Using energy efficiency audits to unlock long term savings

An energy efficiency audit can provide valuable insights if you're seeking ways to lower your energy costs and lessen your environmental impact. By analyzing your energy usage patterns and identifying areas for improvement, an audit helps you make informed decisions and implement effective strategies to reduce energy consumption and optimize efficiency.

What is an energy efficiency audit?

An energy efficiency audit comprehensively evaluates a building's energy consumption and efficiency. It entails a detailed analysis conducted by a trained professional contractor to identify areas of energy waste and opportunities for improvement. The audit encompasses various aspects, including examining energy usage patterns, insulation quality, lighting systems, HVAC efficiency, appliance efficiency, and building envelope integrity.

The primary goal of an energy efficiency audit is to provide building owners with actionable recommendations to enhance their building's energy performance. These recommendations involve upgrading to more energy-efficient lighting systems, improving insulation to reduce heat loss or gain, replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models, and optimizing the HVAC system for better energy efficiency.

By conducting an energy efficiency audit, building owners can gain valuable insights into their energy consumption patterns and identify areas where energy is wasted. The recommended improvements can result in significant energy savings, lower utility bills, improved occupant comfort, and reduced environmental impact. It is a proactive step towards creating a more energy-efficient and sustainable building.

How often should an energy audit be conducted?

The frequency of an energy audit depends on several key factors influencing a building's energy usage. These factors include the age of the building, the size of the building, and its energy consumption patterns.

In general, it is recommended to conduct an energy efficiency audit every 3-5 years. This time frame allows for a comprehensive assessment of the building's energy performance and provides an opportunity to identify potential areas of improvement. Regular audits help ensure that the building's energy systems are operating optimally and that energy-saving measures are up to date.

However, certain circumstances may warrant more frequent audits. If there have been significant changes to the building, such as the installation of new equipment, renovations, or an expansion, it is advisable to conduct an energy audit sooner. These changes can impact the building's energy usage and efficiency, making it essential to reassess and identify new energy-saving opportunities.

The four parts of an energy efficiency audit

An energy efficiency audit typically consists of four parts: the walkthrough, the data analysis, the report, and the recommendations.

The walkthrough

This is the first step in an energy efficiency audit. During this stage, the auditor will visually inspect the building, both inside and outside. They will look for areas where energy is wasted, such as drafty windows or doors, outdated lighting systems, and poorly insulated walls.

The auditor will also inspect the HVAC system to ensure it functions properly. They will check the filters, ducts, and vents to ensure they are clean and debris-free. If the HVAC system is not functioning efficiently, it can significantly contribute to energy waste.

The data analysis

Once the walkthrough is complete, the auditor will analyze the data that has been collected. This includes reviewing utility bills, assessing the building's energy usage patterns, and identifying areas where energy is wasted.

The data analysis stage is critical because it clearly explains how the building uses energy. This information is used to develop a comprehensive report that outlines the building's energy usage and provides recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

The report

The report is the most crucial part of the energy efficiency audit. It provides building owners with a detailed energy usage analysis and identifies improvement areas. The report will typically include graphs and charts that illustrate the building's energy usage patterns and recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

The recommendations

The final part of an energy efficiency audit is the recommendations. This is where the auditor provides actionable steps that building owners can take to improve energy efficiency. The recommendations may include upgrading lighting systems, improving insulation, replacing outdated appliances, and changing the HVAC system.

How to Conduct an Energy Audit for Your Building

Conducting an energy efficiency audit for your buildings involves a systematic approach to assess energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and propose solutions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to conduct an energy efficiency audit:

Gather Energy Consumption Data: Collect utility bills, energy records, and other relevant data to establish an energy consumption baseline over a specified period. This information will help identify trends and patterns in energy usage.

Perform a Walkthrough: Conduct a comprehensive walkthrough of the building, examining each area and system. Take note of potential energy-saving opportunities, such as lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, windows, appliances, and equipment.

Analyze Energy Usage: Analyze the gathered data and compare it with industry benchmarks and energy performance standards. Identify areas of excessive energy consumption and prioritize them for further investigation.

Review Lighting Systems: Examine the lighting systems, including the type of bulbs, fixtures, and control mechanisms. Assess the efficiency of the lighting design and identify opportunities for upgrades to more energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting.

Evaluate HVAC Systems: Evaluate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including boilers, chillers, air handlers, and controls. Then, assess their efficiency, performance, and maintenance practices. Identify opportunities for optimizing HVAC operations and consider the potential for system upgrades or replacements.

Inspect assets: Assess the energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems, office equipment, and other energy-consuming devices. Look for opportunities to replace outdated or inefficient equipment with newer, energy-efficient models.

Consider Occupant Behavior: Evaluate occupant behavior and operational practices that may impact energy consumption, such as thermostat settings, usage schedules, and energy awareness programs. Identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to promote energy-conscious behavior.

Identify Energy-Saving Measures: Compile a list of recommended energy-saving measures based on the audit findings. Prioritize the measures based on their potential energy and cost savings and feasibility of implementation.

Develop an Action Plan: Create an action plan that outlines the recommended measures, associated costs, expected energy savings, and implementation timelines. Include steps for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the energy-saving measures.

Implement and Monitor: Execute the action plan by implementing the identified energy-saving measures. Continuously monitor energy consumption and track the results to assess the effectiveness of the implemented measures.

Periodic Review: Regularly review and update the energy efficiency audit to ensure the building's continued optimization. Consider conducting subsequent audits at recommended intervals to capture changes in energy usage and identify new opportunities for improvement.

By following these steps, building owners can conduct a thorough energy efficiency audit, identify areas for improvement, and develop a roadmap for implementing energy-saving measures to optimize energy usage and reduce costs.

Conclusion

Energy efficiency audits are critical for building owners committed to lowering energy bills and minimizing their environmental impact. These audits play a crucial role in identifying areas of energy waste and inefficiency within buildings, providing valuable insights and recommendations for improvement. By implementing the suggested measures, building owners can achieve significant cost savings and make substantial strides toward reducing their carbon footprint.

One effective solution for conducting energy efficiency audits is Facilio. Its comprehensive suite of smart building O&M tools empowers building owners to streamline the auditing process and maximize energy efficiency. Facilio's energy monitoring capabilities enable real-time tracking of energy consumption patterns, helping identify areas of excessive energy usage and prioritize energy-saving opportunities. Building owners can conduct energy efficiency audits efficiently, gain actionable insights, and implement effective energy-saving strategies.