Office Building Energy Use Profile

It has been estimated that as much as 30% of the energy consumed in office buildings is wasted. This suggests a significant opportunity for energy use reduction, cost savings, and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions through cost–effective energy efficiency opportunities. It is important to identify how, where, and when energy is used and the savings are likely to occur.

Average Energy Consumption, Cost, and End-Use Figures

Across the United States, the average annual energy consumption for office buildings is 79.8 kBtu per square foot and the average cost is $1.65 per square foot. Of the total energy consumption, 66% is for electricity and 34% is for Natural gas and other fuels. This translates to 15.5 kWh per square foot of electricity and 0.27 therms per square foot of natural gas.