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Energy Audit Standards
by John Herbert | Director
Not all energy audits are equal - therefore it is worth taking a moment to review the different types of energy audit.
There is no universally accepted standard that sets out the
scope for conducting an energy audit, so I have undertaken to write
this brief article to help explain the different types and highlight the
advantages and disadvantages of each.
There are three basic types, or levels of energy audit, namely:
Primarily the major difference between each type is the
quantity of data collected, and measured. In turn this impacts the time
required to conduct the audit, the time taken to analyzed the data, and
hence the cost.
Each type or level is increasingly sophisticated, starting from the
simplest walk-through audit up to the investment grade audit.
Walk-through Energy Audit
A walk-though audit as its name implies involves a walking tour of the
premises, where the auditor inspects the energy related systems.
Energy data if available for one or more years would be
requested for analysis.
Sample readings and measurements are taken, including power, lighting
level, thermal comfort are recorded. EMO (Energy Management
Opportunities) and findings are provided in written report for
implementation by your management team.
Advantages
Advantages of the walk-though energy audit include faster results and lower cost. EMO's can be implement faster.
During the walk-through audit if the auditor uncovers EMO (Energy Management Opportunities) that could benfit from a comprehensive audit , the auditor may well recommend a more sophisticated audit for a specific part of a system or process.
Disadvantages
Not as sophisticated as a comprehensive energy audit, less data collected and
analysed.
Comprehensive Energy Audit
As known as a standard energy audit. This audit involves a
longer more detailed investigation than the walk-through audit.
Energy data if available for three or more years is requested
for analysis.
This type of audit is not warranted for the majority of installations.
Advantages
The standard energy audit is more detailed than the walk-through audit, more data is collected and analysed. Being more through less likely to overlook more complex EMO's
Disadvantages
The standard energy audit takes the auditor more time, data loggers are
used to collect additional data - therefore the is more expensive than
the walk through audit. Often time consuming data collection is far to
too exhaustive to add value.
Investment Grade Energy Audit
The investment grade energy audit is the most sophisticated of all the
type of energy audit. It requires detailed energy modellling, analysis
of the facility, and energy meter data for several years. To learn more about
investment grade audits click here.
Advantages
A very comprehensive energy assessment of the facility and its energy
footprint, no stone is left unturned in the search for EMO's
(Energy Management Opportunites). Suitable for capital
intensive investment programmes.
Disadvantages
Very detailed, but time consuming. The detailed energy modelling and
analysis requires many manhours. Time to market opportunities may be
lost.
Deliverable
The resulting output or deliverable from every energy audit investigation is the energy audit report.
This report needs to be a meaningful document comprising the following basic elements:
- Information about the energy systems and condition
- Fuel usage
- Energy usage summary, with charts
- EMO's (Opportunities to save money)
Further information
Call Kelcroft today +(852) 2335 9830 and start saving money tomorrow.