A Statistical Analysis of Suburban Surface Temperatures and Their Relationship to Electricity Use

The purpose of this research is to find correlations between weather patterns and energy use in both private and commercial buildings. In previous findings, I have been able to determine correlations using local airport temperature reports and weather stations on different surfaces (i.e., parking lot, roof, and field) at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. I am continuing this research by using building roof temperatures on the University of Maryland – College Park campus. By choosing a certain span of months, such as winter and summer months (to obtain the highest and lowest temperature extremes), the collected weather data will give insight on how much energy may have been used for either air conditioning or heating. Once the measurements of energy use have been recorded, I hope to find correlations between the two variables. My future goals with this research include finding constant correlations between certain weather systems and the energy use in both private and commercial buildings, as well as being able to forecast future energy use based on previous weather patterns. With this research, my final goal is to not only be able to forecast energy use based on weather patterns but to present energy efficiency practices based on forecast weather. This research will help with future studies in energy efficiency and can prove to be an innovative practice for businesses.