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STS Audits

Breakdown of The Different Types of Audits
Explanation of

Audit Types

In our current era of sustainability and escalating energy costs, gaining insight into the energy profile of commercial buildings has become increasingly crucial. An invaluable tool in this pursuit is the ASHRAE energy audit. For commercial building owners and facility managers seeking to navigate this landscape, this guide aims to elucidate the various types of ASHRAE energy audits, outlining their pivotal role in effective energy management within commercial buildings.

But what exactly is an ASHRAE Audit?

ASHRAE, standing for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, establishes guidelines across various practices, including the HVAC&R field. Energy auditing in commercial buildings is one such critical area where ASHRAE provides guidelines.

An energy audit, a systematic process, involves assessing and analyzing the energy use and consumption of a facility, building, or system. The primary objective is to identify energy-saving opportunities, and inefficiencies, and recommend strategies to curtail energy waste. ASHRAE defines three distinct types of energy audits, each differing in intensity and expected outcomes.

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ASHRAE AUDITS

The Importance of Energy Management in Commercial Buildings

Energy management is a critical aspect of operations in commercial buildings, playing a pivotal role in cost reduction, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Firstly, effective energy management enables businesses to significantly cut operational costs associated with energy consumption. By implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices, commercial buildings can achieve substantial savings over time, contributing to improved financial performance and competitiveness. Secondly, as the world focuses on environmental concerns, energy management in commercial buildings becomes a key strategy for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing sustainability. Businesses are increasingly pressured to adopt eco-friendly practices to meet environmental standards, comply with regulations, and align with corporate social responsibility goals. By embracing energy efficiency, commercial buildings can mitigate their impact on the environment, attract environmentally conscious stakeholders, and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Additionally, energy management is essential for regulatory compliance, as many regions mandate specific energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings. Failure to meet these standards can result in legal consequences and financial penalties. Compliance with regulations ensures that commercial buildings adhere to environmental guidelines and promotes responsible energy usage. Moreover, energy management supports operational efficiency by optimizing equipment performance and identifying and rectifying energy wastage. This results in streamlined building operations, improved tenant satisfaction, and a positive impact on asset value. Overall, energy management is a multifaceted strategy that addresses financial, environmental, and regulatory considerations, making it an integral part of sustainable and responsible commercial building management.

Breakdown of Audit Types

Understanding the Difference in Scope and Deliverables

ASHRAE has established standardized levels of energy audits, namely Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, each offering increasing levels of detail and analysis. These audits are designed to assess the energy performance of buildings, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations for energy efficiency measures. ASHRAE audits provide a structured approach to decision-making for energy-related investments. The audits categorize potential energy conservation measures, estimate costs, and project potential savings, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions about which measures to prioritize based on their cost-effectiveness and overall impact.

Below you will find a breakdown of the different types of audits that STS can perform, as well as which one will be the right fit to help your organization make informed decisions, help meet regulatory requirements, and contribute to long-term cost savings and sustainability goals. Each type will provide a systematic framework for improving energy performance and enhancing the overall efficiency of commercial buildings.

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Man filling in energy audit form in a clipboard.

ASHRAE Level 1: Preliminary Analysis

The ASHRAE Level 1 audit serves as the fundamental stage, providing businesses with an initial overview for potential changes or more comprehensive audits.

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ASHRAE Level 2: Energy Survey & Analysis

Building upon the Level 1 audit, a Level 2 audit extends data collection and reporting to a more advanced stage.

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ASHRAE Level 3:Comprehensive Analysis of Intensive Capital Improvements

A Level 3 audit builds upon the findings and recommendations of a Level 2 audit, offering a more detailed engineering analysis of potential changes.

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Full Turnkey Lighting Audit

When STS is asked to perform a lighting audit, our process and deliverables come as full turnkey proposals.

Which type of audit is right for my organization?

Building an audit strategy:

Selecting the right type of energy audit for a company involves a thoughtful assessment of its goals, budget, facility size, and complexity. Clear articulation of energy efficiency objectives, coupled with an understanding of regulatory requirements, provides a foundation for decision-making. STS has developed an efficient and effective process that we navigate with all new prospective customers. Our team will organize a discovery call with your team to discuss company carbon goals, operational processes, and any potential trouble spots.

The expertise of our energy professionals, along with insights from internal stakeholders, ensures that the selected audit aligns with the organization’s unique circumstances and objectives. Overall, this strategic approach allows companies to optimize their energy efficiency initiatives, leading to cost savings, regulatory compliance, and enhanced sustainability in their operations. Our team will work with yours to create a plan for enhancing the overall efficiency of your commercial buildings.

 

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