The University had a system for collecting energy consumption data from numerous gas and electricity meters, whose readings are automatically collected at 30 minute intervals and stored in a structured query language (SQL) database (“Prodion”).

This resulted in a very large volume of data, which had to be manually assessed by an experienced analyst following time-consuming data retrieval and manipulation in Excel.

The primary purposes of the project were:

to reduce the time taken for analysis each week
to minimise the specialist knowledge required for routine operation
to prioritise exceptions in a rational manner to ensure that only worthwhile issues need be investigated

The Green Consultancy provided software, advice and specialised training to improve the interpretation and analysis of energy consumption. The new system is connected to their existing automatic meter-reading database, and is providing better insights into avoidable energy losses. It has at the same time reduced the burden of routine data manipulation and created a superior basis for developing future energy reports.

During the course of the project, an innovative method was developed for monitoring buildings which change their behaviour radically between term and vacation periods. This will be an exemplar for other academic establishments with residential accommodation.

The software scheme has been designed to be extendable by the energy manager and third parties. Training and written technical reference documentation have been provided. Free ongoing support will be provided in the form of weekly weather data and updates to those parts of the software common to other users.

"I have already recommended the system to other University Energy Managers. The challenges to save carbon and expenditure over the next few years mean such monitoring systems will become more critical and the good ones will become gradually identified. I now have the tool and it is up to me to use it and operate it effectively. It is a great tool that has evolved from experience. It is not a tool marketed to fill a niche but a crafted tool awaiting craftsmen & women to lift their standard to suit."

David Oldham, Energy Manager

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