annual energy consumption rate
The annual energy usage in kilowatt-hours per square unit of gross floor space.
The energy consumption rate of a building or structure is the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed per year for each square meter (m²) or square foot (ft²) of floor area, taken across the total area of the structure. Energy usage includes energy derived from electricity, fuels, and district steam, whether generated on-site or drawn in from remote generating sources. Passive natural energy sources (such as ambient environmental heat) are not counted.
The area basis is the structure's total gross floor space. This rate can therefore compare energy use per unit of floor area between buildings of different sizes.
Electricity is only one included energy source. Fuel and supplied steam also contribute, while passive environmental heat remains excluded even when it reduces purchased energy needs.