Energy Audit

Energy Audit Process for Buildings

What is an Energy Audit?

An Energy Audit is a systematic approach to analyzing energy use in a building. It identifies opportunities for energy savings, improves efficiency, and helps reduce operating costs while maintaining occupant comfort and functionality. The primary goal is to assess current energy consumption, pinpoint inefficiencies, and recommend actionable measures to optimize performance.

Goals of an Energy Audit

1. Understand Energy Use: Analyze how energy is consumed, distributed, and managed in a building.

2. Identify Opportunities: Uncover inefficiencies, such as outdated systems, improper controls, or suboptimal operations.

3. Recommend Improvements: Suggest energy efficiency measures (EEMs) tailored to the building's needs.

4. Support Sustainability: Reduce carbon emissions and align with environmental goals.

5. Cost Savings: Lower utility bills by implementing energy-efficient practices.

Energy Audit Process Overview

The energy audit process typically follows these steps:

1. Preliminary Assessment:

   • Collect and analyze historical energy consumption data.

   • Conduct a Preliminary Energy Use Analysis (PEA) to benchmark the building.

2. Site Survey:

   • Conduct on-site visits to inspect energy-consuming systems.

   • Engage with building operators to understand system performance and issues.

3. Data Analysis:

   • Identify inefficiencies through collected data.

   • Compare with benchmarks and performance standards.

4. Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs):

   • Recommend energy-saving opportunities.

   • Evaluate cost-effectiveness through energy and cost-saving estimates.

5. Reporting:

   • Present findings in a structured report, including potential savings, investment requirements, and ROI.

Energy Audit Levels

ASHRAE defines three levels of audits depending on the depth of analysis:

Level 1: Walk-Through Analysis

Scope: Preliminary assessment focusing on identifying low-cost or no-cost EEMs.

Objectives:

• • Review energy bills and establish baseline energy usage.

  • Conduct a quick walk-through of the facility to identify obvious inefficiencies.

  • Recommend basic EEMs.

Outcome: High-level report with quick-win opportunities.

Level 2: Energy Survey and Analysis

Scope: Comprehensive survey with detailed energy use analysis.

Objectives:

• • Perform a thorough on-site survey of all major systems.

  • Identify EEMs with associated savings, implementation costs, and payback periods.

  • Conduct a financial analysis of potential energy-saving investments.

Outcome: Detailed report with prioritized EEMs, including estimated savings and costs.

Level 3: Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications

Scope: In-depth engineering analysis and modeling for major capital investments.

Objectives:

• • Perform advanced energy modeling to simulate energy performance.

  • Evaluate the impact of complex, high-cost EEMs (e.g., HVAC replacements, building envelope upgrades).

  • Provide life-cycle cost analysis for long-term decision-making.

Outcome: Comprehensive report with detailed project proposals and performance predictions.

Preliminary Energy Use Analysis (PEA) 

The PEA is a foundational step in all audit levels, involving:

• Utility Bill Analysis: Review historical energy bills (12-24 months) to identify trends.

• Benchmarking: Compare energy performance against similar buildings.

• Energy Use Breakdown: Segment energy use by system (HVAC, lighting, plug loads, etc.).

Let's Transform Your Energy Future! 

At Energable, we take the complexity out of energy management. Our comprehensive energy audits offer clear, actionable insights to help you reduce energy costs, improve system performance, and achieve your sustainability goals. Whether it’s a quick assessment or a deep dive into capital-intensive projects, we provide tailored solutions that maximize your building’s efficiency.

Contact us today to 📅 schedule your energy consultation. Here’s what you can expect:

✔ Expert Analysis: A detailed evaluation of your energy systems by our experienced engineers.

✔ Custom Recommendations: Energy-saving measures specific to your building’s needs.

✔ Seamless Implementation: Guidance through every step, from audit to execution.

✔ Long-term Savings: Reduced operating costs and enhanced building performance.

📧 Email: info@energable.com