Energy Audits Overview
The term ‘energy audit’ is commonly used to describe a broad spectrum of energy studies ranging from a quick walk-through of a facility to identifying major problem areas to a thorough analysis of the entire structure in an attempt to identify, develop strategies for, and implement plans to enhance alternative energy conservation practices. There are three common energy audit programs:
- Preliminary Energy Audit
- General Energy Audit
- Investment-grade Energy Audit
The only way to insure that a proposed energy audit will meet your needs is to be specific with the energy auditor. Take the time to spell out exactly what you need and what your eventual goal will be and your Energy Audit should run smoothly.
Preliminary Energy Audit
Also called a simple energy audit, screening energy audit, or walk-through energy audit, this is the simplest and quickest type. The auditor will ask a few questions, review briefly any current/existing utility payment records, and walk through the building/facility to identify any egregious areas of energy inefficiency.
General Energy Audit
This is also called a energy mini-audit, site energy audit or complete site energy audit. It expands on the preliminary audit previously described, by collecting more detailed information about the facility/building, its inhabitants, and performing a more detailed evaluation of energy conservation measures. Utility bills will be tracked for as much as the previous year to three years to establish energy usage profiles; additional metering of high energy consumption systems will be used to supplement he data, and more in-depth interviews will be conducted to establish the working habits of the facilities’ personnel. This will identify all energy conservation measures appropriate for the facility given its operating parameters. A detailed financial analysis for each measure to highlight the difference between current and projected changes will demonstrate the need to convert from the former system.
Investment-Grade Energy Audit
This is also called a comprehensive audit, detailed audit, maxi audit, or technical analysis audit. It expands on the general audit by providing a model of energy-use characteristics of both existing equipment/practices and any projected new measures tentatively identified for implementation. This is compared against actual utility data to provide a realistic demonstration of the effectiveness of any enacted strategies. Attention is given to not only understanding the operating characteristics of all high-energy systems, but also situations that can cause variations on that daily running profile.
Energy Audits at Federal Facilities
BITHENERGY is proud of its performance on a variety of state and federal contracts. We also offer energy audits at federal and state facilities. For more information, please contact us.
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