What is a key performance indicator of a high-performing building?

The key performance indicator of a high-performing building is actual energy use compared to predicted energy use. This metric is vital because it provides a concrete measure of how well the building operates in practice versus how it was designed to function. By comparing the two, building owners and managers can assess the effectiveness of energy-saving design strategies and operational practices. If the actual energy use is significantly lower than predicted, it indicates that the building is performing efficiently and utilizes energy resources effectively. Conversely, if actual energy use is higher than predicted, it may reveal inefficiencies that need to be addressed to improve building performance.

Other options do not provide the same level of insight into building performance. Predicted energy use based on design is an estimate and does not reflect the actual performance. Total square footage of the building is more related to capacity and does not indicate how well the building utilizes energy. Annual maintenance costs provide financial insights but do not directly relate to the sustainability or efficiency of energy use, which is integral to understanding a building's overall performance.