Effective management of energy-consuming systems can lead to significant cost and energy savings, as well as increased comfort, lower maintenance costs and extended equipment life. A successful energy management program begins with a thorough energy audit. Energy audits evaluate the efficiency of building systems that use energy. The process starts with assessing utility meters and locating all energy sources coming into a facility. Then an auditor identifies energy streams for each fuel, quantifies those energy streams into discrete functions, evaluates the efficiency of each of them , and pinpoints energy and cost savings opportunities. Energy Audits also analyze an impact of improvements to the building systems. In the end, all the problems and recommendations will be included in an energy audit report.

The report documents the use and occupancy of the building and the condition of the building systems. The report also provides recommendations on improving energy efficiency by upgrading operation and maintenance items (O&M) and installing energy conservation measures (ECM).

 

The Audit Process

The audit consists of three steps: preliminary data collection and evaluation, site visit, and analysis and reporting. The first step is to determine which audit is appropriate for a facility, given the complexity of its systems. Then, a certified energy auditor will collect information including structural and mechanical components that affect building energy use and operations of the facility. Much of this information can be collected prior to a site visit. It saves time for the visit and helps the auditor planning the visit.

 

After collecting all the information and data, the energy auditor will create an energy audit report for the results. The following outlines the basic components of a well-organized audit report:

• Executive Summary
• Building Information
• Utility Summary
• ECMs
• O&M measures
• Appendices

Energy Audit Benefits

There are a lot of benefits of conducting energy audits:.

• Reduce Energy Expenses
• Identify Operations or Equipments’ Problem
• Increase Occupant Comfort
• Comply with sustainability local laws, such as NYC Local Law 87 & Local Law 97
• Increase Property Value

(Energy Cost Reduction Analysis)

Energy Audits provide the information that energy managers need to identify energy consumption patterns and existing building operating conditions, which could motivate them to prioritize energy conservation projects. By taking an open-minded and methodical approach for the audit process, it is possible to identify and avoid unnecessary expenditures in most facilities while improving building and occupant comfort. We, at The Cotocon Group are experts in Building Sustainability Services. Reach out to us for more information on Energy Audits.