To carry out an energy audit effectively, you’ll need a variety of input documents and data sources to assess energy consumption and identify opportunities for energy savings. The specific documents required may vary depending on the type and scope of the audit, but here’s a general list of essential input documents:

 

1. Utility Bills:

• • Collect at least a year’s worth of utility bills for electricity, natural gas, water, and any other energy sources your facility uses.

• • Examine the monthly or annual consumption patterns and associated costs. This data forms the foundation for assessing your facility’s energy usage trends.

 

2. Building Plans and Blueprints:

• • Architectural and engineering drawings, floor plans, and building layouts provide information about the physical structure of the facility.

• • These documents can reveal details about insulation, windows, doors, and other aspects of the building envelope that affect energy efficiency.

 

3. Equipment and Appliance Inventory:

• • Create a comprehensive inventory of all equipment and appliances within your facility. This includes lighting systems, HVAC equipment, industrial machinery, and more.

• • Document specifications, such as make, model, capacity, and power ratings, along with the age of each item.

 

4. HVAC System Information:

• • Collect data on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

• • Include information about the type of HVAC systems in use, their capacity, maintenance and service records, and control settings.

 

5. Lighting Inventory:

• • Detail the lighting systems throughout the facility, specifying the types of fixtures, wattages, and hours of operation.

• • Note any lighting control systems, such as timers or occupancy sensors.

 

6. Building Envelope Data:

• • Insulation levels, window types, and roof details are all critical components of the building envelope. Collect this data to understand how well your facility retains heat or cool air.

 

7. Occupancy and Usage Patterns:

• • Document occupancy schedules, operating hours, and any variations in usage. This information is vital for assessing how energy is consumed throughout the day and week.

 

8. Process Descriptions (for industrial facilities):

• • Provide detailed process descriptions and flow diagrams for industrial or manufacturing facilities.

• • These diagrams help identify energy consumption associated with specific operations and equipment.

 

9. Maintenance and Service Records:

• • Review maintenance and service logs for equipment and systems. This can help identify equipment that may need repair or maintenance to improve energy efficiency.

 

10. Energy Management System (EMS) Data:

• • If your facility has an EMS or Building Automation System (BAS), gather data from these systems.

• • This data offers real-time insights into energy consumption and control settings.

 

11. Metering and Submetering Data:

• • Data from energy meters and submeters can provide a granular view of energy use in different areas or for specific equipment.

• • Submetering data is particularly valuable for identifying energy hogs within a facility.

 

12. Energy Auditing Software and Tools:

• • Utilize specialized software for data analysis and simulations to assess energy consumption and potential savings from efficiency improvements.

 

13. Local Building Codes and Regulations:

• • Understand and review local building codes and energy efficiency standards. This helps in assessing compliance and identifying areas where your facility may fall short.

 

14. Benchmarking Data:

• • Compare your facility’s energy performance with industry benchmarks or similar facilities to gauge its energy efficiency relative to peers.

 

15. Interviews and Surveys:

• • Conduct interviews with facility staff and occupants to understand energy consumption behaviours, and preferences, and identify potential energy-saving opportunities and challenges.

 

16. Environmental Data:

• • Weather data, such as temperature, humidity, and seasonal variations, play a significant role in energy consumption. Collect this information to assess its impact on energy use.

 

17. Financial Data:

• • Review budget and financial records to understand the financial aspects of energy consumption. This information is vital for calculating potential returns on investment for energy efficiency upgrades.

 

The specific documents and data sources required can vary depending on the scope and depth of the energy audit, as well as the facility’s type and size. A well-executed energy audit can provide valuable insights into your facility’s energy use and opportunities for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements.