|
|
|
|
ENERGY AUDITS
Intelligent energy decisions require a thorough understanding of your facility’s energy demand, both today and in the future. What will be the impact of new codes and standards currently in development such as ASHRAE Standards 90.1 and 62? Has your facility adapted to the new restrictions on CFCs? Are you prepared to take maximum advantage of new energy supply options available in today’s rapidly deregulating environment? An energy audit provides answers to all of these questions. It identifies where a building or plant facility uses energy and identifies energy conservation opportunities. There are three common energy audit types: More details on the methodology used in a general energy audit are described below. General Energy Audit Methodology A successful energy audit starts with a detailed site investigation to observe and determine when and where your facility uses energy. Each energy consuming system is fully characterized so that potential improvements can be quantified in terms of both energy and cost savings. Several levels of calculation methods are available to quantify energy savings. They range from the use of hourly building simulation programs such as DOE-2, BLAST, and TRACE to more simplified methods that use bin method, degree day or spreadsheet techniques. Plant engineering and maintenance personnel are interviewed since they, above all persons, understand the operation of the building, where the problems lie, and usually what the energy efficient solutions are. Field measurements of actual conditions are made to substantiate system operating parameters. In addition, a photographic record of the building envelope and major system components is compiled to clearly communicate the measures under evaluation. A step-by-step description of our typical energy audit methodology provides additional details. Experience Over the last 30 years, the staff of GARD Analytics has conducted energy conservation audits for 1,200 buildings totaling in excess of 44 million square feet. Audits have ranged from single buildings to complete military installations with district heating and cooling systems. The overall objective of each audit was to identify and evaluate mechanical, electrical, lighting, architectural, and operational changes for reducing energy costs and preparing an action plan and documentation to implement cost effective changes. Examples of audits performed by GARD Analytics include:
Through these diverse energy programs GARD Analytics has demonstrated a total understanding of facility energy issues and the interaction of electrical, mechanical, and environmental control systems and the building envelope. |
|
Contact info |
gard.com
or webmaster