Does the Labs21 tool provide a rating between 1 and 100, like the Energy Star Portfolio Manager?
No. The Labs21 tool allows users to input data on their buildings and compare them to other buildings in the database, using various building and system level metrics. Labs21 is collaborating with Energy Star to collect data from many more laboratory buildings. This will eventually allow for the development of a rating system based on a multi-parameter regression model that normalizes for various parameters such as climate, lab area ratio, lab type, operation hours, equipment loads, etc. (see question on normalization below). The application of data filters is limited by the number of data points. Has Labs21 investigated the use of normalization techniques so that the entire data set can be utilized to provide a more “apples to apples” comparison? Yes. Normalization is typically done with either a regression-based approach or simulation model-based approach. Regression-based approach: In this approach, a multiple regression yields an equation that relates the normalizing parameters to
