For a better measurement of building energy efficiency
As the world moves toward zero-emission buildings, it’s time to rethink how we measure energy performance. The conventional energy-per-square-meter metric fails to reflect real building usage, especially in the context of hybrid working and fluctuating occupancy. Instead, energy per person offers a more accurate, actionable standard.
This new metric is made possible by people counting technologies, which are evolving beyond space optimization to play a central role in intelligent energy management. By integrating people counting systems with Building Management Systems (BMS) via protocols like BACnet, HVAC and lighting can adapt in real time to actual occupancy levels, significantly reducing waste.
Measuring energy per person aligns building performance with actual human activity. It allows energy usage to be tied directly to occupancy, creating new opportunities for energy savings that go far beyond the limits of space-based metrics. It also aligns energy usage with the needs of the building occupants.
For a real-world example, look to the CICG (International Conference Center Geneva) which achieved energy savings of 438 000 kWh/year through the real-time use of occupancy data to control building ventilation systems.
The CICG in Geneva, Switzerland has implemented real-time people counting from Terabee to generate over 400 000 kWh of electricity savings per year.
Rethinking how we measure and manage energy in buildings is no longer optional—it’s essential. By adopting energy-per-person metrics, we can design environments that adapt to us in real time, cutting waste and improving comfort.
About Terabee: Terabee makes accurate, GDPR-compliant people counting solutions that integrate easily into existing Building Management Systems. With support for BACnet and other modern protocols such as MQTT and LoRa, Terabee sensors enable real-time, occupancy-driven control—from HVAC and lighting to dynamic space usage.
www.terabee.com
Philippe Tatinclaux is business development manager at Terabee. He holds a BA in Political Science from Duke University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He shares Terabee’s passion and vision to help building owners radically decrease their carbon footprint while ensuring optimal comfort for building users.
