According to BPI Technical Standards, a minimum of __________ of utility data is required for analysis.

The correct answer is rooted in the requirement for comprehensive analysis of a building’s energy performance, which necessitates a significant period of utility data. A full year of data collection, especially on a bi-monthly basis, allows for a robust assessment of seasonal variations in energy use, peak demand, and overall trends that could influence building performance evaluations.

This extensive time frame captures enough data to account for fluctuations such as weather changes throughout the year and variations in occupancy that can impact energy consumption. Relying on just a few months or an irregular collection schedule like quarterly or monthly can lead to incomplete analyses that overlook these crucial dynamics.

In contrast, shorter periods like three months may not accurately represent typical usage patterns, while options suggesting less than a full year would miss seasonal peaks in energy demands. Therefore, utilizing one full year of data ensures that analysts can garner a more holistic view of the multifamily building's energy profile, leading to more accurate recommendations and improvements.