Proper preparation can significantly enhance the value and effectiveness of an energy audit. Here are key steps to take:

1. Define Objectives: Clearly articulate what you hope to achieve through the energy audit. Are you primarily focused on reducing costs, improving comfort, meeting sustainability goals, or a combination of these? Having clear objectives will help guide the audit process.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect and organize relevant documentation, including:
   • At least 12 months of utility bills (electricity, gas, water)
   • Building plans and specifications
   • Equipment lists and maintenance records
   • Previous energy audit reports or studies
   • Occupancy schedules and space use information
3. Identify Key Personnel: Determine who within your organization needs to be involved in the audit process. This might include facility managers, operations staff, financial decision-makers, and sustainability officers.
4. Conduct a Pre-audit Walkthrough: Before the formal audit, conduct your own walkthrough of the facility. Note any obvious issues or areas of concern, and compile a list of questions or specific areas you want the auditor to address.
5. Choose the Right Auditor: Select an experienced, certified energy auditor or auditing firm. Look for credentials such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) from the Association of Energy Engineers.
6. Communicate with the Auditor: Before the audit begins, have a detailed discussion with the auditor about your objectives, concerns, and any specific areas you want to focus on. Give them the documentation you’ve gathered.
7. Prepare Staff: Inform staff about the upcoming audit and its importance. Encourage them to share their observations about energy use and comfort issues in their work areas.
8. Ensure Access: Make sure the auditor will have access to all relevant areas of the facility, including mechanical rooms, roof areas, and representative spaces throughout the building.

What to Expect During the Audit

Understanding what happens during an energy audit can help you make the most of the process:

1. Initial Meeting: The audit typically begins with a meeting between the auditor and key facility personnel. This is an opportunity to review objectives, discuss known issues, and outline the audit process.
2. Document Review: The auditor will review the documentation you’ve provided, including utility bills, building plans, and equipment information.
3. Facility Walkthrough: A comprehensive tour of the facility is a crucial part of the audit. The auditor will:
   • Inspect all major energy-consuming systems (HVAC, lighting, etc.)
   • Examine the building envelope
   • Observe operational practices
   • Take measurements using specialized equipment (e.g., thermal cameras, power meters)
   • Interview staff about energy use patterns and comfort issues
4. Data Collection: Throughout the audit, the auditor will collect data on energy use, equipment specifications, operational schedules, and more.
5. Preliminary Findings Discussion: Often, the auditor will share initial observations and potential recommendations at the end of the on-site portion of the audit.
6. Follow-up Questions: After the on-site visit, the auditor may have additional questions or requests for information as they analyze the data and develop recommendations.

Post-Audit Analysis and Recommendations

After the on-site portion of the audit, the auditor will conduct a detailed analysis of the collected data and develop recommendations:

1. Energy Use Analysis: The auditor will create a detailed breakdown of how energy is used in your facility, often using energy modeling software to simulate building performance under various conditions.
2. Benchmarking: Your facility’s energy performance will be compared to similar buildings or industry standards to identify areas for improvement.
3. Identification of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs): Based on the analysis, the auditor will develop a list of potential energy-saving measures. These might range from simple operational changes to major capital improvements.
4. Financial Analysis: For each recommended ECM, the auditor will typically provide:
   • Estimated implementation costs
   • Projected energy savings
   • Expected financial savings
   • Return on investment (ROI) or payback period
   • Potential utility incentives or rebates
5. Prioritization of Recommendations: ECMs are often prioritized based on factors like potential savings, implementation cost, and alignment with organizational goals.
6. Report Preparation: The auditor will compile all findings and recommendations into a comprehensive report. This report typically includes:
   • An executive summary
   • Detailed description of the facility and its energy systems
   • Analysis of current energy use and costs
   • Detailed descriptions of recommended ECMs
   • Financial analysis for each recommendation
   • Additional observations and suggestions for improving energy management
7. Report Presentation: The auditor will usually present the report findings to key stakeholders, explaining the recommendations and answering questions.
8. Action Plan Development: While not always part of the formal audit process, many auditors will assist in developing an action plan for implementing the recommended measures.

Implementing Energy-Saving Measures

Once the energy audit is complete and recommendations have been made, the next crucial step is implementation. This phase is where the potential identified in the audit is transformed into actual energy savings and improved building performance.

Prioritizing Recommendations

With multiple energy conservation measures (ECMs) identified in the audit, it’s important to prioritize which to implement first. Consider the following factors:

1. Return on Investment (ROI): Measures with the highest ROI or shortest payback periods are often prioritized to generate quick wins and build momentum for the energy efficiency program.
2. Available Budget: Some high-impact measures may require significant upfront investment. Align the implementation plan with available financial resources or explore financing options for larger projects.
3. Operational Impact: Consider how each measure will affect day-to-day operations. Measures that can be implemented with minimal disruption might be prioritized.
4. Interdependencies: Some measures may be more effective when implemented along with others. For example, rightsizing HVAC equipment should typically follow building envelope improvements.
5. Urgency: Measures that address critical equipment nearing end-of-life or compliance issues may need to be prioritized regardless of ROI.
6. Organizational Goals: Align the prioritization with broader organizational objectives, whether they’re financial, sustainability-focused, or related to occupant comfort and productivity.
7. Available Incentives: The availability of utility incentives or tax credits for specific measures might influence prioritization.

Financing Options for Energy Upgrades

Implementing energy-saving measures often requires upfront investment. Here are several financing options to consider:

1. Internal Funding: Using existing capital or operational budgets is the simplest approach but may be limited by competing priorities.
2. Energy Performance Contracts: These arrangements allow organizations to implement energy-saving measures with no upfront cost. The energy services company (ESCO) finances and implements the improvements, and is repaid through the resulting energy savings.
3. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing: This program allows building owners to finance energy efficiency upgrades through a special assessment on their property tax bill.
4. On-Bill Financing: Some utilities offer programs where they cover the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements, and the customer repays the cost through a charge on their utility bill.
5. Green Bonds: For larger organizations or municipalities, issuing green bonds can be a way to finance significant energy efficiency projects.
6. Equipment Leasing: Leasing energy-efficient equipment can spread the cost over time and may have tax advantages.
7. Utility Incentives and Rebates: While not typically covering the full cost of improvements, these can significantly offset implementation costs.
8. Tax Incentives: Various federal, state, and local tax incentives may be available for energy efficiency improvements.
9. Green Revolving Funds: Some organizations establish internal funds where the savings from implemented energy efficiency measures are reinvested into future projects.

Measuring and Verifying Results

Measurement and Verification (M&V) is crucial to ensure that implemented measures are delivering the expected savings. Here’s how to approach M&V:

1. Establish Baseline: Before implementing measures, establish a clear baseline of energy consumption. This often involves normalizing historical energy use data for factors like weather and occupancy.
2. Define M&V Methodology: Choose an appropriate M&V methodology. The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) provides standardized approaches that can be adapted to various project types.
3. Install Necessary Metering: Some projects may require the installation of additional sub-metering to accurately measure the impact of specific measures.
4. Collect Post-Implementation Data: After measures are implemented, collect energy use data over a sufficient period to capture seasonal variations and typical usage patterns.
5. Analyze Results: Compare post-implementation energy use to the baseline, accounting for any changes in weather, occupancy, or other relevant factors.
6. Adjust and Optimize: If measures are not performing as expected, investigate the causes and make necessary adjustments.
7. Regular Reporting: Provide regular reports on energy savings to stakeholders to maintain engagement and support for energy efficiency initiatives.
8. Continuous Monitoring: Implement systems for ongoing monitoring of energy performance to ensure persistent savings and identify any new opportunities for improvement.