ML-11-C045 -- Updated Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits ✓ Most Recent

In recent years ASHRAE and our nation have directed increasing attention towards the energy use of existing buildings. If we are to work towards a sustainable future, reduce our dependence on imported energy, and reduce our carbon footprint, we will need to reduce the energy use of our aging building stock. One important way to do that is through identifying energy efficiency opportunities through assessments of commercial buildings - commonly referred to as energy audits.
While energy audits are a commonly-used component of our industry, there is great diversity in the services delivered to customers, and little industry standardization. ASHRAE seeks to promote best practices and fill a void in available information by publishing a new version of the special publication "Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits." The goals of the publication are to provide a reference guide for building owners, managers, and government entities as to what to expect from an audit, to establish guidelines for level of audit effort (i.e. Level 1, 2, and 3), and to introduce good procedures for energy auditors.
This paper discusses updates to the publication as well as energy auditing methods that professionals can apply to their professional practice. Topics will include definitions of energy audit levels of effort, how to build a successful team, successful approaches to site visits, incorporating onsite measurements, economic evaluation of measures, and how to organize an energy audit report that promotes action on the part of building owners and managers. See more