ABSTRACT
Energy management practices have evolved significantly over the past decade, in many cases borrowing from advances in business management methods and information technology. One key aspect of this comprehensive approach to energy management is a focus on setting goals and measuring performance against these goals, a process that is often referred to as benchmarking.An energy benchmark is a reference used to compare the performance of one energy system against another. This entry describes several key concepts in the construction and use of energy benchmarks, including selection of data sources, data management concepts, constructing baseline benchmarks and analysis tips. Examples are used throughout the entry to illustrate how benchmarks can be used to manage facility energy use.
