that use energy, such as computers, copiers, fax machines and electric space heaters -- constitute as much as 50% of an office's electricity consumption. Lucid's findings run contrary to most estimations of plug loads, which typically range from 10% to 30% of a building's electricity use.
The research, based on electrical metering from eight commercial offices, represents nearly 1 million square feet with lighting, plug loads and HVAC separately metered. Most estimates of plug loads are based upon simulation modeling and not empirical measurement, so our data provide an important reality check for energy managers, sustainability officers and the design community, particularly energy modelers.
While limited to only eight buildings, the research nevertheless underscores the important role of building occupants in affecting energy usage in many commercial buildings.
OccupyYourBuilding.org: Lucid's campaign to raise awareness about plug loads and the important role of building occupants in affecting energy usage in many commercial buildings.
Building Occupant Feedback Systems and Plug Loads: Opportunities and Results. Presented at Pacific Gas & Electric symposium, "Information Visualization in Commercial Buildings: Design, Technology, and Human Behavior."
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