Energy Audits
An energy audit is a method of determining exactly where and how a building's energy is being used, and what opportunities exist for improvement. Recommendations may include changes to physical structures (windows, doors, insulation) and additional equipment or system retrofits, as well as behavioral changes on the part of building occupants or employees. In most cases, the cost of these changes is recovered over time in reduced operational costs.
An energy audit includes a walk-through of the facility, review of energy usage data and comparison with industry standards. An advanced audit includes an analysis of all facility equipment and machinery, and provides specific recommendations and projections for energy and cost savings.
Photo courtesy of KW Engineering
By acting on the problems with insulation and air leakage discovered around your home, it is possible to save up to $1,000 a year. A homeowner in Massachusetts made the investment of $1,175 for a professional audit, and is now getting that money back in just over a year.
Resources
The US Department of Energy has published a Guide to Energy Audits for commercial buildings.
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association of local governments in New Jersey that share information resources. The League administers the state's Clean Energy Plan and has a helpful web page describing energy audits and sources of funding for governments and schools.
References
[1] Krarti, M. (2011). Energy Audit of Building Systems: An Engineering Approach. Boca Raton, FL: Crc Press, 1-512.
[2] Blaecher, M., et al. (2011). A Guide to Energy Audits (Rep. No. PNNL-20956). Washington D.C.: United States Department of Energy, 1-11
[3] Ingle, A., et al. (2012). Behavioral Perspectives on Home Energy Audits: The Role of Auditors, Labels, Reports, and Audit Tools on Homeowner Decision-‐Making (Rep. No. LBNL-5715E). Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1-395.
[4] Arimura, T., Li, S., et al. (2011). Cost-Effectiveness of Electricity Energy Efficiency Programs. The Energy Journal, International Association for Energy Economics, 2(0), 1-44.
[5] Hirst, E., & Brown, M. (1990). Closing the efficiency gap: Barriers to the efficient use of energy. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 3(4), 267-281.