Level 1 Energy Audit
We perform energy audits for most of our customers. It gives us information about energy usage, savings, and the potential for rebates and incentives. Our audits begin with a Level 1 Energy Audit/Pre-Audit. The pre-audit Identifies the potential for improvement and conceptual approaches for closing the gap from a low performing building to a high performance building.
Step 1: Survey and evaluates the energy usage in a building through:
- Talking to occupants and building managers
- Collect drawings and building information
- Collect All Utility Bills – Minimum of one year
- Equipment
- HVAC, Controls, Data Loggers and Flow/BTU Meters
- Usage/hours of operation and Occupancy
Step 2: Preliminary Analysis
- Review large energy uses
- Compare to standard database the dollar per square foot energy use
- Comparison to other Like facilities
- Benchmarking (Energy star and ASHRAE)
- Analyze heating and cooling practices and identify inefficiencies
- Identify possible cost saving measures and energy saving opportunities
Sep 3: Initial Planning and Ideas for a Capital Improvement
- Identify opportunities with best ROI
- Plan equipment replacement with High Efficiency options
- Demand limiting EMS system that also tacks and monitors energy such as lighting, process or HVAC loads.
- Identify large and fast payback opportunities (1-5 yrs)
- Identify longer term payback opportunities
- Identify possible rebate and incentive opportunities
Step 4: Discuss Common Potential Upgrades:
- Energy Management Systems
- Cogeneration System
- Gas fired chiller for HVAC and ice making equipment.
- Separate Suite HVAC from main chiller plant.
- Economizers for central heating plant
- Use cogeneration or separate generation system to handle peak demands
- Improve heat recover opportunities
- Maximize the use of the desiccant dehumidifiers.
Review:
- What makes sense
- Agree on direction or plan
- Move on to more detailed analysis
- Computer Energy Modeling of Building
- Level II Energy Audit
- Prioritize solutions and energy saving measures