1 Energy Audits Joe Foley

 What is an energy audit?

The SEAI: Energy Audit Handbook section 1.1 page 5 defines an energy audit as
an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows for identification of energy
savings opportunities in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of
energy input into the system, without negatively affecting the outputs.

 Reasons for carrying out an energy audit

o To understand the energy use patterns of a dwelling/business
o To evaluate the feasibility of using renewable energy
o To provide information and opportunities for financial benefit or
savings
o To minimise the environmental impact such as CO2 emissions
o To identify behaviours and instil attitude changes in the use of
energy and to encourage best practices
o To identify technical opportunities and new low energy products
such as boilers, ventilation etc to increase energy output at
reduced costs
o For businesses, to aid in the research and setting up of a strategic
plan to meet targets such as the 2030 carbon neutral for industry
o To aid in the quest for certification for a formal energy
management system as set out in ISO50001

 3 different types of energy audits.

o Preliminary
o Targeted
o Comprehensive
 Preliminary audit is a basic audit that consists of a meet and greet with
the home/business contact in order to collect information and some
facts on energy consumption. Information is exchanged on the
performance and energy types compared to others. Potential areas of
energy saving and financial savings are identified and all information is
gathered and analysed.
 Targeted energy audit is providing the person with analysed data to
meet specific targeted projects. There is a detailed survey and analysis of
energy flows and costs of the targeted area and recommendations are
made.
 Comprehensive energy audits are far more detailed and consists of the
use of specific equipment to measure energy flows and perform a
detailed energy survey. Plans for energy projects are drawn up from
analysed data.

 Data collected from energy audits builds a pattern of energy

consumption and costs. Invoices of bills are analysed as well as
geographical data of the region, costs of usages as well as anomalies

 Normalised Performance indicators (NPI) “beggs, 2002”

o NPI is an indication of the energy performance of a building
o Direct energy comparison of said building with another of similar
type
o Accounts for problems, such as difference sizes, climates and
exposures from extreme elements and if a premises – opening
hours
o NPI’s are developed to assess and address these problems. Using
a benchmark
o Benchmarks are of different types of buildings encompassing floor
areas, air volumes
o NPI are essential for providing guidance
 o NPI’s are established using standard energy units and calculations
o Space heating and energy storage are correct for the climate using
standards expected of heating
o NPI is calculated using annual energy consumption divided by
floor area

 Site visits checklist as per SEAI Energy Audit Handbook section 5 page 30
o Buildings – construction, windows, roofing material
o Lighting – non-LED areas, areas left “always on”
o Heating – type, Gas or CHP
o Ventilation – Natural or HVAC or standard mechanical ventilation
o Pumps – flows and speeds – use of VSD
o Refrigeration – alternative types, temperatures
o Transport – Battery over diesel, maintenance and fuel use
o Industrial processes – energy load, demand / process analysis
o Wastewater treatment – plant design, off peak pumping
o Compressed air – leaks, modern compressors
o Renewable energy – where feasible, financial reward

 Energy surveys are essential for every energy audit. It helps to

understand the energy flows and identify any energy wasted. This
ultimately has the goal of reduce costs and environmental impact.
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