sustainability

Energy Audit

Any time we need to make an analysis of the real use of “Buildings – MEP plants” system, we can resort to an Energy Audit. This is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building, system or process, aimed at reducing the amount of system energy input without negatively affecting the output(s).

The Energy audit is a way of identifying the most efficient and cost-effective Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs) or Measures (ECMs). Energy conservation opportunities (or measures) consist of either more efficient use or partial or global replacement of existing installations.
The Energy Audit steps are the following:

  • Benchmarking stage: While normalization is required to allow comparison between data recorded on the studied installation and reference values deduced from case studies or statistics, the use of simulation models, to perform a code-compliant simulation of the installation under study, allows for the direct assessment of the installation in question, without the need for any normalization. Indeed, applying a simulation-based benchmarking tool allows individual normalization and the prevention of size and climate normalization.
  • Preliminary Energy audit stage: Global monthly consumption generally proves insufficient in accurately understanding a building’s behavior. Even if the analysis of the energy bills does not identify the different energy consumers, that are present in the facility, the consumption records can be used to calibrate the building and system simulation models. To assess the existing system and correctly simulate the building’s thermal behavior, the simulation model has to be calibrated on the studied installation. The iterations needed to perform the calibration of the model can also be fully integrated in the audit process and can help in identifying the required measurements and critical issues.
  • Detailed Energy audit stage: At this stage, on-site measurements, sub-metering and monitoring data are used to refine the calibration of the BES tool. Extensive attention is given to understanding not only the operating characteristics of all energy consuming systems, but also situations that cause load profile variations on both a short and long term basis (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly, annual). When the calibration criteria is satisfied, the savings related to the selected ECOs/ECMs can be quantified.
  • Investment-grade Energy audit stage: At this stage, the results provided by the calibrated BES tool can be used to assess the selected ECOs/ECMs and orient the detailed engineering study.
    These steps will be covered by:
  • The analysis of the building (walls, floors, ceiling, etc…) and utility data, including the study of the installed equipment and analysis of energy bills;
  • The survey of the real operating conditions;
  • The understanding of the building behavior and the interactions with weather, occupancy and operating schedules;
  • The selection and the evaluation of energy conservation measures;
  • The estimation of energy saving potential;
  • The identification of customer concerns and needs;

Infrared Thermography Audits

The advent of high resolution thermography has enabled inspectors to identify potential issues within the building envelope by taking a thermal image of the various surfaces of a building. For purposes of an energy audit, the thermograph will analyze the patterns found in surface temperatures to identify heat transfer through convection, radiation, or conduction.

Sustainability

Contact us

Principles of sustainability can be applied to building, design and operations.
Sustainability Consulting means a collection of policies and strategies that can help you save energy, obtain efficient designs, minimize the environmental impact on future generations, and reduce the consumption of scarce natural resources to maintain their availability in the future.

Contacts