Our Contribution

Contribution

ASHRAE Level I Energy Audits:

The Level 1 audit alternatively is called a “simple audit”, “screening audit” or “walk-through audit” and is the basic starting point for building energy optimization. It involves brief interviews with site operating personnel, a review of the facility’s utility bills and other operating data, and an abbreviated walk-through of the building. The ASHRAE Level-1 audit is geared toward the identification of the potential for energy improvements, understanding the general building configuration, and defining the type and nature of energy systems. The audit should result in a preliminary, high-level, energy-use analysis for the entire facility, and a short report detailing the findings, which may include identifying a variety of recognizable efficiency opportunities. Usually this report does not provide detailed recommendations, except for very visible projects or operational faults.

The ASHRAE Level-1 audit is intended to help the energy team understand where the building performs relative to its peers; establish a baseline for measuring improvements; deciding whether further evaluation is warranted; and if so, where and how to focus that effort. The Level-1 also will outline the range of potential financial incentives available from Federal, State, Local, and Utility sources. Microgrid Energy includes an ASHRAE Level-1 audit/assessment as part of all of our Solar Installations. See more at: Microgrid Energy

AHRAE Level II Energy Audits

The next step for most facilities is the ASHRAE Level-2 audit/assessment. The Level-2 project starts with the findings of the Level-1 audit, and evaluates the building energy systems in detail to define a variety of potential energy-efficiency improvements. This should include the Building Envelope, Lighting, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Domestic Hot Water (DHW), Plug Loads, and Compressed Air and Process Uses (for manufacturing, service, or processing facilities). This study starts with a detailed analysis of energy consumption to quantify base loads, seasonal variation, and effective energy costs. From there, the study should include an evaluation of lighting, air quality, temperature, ventilation, humidity, and other conditions that may affect energy performance and occupant comfort. The process also includes detailed discussions with the building Ownership, Management, and Occupants to explore potential problem areas, and clarify financial and non-financial goals of the program. The Level-2 audit should result in a clear and concise report and briefing with the Owner and Management Team describing a variety of Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) including no- and low-cost measures, modifications to system controls and building automation, operational changes, and potential capital upgrades. The findings should include general costs and performance metrics, as well as a means for the Owner to evaluate the EEMs and decide how to proceed with implementation. Many of the EEMs revealed during the ASHRAE Level-2 audit can be implemented quickly with rapid or immediate financial payback for the Owner. Other EEMs will require more detailed analysis of benefit and cost and the other goals that are important to the Owner. The audit should define next steps to accomplish this analysis and decision making. Sometimes it is through discussion with manufacturers or suppliers or other relatively simple means. For other EEMs, involving complex interaction among building systems and potentially large financial investments, it may be necessary to dig deeper into the building operation and also the human factors influencing performance. This is where the ASHRAE Level-3 audit becomes essential. - See more at: Microgrid Energy

Continuous Commissioning:

Continuous Commissioning—as defined by the Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL), a division of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, which trademarked the term, and a member of the Texas A&M University System—is an ongoing process to resolve operating problems, improve comfort, and optimize energy use. Typically, it is implemented in two phases and consists of the following seven steps:

  1. Visit the site to identify and quantify potential measures and savings.
  2. Develop performance baselines for energy and comfort.
  3. Examine the building in detail—to the air-handling-unit (AHU) and/or terminal-box level—to identify operating and comfort problems, component failures or degradation, and causes of system inefficiency.
  4. Implement Continuous Commissioning measures.
  5. Identify changes in operating procedures for the building staff, and document energy savings and comfort improvements in accordance with the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).
  6. Train the building staff.
  7. Track/verify energy and comfort performance for at least one year in accordance with the IPMVP.

Behavior Modification

Policy 5100- Energy Management- Effective Date February 9, 2009
As the State's flagship institution of higher education, the University of New Mexico has a civic, social, and fiscal responsibility to optimize its procurement, production, and consumption of energy. The University will provide the energy education and expertise necessary to support students, faculty, and staff in reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency as they learn and work together to fulfill the University's mission. Occupant health, safety, comfort, and program requirements will remain a primary concern as the University works to minimize energy usage. To promote a safe, healthy learning environment and to complement the energy management program, each campus shall review and adhere to the preventive maintenance and monitoring plan administered by the University Facilities Management for all University facilities and systems, including HVAC, building envelope, and moisture management.