Energy performance indexes: analysis in public schools in Brazil

One of the most important tools to compare many consumers' energy use intensity (EUI) is the specific consumption index. It is calculated by dividing the used energy by a factor that can explain energy variations. In Brazil, this index is often calculated by means of establishing the number of students as the responsible factor to explain the energy variation among schools. However, when their figures are compared, it can be verified that small schools have a high index. This occurs because either the construction of this index is as a whole based on one single factor or this factor is not sufficient or adequate to elucidate the energy variation. From the same data used at present, it is possible to improve the index by applying the methodology proposed in this article. Likewise, it is possible to enhance the index by using more factors that sufficiently explain the energy variations. Two different cases have been analysed and their results using the new methodology attested the benefits of its application. Even employing the same data, the new index has proven to be more complete and it is easy to apply.