Data Management in the LoanSTAR Program

Abstract

This paper discusses the complexity of managing building energy usage data for many buildings. The history and methodology of data collection at the Texas LoanSTAR Monitoring and Analysis Program, a large multimillion dollar project, is given as an example. The differences in methodology of managing data for one/several buildings versus many buildings are given and discussed. Primary database design and quality assurance issues that should be thought out at the beginning of any large project of this type are given. The importance of intergroup communication throughout the project is stressed. Current areas of software development are discussed in detail, followed by future directions for the project.