What is the concept of "Energy Use Intensity" (EUI)?

The concept of "Energy Use Intensity" (EUI) specifically refers to the measurement of a building's energy consumption expressed as a ratio of energy use per square foot per year. This metric provides a standardized way to quantify a building's energy efficiency by relating total energy consumed to the size of the building, allowing for comparisons between different buildings irrespective of their usage patterns or occupancy levels. By focusing on a per-square-foot basis, EUI thus offers insights into how energy-efficient a building is relative to its physical dimensions, making it an essential component in assessing and improving building performance over time. Understanding and analyzing EUI can drive strategies for reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability within the built environment.