Energy Audit

We work with architects and engineers to design energy-efficient buildings that increase the value of owner’s buildings as well as enhance the productivity of the building occupants.  Whether it’s new construction or existing buildings, we look at short and long-term cost savings as well as total cost of ownership (TCO) and ensure financial viability of energy conservation measures (ECMs).

What is an Energy Audit? + How does it save money and lower utility cost?

Energy and other utility costs are often the most expensive part of running a business (Cost of Ownership) – second only to human resources (wages and benefits).  When smart building owners and facility managers want to know how to save money on energy, they call Askon for a commercial / industrial building energy audit, also called an energy analysis or commercial energy assessment.  That’s the first step toward reducing Cost of Ownership and improving the bottom line.

How do you know if you are a 1, 2, or 3?

Sometimes, being #1 isn’t the best.  ASHRAE defines three levels of building energy analysis or energy audit with increasing levels of effort, as well as increasing details in reporting.  Each increasing level has higher initial costs, but also increased potential for cost savings.  Being a “1” and having a Level 1 audit may be sufficient, but it may not.  More importantly, what you intend to do with the information?  That should drive your choice.  The levels are listed here:

                                                                                          Preliminary Energy-Use Analysis

                                                                                          Level #1          Walk Through Survey

                                                                                          Level #2          Energy Survey and Analysis

                                                                                          Level #3          Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications

What the levels mean – and What you get for your money

Preliminary Energy-Use Analysis (PEA)

For the PEA, the certified energy analyst collects historic utility use, peak demand data and cost index information.  ECI (Energy Cost Index) and EUI (Energy Utilization Index) are determined through simple calculations.  The PEA, required prior to completing other commercial energy analysis levels, can be used to compare one building’s performance to similar buildings anywhere in the country, and also to justify the cost of a more thorough building energy audit.

Level #1 – Walk Through Survey

With a Level #1 energy efficiency audit, the analyst studies energy bills and determines the building’s total energy cost and efficiency.  The building owner receives a report of potential low-cost / no-cost energy efficiency measures (EEM) and an estimate of both expense and energy savings with simple paybacks.  

Level #2 – Energy Survey and Analysis

At this level the analyst conducts a more thorough building survey including energy consumption and peak demand.  The building owner receives a detailed energy analysis with a breakdown of the end-use of energy within the building, (i.e., Who is using how much and when) as well as recommendations for low-cost as well as capital-intensive EEMs.  This level of commercial energy assessment is the most popular and usually the most cost effective.

Level #3 – Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications

This level of building engineering analysis focuses on potential-intensive EEM projects identified during the Level #2 analysis.  The certified energy analyst collects detailed field data and conducts a rigorous engineering analysis.  The building owner receives comprehensive energy models and a detailed report with project costs, expected savings and a thorough life cycle cost analysis (LCCA).