Measuring and verifying data for transparency
Measuring and verification through submetering helps building managers identify whether conservation practices are working and whether utility usage is increasing, decreasing, or remaining constant. This information can then be used to help modify occupant behavior or to inform the development of the most effective conservation strategies when necessary.
With the increased focus on sustainability today, there are in some instances false, exaggerated, and unsubstantiated claims regarding a wide range of green and energy conservation projects and programs. Due to the proliferation of inaccurate claims, some building certification programs now demand third-party verification of all claims related to building performance. Incorporating measurement and verification practices into a facility management strategy with submetering can help increase the transparency and credibility of a building owner’s energy management projects and ensure they are meeting or exceeding energy management objectives.
LEED certification is one of the most widely used green building rating system in the world and a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership for building and facility managers. Through submetering, building and facility managers can contribute to their LEED certification to improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and meet ESG goals. LEED certifications can also attract new building tenants who recognize the value of living or working in green buildings.
Staying current
Laws regarding submetering will vary from state to state. The following are some examples from jurisdictions across the country.
Due to the energy conservation benefits submetering provides, 22 states, and Washington, D.C., have statutes, regulations, or rulings on utility submetering. Without installing new submetering technology, building and facility managers could be violating codes or standards where submetering is required. For example, California Title 24, 2019 Section 130.5(a) & (b) says “each electrical service shall have permanently installed user-accessible metering of total electrical energy use.” This code requires each newly installed switchboard, panel, and motor control center, in both existing and newly constructed buildings, to be designed to permit the measurement of electrical load energy use downstream.
Additionally, taking effect in 2025, New York Local Law 88, 132, and 134 pertains to submetering in older buildings. This law requires all commercial buildings in New York City that are larger than 2323 m2 (25,000 sf) to install submeters for any tenants who lease at least 465 m2 (5000 sf) of space. Most New York commercial leases are 10 years long, so meters must be planned for and installed now to ensure compliance and to prevent tenant disruption. It is important for facility managers and building designers to be aware of local laws and regulations to ensure their buildings comply now and in the future.
Energy and sustainability are top of mind for nearly every person in the specifying community, but there have never been more challenges to managing it than today. With detailed, real-time data provided through submetering solutions, facility managers can directly analyze and manage a building’s energy usage through building management systems (BMS). Over time, the information can help to more equitably allocate energy costs, identify opportunities for energy conservation and cost savings and help ensure sustainability certifications, laws, and goals are met. The industry can use this information to design buildings with the technologies to smartly manage energy both now and well into the future.
Troy Hull is a 27-year veteran of the submetering sector, having worked in every aspect of the industry from systems installations and services to manufacturing, product design and development, and sales and business development. For the last eight years, he has been responsible for M & V Group at Leviton Manufacturing Company, overseeing daily operations, strategy development, product management, R&D engineering, and sales and business development. An AEE Certified Energy Manager and Measurement and Verification Professional, he has been published in numerous professional journals. Among some of his key accomplishments was the development and adoption of a successful model policy for energy accountability for the U.S. Army’s Residential Communities Initiative that led the way for other services to drive accountability for energy usage in residential military family communities. He is also serves as chair of the Electric Submetering Section for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
