Energy Use Intensity

Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is the total energy consumed by a building per unit of gross floor area over a defined period, typically expressed as kWh/m²/year or kBtu/ft²/year. EUI accounts for all energy sources including grid electricity, diesel generators, gas and renewable generation. It is calculated by dividing total annual energy consumption by the gross floor area. EUI varies significantly by building type, climate zone, operating hours, occupancy density and system efficiency. Benchmarking organisations such as ENERGY STAR, ASHRAE and the Carbon Trust publish reference EUI ranges for different building categories. In tropical climates like Bangladesh, cooling loads dominate energy consumption, and EUI for air-conditioned commercial buildings typically ranges from 150 to 350 kWh/m²/year.

EUI is the single most widely used metric for comparing the energy performance of buildings. It enables like-for-like comparison across different building sizes and normalises consumption against floor area. For building assessors, a high EUI relative to benchmarks signals potential inefficiencies in HVAC systems, building envelope, lighting or operational schedules. In Bangladesh, where electricity costs are rising and generator fuel consumption is significant, EUI provides a quantifiable basis for identifying energy-saving opportunities and evaluating whether a building meets corporate sustainability targets or certification thresholds.