Although many buildings claim to be 'green', 'low energy', or 'high performance,' it is rarely clear on what evidence or data these claims are based. If claims of high performance are to be credible, it is essential that a common set of measurements be used and the results reported against meaningful and consistent benchmarks. Such protocols are also needed to give usable feedback to building designers and operators when measured performance does not match design intent and expectations.

This book provides a standardized set of protocols over a range of accuracies and costs that can be applied consistently to the assessment of building performance, in both the United States and internationally. The protocols identify what to measure, how to measure it, and how often it is to be measured for inclusion in the building's operation and maintenance plan. Protocols are developed at three levels for each of six performance categories: energy, water, thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), lighting, and acoustics.

• Specification at the Basic level outlines simple, low-cost measures that provide an initial insight into performance at the annual, whole-building level.
• Specification at the Intermediate level provides additional data on the building performance, typically at a monthly frequency and major system level.
• Specification at the Advanced level offers a more detailed and comprehensive analysis for those building owners or managers wishing to gain deeper insights into the performance of a building, typically at a daily or weekly frequency at the system or equipment level.

Information presented for each of the six performance measurement categories includes background, definitions of measurement parameters, instrumentation types, analysis and evaluation methods, standards and benchmarks, and limitations as to application of the measurement tools. A range of costs for staff time and instrumentation is also given for each category.

A high-level summary table in Chapter 2 serves as a quick reference guide to all of the protocols presented in the book and summarizes the key measurement methods and metrics for the six performance categories.

A committee of industry experts assembled by ASHRAE, USGBC, and CIBSE collaborated to develop this publication.