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.
Breakdown of Audit Types
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.