M&V Plan - Specific Acceptable Range(s) of Error

The acceptable range of simulation calibration error varies with the nature of the project, the M&V objectives and associated desired rigor, and the complexity of the building and its systems. Having said this, I would consider a simulation to well-calibrated for most purposes and buildings if it meets the following criteria: • +/- 10% for total annual energy use • +/- 10% for each of total natural gas and electricity use • +/- 15% for total monthly energy use • +/- 15% for each of total natural gas and electricity use on a monthly basis for any month with use higher than 30% of the peak month • +/- 15% for end-uses on an annual basis • +/- 15% for end-uses on a monthly basis for any month with use higher than 30% of the peak month • +/- 20% for individual major systems on an annual basis e.g. plants, individual air handling systems • +/- 20% for individual major system on a monthly basis for any month with use higher than 30% of the peak month for that system e.g. plants, individual air handling systems I hope that this helps put some perspective to the issue.