The relationship between cooling temperature setpoints and building energy consumption: a case study at the University of Georgia

Buildings account for roughly 40% of total energy consumption in the U.S. and roughly half of this is for indoor space cooling and heating. Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are becoming a rising concern due to the onset of climate change and global warming. In order to mitigate against GHGs, namely CO2, the impact of effective cooling temperature setpoint increase on building energy consumption is explored. The corresponding impact on utility costs, emissions, and thermal comfort is determined. Results found that increasing cooling temperature setpoints to 74F (23.3C) and 76F (24.4C) from normal operating conditions of 73F (22.8C) during the cooling season can reduce chilled water consumption for space cooling at representative campus buildings by 19% to 40% respectively. This emphasizes the large opportunity that exists in temperature setpoint control to improve energy efficiency of buildings and mitigate CO2 emissions that occur from energy consumption by buildings.