Audits

Whole Building Audits and Energy Analysis

Not all energy audits are the same. We can help you understand the various levels of audits and how they can provide you with rich levels of information that inform smart decision making.

A building audit is a systematic approach to problem solving and decision making. The primary goals of an audit are to:  1) qualify and quantify how the building energy systems are performing now, 2)  identify how that performance can be improved, and 3)  project the outcomes of those improvements for the owner in financial and non-financial terms.

Audits vary in complexity.  The process depends on the configuration of the building energy systems, and the project parameters set by the client. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) has defined three progressive levels, or types, of audits.

Sustaining Structures uses the ASHRAE levels as a starting place for whole building audits.

Type of Audit Highlights
Level 1
  • Rapid assessment of building energy systems
  • Building energy benchmark
  • High-level definition of energy system optimization opportunities
  • Outline applicable incentive programs
Level 2
  • Detailed building survey of systems and operations
  • Breakdown of energy source and end use
  • Identification of EEMs (Energy Efficiency Measures) for each energy system
  • Range of savings and costs for the EEMs
  • Spotlight on Operational Discrepancies
  • Outlining priorities for limited resources, next steps, and identification of EEMs requiring more thorough data collection and analysis (ASHRAE Level-3)
Level 3
  • Longer term data collection and analysis
  • Whole-building computer simulation calibrated with field data
  • Accurate modeling of EEMs and power/energy response
  • Bid-level construction cost estimating
  • Investment-grade, decision-making support