ASHRAEwill be conducting research to develop a systematic methodology by which the discrepancy between the results of building energy simulation computer programs and measured energy data from actual buildings can be minimized. Some $175 billion is spent each year on energy by United States businesses and institutions. Performance contracts and energy service agreements whose primary objective is to reduce energy use without compromising comfort is growing, aided by cheaper monitoring technology and integration with energy management and control systems. Building energy simulation programs are used for estimating potential savings when various energy conservation measures are installed as well as to verify savings from installed retrofits.