A facility’s energy costs can be a significant percentage of operating expenses, making it critical for managers to optimize those costs. The good news is that, for most facilities, reducing their energy consumption is not only environmentally responsible, but it also results in substantial cost savings and reduced utility bill volatility. Performing an energy assessment is a vital first step in developing and implementing effective energy management strategies.

To maximize the financial value of an energy assessment energivurdering av tekniske anlegg, facilities leaders should begin by estimating potential cost savings. This includes comparing current energy costs to projected future prices and determining unit energy consumption for a given period of time. Using these numbers, it is possible to compare the relative merits of different opportunities, and develop a business case for energy efficiency projects.

Energy assessments can be done in a number of ways, from a walk through and simple analysis to more thorough surveys and testing. The type and extent of an assessment depends on the goals and needs of the individual building. For example, a Level II assessment typically targets major equipment and systems to evaluate their performance and identify opportunities for improvements in efficiency or cost.

For buildings that have been in service for some time, there may not be a full record of system performance, including detailed energy data. In such cases, a survey of all meters and a review of one or two years’ worth of utility invoices can be used to determine an approximate level of energy consumption for the facility. This information can be used to create a baseline for subsequent comparisons with metering and benchmarking data to identify opportunities.

Once a baseline has been established, an in-depth survey and detailed analysis can be performed to assess the condition and operation of key energy-consuming equipment, identify improvement opportunities and prioritize initiatives. Depending on the scope of the assessment, it is possible to reduce facility energy use significantly by incorporating various improvements ranging from equipment upgrades and new technologies to modifying operations and modifying employee behaviors.

The final step in the process is to implement identified opportunities and track post-retrofit performance. As energy efficiency measures are implemented, the facility’s total energy consumption should be compared to its pre-retrofit levels, with any differences investigated and addressed as needed. The facility should also establish a budget for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of energy usage to ensure that savings are being realized.

If your organization is interested in reducing its environmental impact and lowering its operating costs through energy-efficiency measures, NYSERDA has several programs that can provide incentives and technical assistance to help you get started with an energy study. Click the link to learn more about the opportunities for your facility type. Then, be sure to explore the tips and tools on this page to streamline your planning process. Good luck! And don’t forget to share your progress and best practices with others.