Building Operation Modeling introduces actual utility bills, use patterns, hours of operation, functioning of systems, and real weather conditions for a completed building into a model structured similarly to the Building Energy Model. It thereby allows the comparison of actual energy use with the predicted use. This comparison can be used to determine causes of discrepancies between predicted energy use and actual energy use, which in turn facilitates tuning of systems to better meet—or even exceed—the design goals. The process of comparison of the BEM and the BOM is known as “calibrated simulation” or Measurement & Verification (M&V). [Presently, there is little industry agreement on a method that accurately compares BEMs to BOMs, accounting for all the potential variations of building use and operations. ASHRAE Guideline 14 and the USDOE’s International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP) provide the currently agreed methods for this type of work.] The Building Operation Model is also used to satisfy emerging building code requirements for post-occupancy monitoring.
Source: An Architect’s Guide to Integrating Energy Modeling in the Design Process. 2012. The American Institute of Architects.