Energy Audits: Fast Track to Cost Savings   

Solution : Starting Strong with Energy Audits

An important tool for achieving energy efficiency with limited resources are energy audits. In the U.S., the energy audit process has been standardized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Under the widely utilized ASHRAE standard, building audits are performed in three stages: 

• Level 1 – Walk-Through Survey: this entry level audit establishes a baseline of energy usage and benchmarks a facility against comparable buildings. The auditor provides the facility manager with recommendations for low-cost upgrades.  

• Level 2 – Energy Survey and Analysis: expanding on a Level 1 audit, this is a comprehensive data collection on all energy-consuming equipment at the facility and an in-depth analysis of utility data including usage per square foot per year. The Level 2 audit identifies a more comprehensive set of energy conservation measures (ECMs) that can be implemented by the facility owner, along with a financial analysis of annual energy savings and payback calculations. 

• Level 3 – Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications: this is an investment-grade audit, which identifies large-scale equipment upgrades and includes sub-metering of major energy systems. A Level 3 audit is typically carried out by large facilities with the support of an engineering firm.  

For many commercial buildings, the Level 2 audit is the ideal point of entry: it determines energy usage by equipment and identifies energy conservation measures and cost-benefit analysis calculations. The Level 2 audit is often the “sweet spot” for enabling significant energy savings without a major commitment of labor hours or capital expenditure. 

In New Jersey, this is especially true for the state’s large portfolio of aging public facilities, which are ideal candidates for upgrades. To meet this need, New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program has launched an ASHRAE Level 2 audit initiative, targeted at the state’s government buildings. Called the Local Government Energy Audit Program (LGEA), it allows local government agencies, state contracting agencies, public agencies, state colleges and state universities and select non-profit agencies to examine their facilities and determine how they can improve their energy use. Implemented by TRC, an engineering and energy consulting firm, the program helps government agencies identify cost-justified energy-efficiency measures, as well as subsidize the full cost of the audit.  

The program is open to government-owned offices, courtrooms, town halls, police/fire stations, sanitation buildings, transportation structures, schools, hospitals and community centers. Most local governments, New Jersey State Colleges or State Universities, County Colleges, public schools and non-profit agencies are eligible. 

Specific to school districts, the LGEA Program provides an additional benefit by helping K-12 schools become eligible for a State-run financing mechanism called the Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP), which allows public entities to implement energy efficiency upgrades and pay for it with future energy savings. The LGEA program enrolls K-12 public schools and helps them complete ASHRAE Level II audits, which are a pre-requisite to enter into the ESIP funding program. 

“For many public entities with budget constraints, the LGEA program is a perfect place to start. The program provides detailed information on how a facility is currently operating, lists the energy saving opportunities found on-site, and provides a comprehensive review of incentive programs for energy efficiency upgrades in New Jersey. This free energy audit program is a great way to get started saving money and energy.” 

-Sarah Walters, LGEA Program Manager, TRC