The calibrated energy simulation gives the owner and facility operator a true picture of savings from the ECMs instead of the predicted savings from the energy model developed during design. A simulation model developed during design makes a lot of assumptions about occupancy patterns, set points, and weather. A calibrated energy model replaces those assumptions with real data while accommodating unforeseen program changes. If the actual results are 10% greater than the predicted ones, compare the differences between the assumptions and the actual settings. Calibration is a great learning opportunity for the modeler to verify those assumptions with actual data. After the first year, you do not need to recalibrate the model; instead, use utility bills to compare against energy usage from previous years.
