In the dynamic realm of energy management, a clear understanding of key terms is indispensable for implementing effective strategies and optimising energy consumption. This glossary provides a comprehensive guide to navigate the complexities of energy management.
A
Apparent Energy
The total energy in an AC circuit, combining both real power (active energy) and reactive power, expressed in volt-amperes (VA).
Apparent Power
The combination of real power (active power) and reactive power in an electrical circuit, measured in volt-amperes (VA).
B
Baseline
A reference point representing the typical energy consumption pattern against which changes and improvements are measured.
Benchmarking
The process of comparing a building’s energy performance against a standard or similar buildings to identify areas for improvement.
Billable Reactive Energy
The portion of reactive energy that a utility may charge for, often exceeding a certain limit.
Building Automation System
A system that controls and monitors building services such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security.
C
Calendar Heatmap
A visual representation of energy consumption data over time, typically in a calendar format, to identify patterns and trends.
Carbon Intensity Ratio
The amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced per unit of energy consumed.
Circuit
A closed loop through which an electric current can flow.
CO2 Emissions
The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, often measured in metric tons.
Consolidated Meter
A single meter that combines the readings of multiple sub-meters, providing a comprehensive view of total energy consumption.
D
Demand
The rate at which electrical power is drawn from the grid, measured in kilowatts (kW).
Demand Factor
The ratio of the maximum demand of a system to its total connected load.
E
EMS (Energy Management System)
A system that monitors, controls, and optimises energy usage in a facility.
Energy
The capacity to do work, typically measured in joules or kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Energy Analysis
The process of examining energy consumption patterns to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
Energy Consumption
The amount of energy used over a specific period, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Energy Cost
The financial expense associated with energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Action Plan
A strategic plan outlining steps to improve energy efficiency in a facility.
ENPIs (Energy Performance Indicators)
Metrics used to assess the energy performance of a building or system.
EUI (Energy Use Intensity)
The energy consumption per unit area of a building, often measured in kWh per square foot.
F
Fault Detection and Diagnostic
Technologies and processes to identify and diagnose faults in energy systems.
G
Gigawatt
One billion watts, commonly used in discussions of large-scale electricity generation.
I
ISO 50001
An international standard for energy management systems, providing a framework for organisations to improve energy performance.
K
Kilowatt-hour
The standard unit of energy measurement, equal to one kilowatt of power used for one hour.
kVA Capacity
The apparent power capacity of a system, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
L
Load Curve
A graphical representation of a facility’s energy demand over a specific period.
Load Factor
The ratio of the average energy demand to the peak demand over a set period.
M
Megawatt
One million watts, commonly used in discussions of large-scale electricity generation.
Metering
The process of measuring and recording energy consumption.
Monitoring
Continuous observation of energy systems and consumption for analysis and optimisation.
N
Negawatt
A unit representing a reduction of one billion watts in energy consumption.
P
Passive Consumption
Energy consumption that occurs even when equipment is not actively in use.
Peak Energy Times
Periods during the day when energy demand is at its highest.
Power
The rate at which energy is used or produced, measured in watts.
Power Factor
The ratio of real power (active power) to apparent power, indicating how efficiently electrical power is converted into useful work.
R
RAG Mode
Red, Amber, Green mode indicating performance levels, often used in energy dashboards.
Reactive Power
The power that oscillates between the source and the load, not performing any useful work.
S
Scope 2
A category of greenhouse gas emissions, representing indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam.
SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting)
A UK regulation requiring companies to report on their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sub-metering
The installation of additional meters to measure the energy consumption of specific equipment or areas within a facility.
U
UK Government GHG Conversion Factors
Standard factors used to convert energy consumption into greenhouse gas emissions.
Utility Bill Analysis
Examination of utility bills to identify consumption patterns and cost-saving opportunities.
Utility Meter
A device measuring the quantity of a resource consumed, such as electricity, gas, or water.
V
Virtual Meter
A calculated meter that estimates consumption based on other data points or sub-meters.
W
Watt
The basic unit of power, measuring the rate of energy transfer.
