What benchmark is often used to compare energy performance during commissioning?

Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is a widely recognized benchmark used to compare energy performance during the commissioning process. EUI measures a building's energy consumption per unit of area (typically expressed in energy units per square foot per year), allowing for normalized comparisons across different buildings, regardless of their size or purpose.

Using EUI helps identify whether a building is performing as expected relative to its design and operational goals. It provides a tangible metric that can indicate potential inefficiencies or areas for improvement, making it an essential tool during commissioning, which focuses on ensuring that systems meet operational criteria effectively.

While other options like LEED certification levels and Annual Energy Consumption provide valuable insights into energy usage and sustainability practices, they do not serve as direct performance metrics in the commissioning process as EUI does. LEED certification assesses not only energy performance but also broader sustainability criteria, while Annual Energy Consumption reflects total energy use without consideration of building size or efficiency. Similarly, Building Energy Rating focuses more on overall energy performance ratings rather than the specific benchmarking that EUI provides for comparative analysis during commissioning.