Energy Audit

Energy Audit

Energy audit as a term is often used to describe a diverse spectrum of energy studies ranging from a quick walk-through facilities to identify major problem areas to a more comprehensive analysis of the implications of alternative energy efficiency measures and also to reduce the operating costs and the environmental impacts associated with the utilization of conventional energy resources, energy conservation and energy efficiency offer attractive solutions. Moreover, energy efficiency can avoid the need to build new power plants -that use conventional energy sources- at little costs and with no adverse environmental impacts.

Energy Audit Types

Energy audits are the first step to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and industrial facilities. Generally, four types of energy audits can be distinguished as briefly described below (Krarti, 2000):

• Walk-Through Audit that consists typically of a short on-site visit of the facility to identify areas where simple and inexpensive actions (typically operating and maintenance measures) can provide immediate energy use and/or operating cost savings.
• Utility Cost Analysis that includes a careful evaluation of metered energy uses and operating costs of the facility. Typically, the utility data over several years are evaluated to identify the patterns of energy use, peak demand, weather effects, and potential for energy savings.

• Standard Energy Audit that consists of a comprehensive energy analysis for the energy systems of the facility. In particular, the standard energy audit includes the development of a baseline for the energy use of the facility and the evaluation of the energy savings and the cost effectiveness of appropriately selected energy conservation measures.
• Detailed Energy Audit: It is the most comprehensive but also time-consuming energy audit type. Specifically, the detailed energy audit include the use of instruments to measure energy use for the whole building and/or for some energy systems within the building (for instance by end uses: lighting systems, office equipment, fans, chillers, etc.). In addition, sophisticated computer simulation programs are typically considered for detailed energy audits to evaluate and recommend energy retrofits for the facility”.