16. Provide an overview of the proposed method and ideal location characteristics for measuring and validating the technology.
Please note that there are three fundamental components to this question: (1) proposed methodology for the M&V performance study, (2) proposed characteristics for a test-bed location and (3) factors for successful performance. (Limit 2500 characters)
Open Energy turns Drupal web sites into energy dashboards. The ideal location is a high profile facility such as The White House where BACnet and Drupal systems are present and there is green, energy efficient technology worth showing off. Or, maybe its a lackluster energy inefficient building with no automation. This latter example would be ideal to demonstrate impact of a totally social driven Open Energy site that relies 100% on manual occupant driven control.
The proposed methodology for the M&V performance study would be to first identify the target facility(s). Ideally the occupants would routinely access a Drupal web site that targets them, the users. Drupal is used for The Department of Energy web site for instance, so any DOE facility may be targeted. Web site analytics can then be used to track traffic before and after implementation of energy dashboard features. The traffic data can then be correlated to any energy savings occurring over the duration of the evaluation.
Proposed characteristics for a test-bed location is very flexible. Open Energy can be applied to any location regardless of workplace characteristics and can be used to measure and validate itself. If the objective is improving energy performance of a particular building or group of buildings the most effective implementation would be in a Drupal site that is most frequented by the occupants of the facilities. If none exist a new site can be made for the purpose and configured in any number of ways.
Factors indicating successful deployment would be based on the amount of times the open energy dashboard features are actually viewed. Case studies have shown that substantial savings occur when real-time feedback drives behavioral change. The energy dashboard itself does not save energy. Savings are realized when occupants are empowered with real-time data so they can better understand how their use patterns impact their environment.
The Open Energy team supporting this GPG submission includes Function1, Acquia and CxGBS. Function1 is a software company specializing in enterprise technology consulting. Acquia is a digital business company that provides a unified platform for Drupal hosting. CxGBS is a professional engineering consultancy providing innovative solutions to achieve high-performing buildings. We are confident that we can support any Open Energy deployment scenario for GSA facilities in a secure manner with maximum impact to targeted facilities.