What is the primary purpose of energy benchmarking?

The primary purpose of energy benchmarking is to compare energy consumption against a standard. This involves evaluating the energy use of a building or facility against established benchmarks, which can help identify areas of improvement, recognize best practices, and establish performance targets. By analyzing how a space performs in relation to similar facilities or recognized standards, organizations can gain insights into their energy efficiency and make informed decisions about energy management strategies.

Effective benchmarking helps stakeholders understand where they stand in relation to others and determine whether their energy performance is on par with the industry or needs improvement. This systematic approach to comparison is essential for identifying opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and ultimately lowering energy costs. While reducing costs, promoting renewable energy, or raising awareness about issues like energy theft can be outcomes of effective energy management, they are not the direct aim of benchmarking itself.