RESNET Message on Energy Labeling and Energy Billing Analysis

Discussions of building labels worldwide have pointed out the difference between “asset value” labels, which are based on how a building performs at standard operating conditions and “operational value” labels, which are based on measurements of energy consumption using the operating conditions that are in use at a particular time. Most products, such as cars or appliances, are rated using asset value labels with a standardized operational component—for example, cars are rating by EPA miles per gallon (mpg) but are not resold based on the mpg that the seller actually obtained. But for buildings, analysts generally recognize that both results are useful. These two types of labels are very distinct and different ways of characterizing energy use, with different purposes. There have been much discussion and some misinformation on this subject. RESNET has posted a message on this critical issue at http://www.resnet.us/hotnews/2009-09-04-EnergyLabeling_and_EnergyBillingAnalysis.pdf