…Energy audits and energy retrofits are one of our many specialties; we can transform your structure into an eco-friendly site, and work to obtain governmental rebates and initiatives while we work on the design.
In Canada, buildings are responsible for approximately 35% of the primary energy use, 54% of the electricity consumption, and 28% of the carbon dioxide emissions. While the median lifespan of a commercial building is about 70-75 years, the importance of energy efficiency can be easily seen. The first step to improve energy performance in a building is to conduct an energy audit. An energy audit is a tool that provides valuable information related to energy performance of the building, which allows decisions that best fit the needs of the owner to be made accordingly.
An energy audit generally involves becoming sufficiently familiar with the building envelope, mechanical, and electrical systems. Kleinfeldt offers four (4) levels of energy audits to suit the specific objectives and intentions of the owner.
Preliminary Audit
This is a very basic level of energy audit which summarizes the utility information to estimate typical annual use of each type of fuel (e.g. electricity, natural gas, etc.). It will be compared to the energy use of an appropriate benchmark building to identify whether potential energy savings are available.
Level I – Walk-Through Audit
In addition to the work described above, this level of energy audit also involves site visit to become familiar with the building, equipment, and operation, etc. Rough estimate and breakdown of energy use will be performed. Low-cost/no-cost modifications as well as potential energy improvement options will be suggested.
Level II – Energy Survey and Engineering Audit
This level of audit includes all of the above. Detailed review of the building envelope, mechanical, and electrical systems will be performed. Existing building will be simulated using modern computer simulation software, which analyzes the building energy use on an hourly basis, to generate more accurate results. Potential energy improvement modifications along with their estimated energy and cost savings will be provided. Financial options and incentive programs available will also be evaluated. Depending on the size and complexity of the building, this level of energy audit may take 10 to 50 days.
Level III – Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Engineering Audit
This level of audit is similar to the Level II energy audit but may include schematic design of modifications as well as an in-depth study of cost and energy savings.
Once the owner clearly understands and identifies his/her needs, decisions can be made with respect to the energy retrofit(s) that are most beneficial. From experience, some of the retrofits that yield the best results include (not in any particular order): high-efficiency lighting systems and appropriate controls, high efficiency boilers and chillers, variable frequency drives, and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Energy retrofits not only reduce operating costs, they also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas being emitted to the atmosphere. Although at times energy retrofits may appear to be a costly investment, various incentive programs are available to encourage and assist owners in improving building performance as well as the environment.
|
