The energy assessment of technical installations is an important tool for identifying ways to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The type and extensiveness of an energy assessment will vary depending on the needs of each facility, but will usually include an examination of the building structure and equipment (such as lighting, heating and cooling systems, ventilation, insulation and thermal control) to find any system improvements that could be made for efficiency or conservation.
An energy assessment can also help to identify any assets or equipment that is approaching the end of its useful life and may be at risk for failure, thus providing a valuable opportunity to make repairs now and avoid costly breakdowns. For example, upgrading to more efficient air conditioning systems, installing motion or presence sensors for lights and adjusting the operating time of those sensors according to the needs of each space can lead to significant energy savings.
Another critical element of an energy assessment is to develop a baseline for energy usage, which can be used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of potential energy efficiency measures. Depending on the scope of an assessment, this can be accomplished through utility bills, meters, field measurements or more sophisticated analysis techniques. In most cases, the more granular the data collected for the energy analysis, the better.
This enables an accurate comparison of energy energivurdering av tekniske anlegg use over a given timeframe, revealing relationships that would not be obvious through high-level information alone. In addition, a more detailed understanding of the driving factors of energy usage can provide valuable insight for establishing opportunities that would be difficult to identify using the aggregated data typically provided by utility billings.
Developing a comprehensive list of energy improvement opportunities is one of the key steps in a successful energy assessment, and will typically require input from staff across the facility. This will ensure that all potential areas for energy reduction are investigated. It will also enable a more objective and accurate evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of any pre-selected improvements, which can be presented to decision-makers in terms of payback periods and financial return.
For many organizations, an energy assessment will be the first step towards improving overall building efficiency. The benefits can be far-reaching, from reduced operating costs to improved sustainability and occupant comfort. It is also a crucial component for those seeking LEED* certification or other types of green building accreditation.
To get started with an energy assessment, organisations can begin by setting up a cross-functional team that includes engineers from utilities, production and maintenance as well as environmental, procurement and accounting personnel. This will allow each department to bring their own unique perspective to the process and increase the likelihood of success in implementation of energy efficiency measures. For a more in-depth review, organisations can hire a consultant to carry out a more detailed and comprehensive energy assessment. This will involve a more in-depth survey of equipment and processes, as well as conducting more sophisticated tests to uncover hidden opportunities for improvement.
