Analysis of real-time electricity consumption in Canadian school buildings

Previous studies indicate electricity consumption is increasing in new and green buildings highlighting the importance of investigating parameters affecting that increase. The majority of previous studies also focused on studying commercial or residential buildings emphasizing the need to study energy consumption in other building types. This study analyzed historical energy consumption data in a representative sample of thirty schools in Manitoba, Canada. It showed that the decrease in gas consumption for heating in new schools was counteracted by a statistically significant increase in their electricity consumption. Three cases study schools were selected for further analysis of their electricity consumption. Within each school, one classroom, the gymnasium, as well as spaces with significant community use, were sub-metered to collect real-time electricity consumption data. Results indicated total electricity consumption increased in the newest school, although sub-metered spaces in older schools consumed more electricity. Variations in electricity consumption between sub-metered spaces were attributed to occupant behaviour. The study is the first to provide an in-depth investigation of electricity consumption in Canadian school buildings and consider the potential effect of typically overlooked parameters such as occupant behaviour on their overall energy consumption.