Comparison of Y2E2 Occupancy, Comfort, and Energy Audit to Building Objectives

The purpose of this research is to compare measured, stored, and predicted energy data from the Jerry Yang & Akiko Yamazaki Environment and Energy (Y2E2) building to derive conclusions about its energy performance. The research team, consisting of five graduate and undergraduate students, measured energy performance data from a sample of 107 rooms, which included kitchens, conference rooms, offices, classrooms, labs, and restrooms. The data collected provide detailed information on occupancy, thermal comfort, and energy consumption during a two and a half week period. In addition, the research team extracted stored data from both the utility company’s records and the Y2E2’s SQL database (accessible through SEE-IT software). This research explains the sources for the differences observed in energy performance compared to the predicted model. The major finding of this study is that Y2E2’s energy performance meets the expectations of its efficient design. Overall, plug loads consume a typical proportion of energy, lighting performs beyond ASHRAE standards, and the hybrid Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system sufficiently adheres to the thermal comfort needs of the occupants. Although Y2E2 appears to perform adequately, this study suggests that there are more opportunities for cost and energy savings. This research indicates that the largest areas for improvement are in the energy performance of labs, kitchens, and circulation spaces. Limitations of the data acquisition system and inadequate access to building information restricted the energy analysis; therefore, extensive interpolations of performance were necessary. Thus, the findings drafted by the research team only provide a rough assessment of some of the sensor energy data as compared to the collected data. Similarly, restricted access and limited expertise narrowed the research team’s evaluations on the energy performance of the HVAC system to analyzing its efficiency using thermal comfort as a measure of performance.