ASHRAE Energy Audits

EcoHill Solutions offers clients building assessments that help gauge and improve building performance. We conduct an ASHRAE standard walk-through that identifies energy savings which can be found with everyday operating costs. The Energy Audit helps to analyze where problem areas exist and what improvements can be implemented. The implementation of an energy audit will lead to building retrofits that can save 20 percent on your energy bills while improving health and productivity of occupants.

We are offering a free Energy Star Benchmarking for any building that wants to be audited. On the right is a video about Lighting Retrofits with Jonathan Backos.

ASHRAE Level I

Addresses basic building energy usages and energy efficiencies analyzing energy bills and conducting a brief survey of the building. The cost is usually around two cents (± one cent) per square foot but depends on the complexity of the facility and availability of information.

ASHRAE Level II

Similar to a Level I inspection but involves a more detailed review of the energy bills and a more thorough walk-through and assessment of current equipment. A walk-thorough typically lasts 1 to 2 days. The cost, depending on the complete scope of work averages seven cents per square foot.

ASHRAE Level III

This is the most detailed of inspections but allows for the largest possibility of savings. The walk-through involves not only an inspection of all building systems but also the building shell. ASHRAE Level III will look at renewable energy feasibility and cost projections and replacement costs and paybacks for current systems.

The Process

We will come to your facility to obtain equipment data, utility bills, and general building usage information. We will walk-through the building to view if any issues may exist. All of the data from the visit will then be processed and analyzed off-site to find areas of improvement and energy conservation measures.

The Energy Audit Report

The Energy Audit Report will entail a list of recommendations based on return on investments (ROI). It will outline and detail plans that can be used to perform the solutions in house or as a knowledge base for Requests for Proposals. A level one and two ASHRAE energy audit that can result in significant financial and environmental improvements. Whether to meet the requirements of LEED EB or to increase your buildings efficiencies, our audits can also be individualized to include any or all of the following components:

  • Lighting Analysis
  • Water Usage Analysis
  • Benchmarking of current buildings
  • Energy Star and Energy Intensity Unit (EIU) ratings
  • Waste Management/Recycling
  • Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System Evaluations
  • Geothermal and Solar feasibility and cost projections
  • HVAC renovation scenarios and cost projections
  • LEED feasibility for existing and new buildings including cost projections

Incentives

We detail a list of private, local, state and federal incentives to bring down first costs for the installation of new equipment and system components. Incentives come as tax deductions, pre-tax refunds, low interest loans, and grants. Many states and cities have particular goals and offer incentives to further their goals. Utility companies also offer rebates and incentives to help reduce demand on the energy grid.

EPAct 2005

The Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction (CBTD) is a special financial incentive created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and designed to reduce the initial cost of investing in energy-efficient lighting and other building systems via an accelerated tax deduction.

This special tax deduction allows building owners (or tenants) to write off the complete cost of upgrading a building’s indoor lighting, HVAC/hot water and building envelope in the year the new equipment is placed in service, capped at $1.80/sq.ft. Alternately, the owner (or tenant) could upgrade one of these three systems to earn the CBTD capped at $0.60/sq.ft. In short, with the CBTD, the cost of new lighting or other building systems can be claimed in a single tax year instead of amortized over a period of years. Visit KMR Design Group for more information.

Utility Management and Benchmarking

This is the quickest and easiest way for any existing building to find out the condition of a facility. Each report details the current rating of the building which then can quantifiable track the results of improvements. The benchmarking tools rely on inputs such as energy consumption, climate, building use, and building type and deliver a 1 to 100 rating for the building.

How To Get Started

Contact your facility manager or maintenance staff to determine if any areas are of concern or should looked at. Also have the electric, gas, and water utility bills available to check for abnormalities. Then simply call or to schedule a free preliminary visit.