A novel method for assessing the impacts of energy monitoring systems adoption in building energy efficiency retrofitting projects

The decarbonisation of the building sector is essential for the Net-zero transition. In this context, smart technologies play a pivotal role in enhancing building performance and enabling data-driven decision-making. Among them, the Energy Monitoring System (EMS) is a fundamental smart technology for collecting relevant real-time, detailed, and reliable data on energy consumption and building conditions. Despite its empirical importance, the role of EMS in the decision-making process of energy retrofit projects, through its impact on the identification, evaluation, and implementation of energy efficiency measures, remains underexplored and warrants further investigation. This study aims to present and apply a new method for assessing the impact of EMS adoption in buildings, highlighting the energy, economic, and environmental benefits, as well as the mechanisms driving these benefits. The method is also applied to a real-world case about an EMS introduction in a complex of two all-electric buildings in Milan, Italy. Specifically, we evaluated the costs and benefits of EMS adoption, highlighting implications in energy, cost, and emission savings. These benefits arise from more accurate baseline assessments, refined measures performance estimates, and the identification of more targeted measures, ultimately strengthening decision-making, enhancing outcomes, and reducing uncertainties in energy retrofit projects. Therefore, the contribution of this study is twofold. Firstly, methodological, since the method introduced and validated here is the only one for assessing the impact of EMS adoption in building energy efficiency retrofitting projects. Second, a contribution to knowledge extendable beyond the specific buildings considered, identifying the factors driving the EMS adoption benefits. Abbreviations: EMS, Energy Monitoring System; BEERP, Building Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Project; EA, Energy Audit; EEM, Energy Efficiency Measure; SPB, Simple Payback; SPBT, Simple Payback Time; IRR, Internal Rate of Return.