Energy Audits and its Types

Summary: A firm can choose the most appropriate type of energy audit for its purposes based on the funds available for the audit, the cost and potential of the energy management opportunity.

Fremont, CA : An energy audit is a systematic investigation of energy use and consumption within a specific energy audit scope, with the goal of identifying, quantifying, and reporting on energy efficiency improvements. As a result, an energy audit is sometimes referred to as an energy assessment. This assessment looks at how energy flows through a building, process, or system in order to reduce energy input while maintaining or improving human comfort, health, and safety. The type of audit is determined by the level of information in the review.

Generally, there are three types of energy audits:

Walk-Through Audit

This audit comprises of a walk-through assessment of a facility to detect maintenance, operational, or defective equipment issues, as well as locations that require additional investigation, as the name implies. A Walk-Through Audit produces several outcomes, including the discovery of energy-saving opportunities, a qualitative study of the implementation of energy-saving measures, and an estimate of the prospective energy savings. A basic assessment of a project's feasibility is frequently included in the final audit report.

Investment Grade Audit

This audit is a thorough examination of energy consumption, including a quantitative analysis of the implementation, including specific investments, operational and maintenance costs, and an examination of the investment model. The true energy demand and an energy balance are among the findings of an Investment Grade Audit. Similarly, the audit proposes a number of energy-saving strategies, including how to calculate energy savings and how much it will cost to implement them. This audit suggests a package of solutions that includes a financing strategy, as well as strategies for implementation and savings verification.

Energy Diagnosis

This audit may include economic calculations and the use of metering equipment to determine actual energy use and losses. An energy balance (energy use breakdown) and a list of energy efficiency measures obtained from performance or building facility are among the outcomes of an Energy Diagnosis. In order to identify and prioritize the implementation of these initiatives, the results also include financial analysis for each of the identified measures.