Energy Management 101

There are varying levels of energy audits which can be performed for a given facility. The following levels of energy analysis, provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), provides guidance for the typical energy audit. Most facilities choose to have a level II energy audit completed in order to better make the needed financial decisions for moving forward.

Levels of an Energy Audits

Level I, basic — also known as the "simple" audit, this approach involves a cursory analysis of energy bills and a brief survey of the building to produce a rough estimate of how efficiently energy is used in the building. This level of effort will detect at least some of the "low-hanging fruit" and may suggest other options worthy of more study, but should never be viewed as comprehensive. Although this option is easiest it also produces the crudest results, so don't be tempted into thinking you're done once you do this much — you've really only gotten started.

Level II, intermediate — by investing more effort in the building survey and energy analysis and by adding in some system performance testing, this method provides a breakdown of how energy is used in the building as well as a broader range of savings options, including simple capital investments. It accounts for the "people factor" and its effect on uncertainty of savings, and also explores maintenance procedures and assesses any impacts savings measures may have on them. Many facilities will find this level of analysis to be sufficient.

Level III, advanced — also known as the "investment-grade audit", this analysis digs into the details of any large capital projects you may be considering as a result of previous, simpler audits. Even more detailed data is gathered from field equipment, extensive test measurements are taken which may include spot-measurements and short-term energy monitoring, possible risks are assessed, and intensive engineering and economic analysis produces reliable estimates of project energy and financial performance with the high confidence needed for major capital projects.