All energy audits are not created equal - most are generic descriptions of opportunities to save (use high efficiency lamps, install weather-stripping) while others are point solutions provided by vendors focused on selling their products. Cleantech Solutions performs full-scale investment grade audits (IGAs), full-system survey resulting in an actionable energy plan that accurately outlines the financial and operational ramifications of projects that will improve productivity while increasing energy efficiency, resulting in decreased operating expenses.

Investment grade audits start with a scoping audit, a rapid survey of a site that quickly identifies the best opportunities to reduce costs or improve productivity. A scoping audit is typically a walk-through assessment of electrical, mechanical and building envelope systems. Combining ‘back-of-the-envelope’ calculations with domain expertise enables Cleantech to provide rough-order-of-magnitude estimations of both capital expenses and possible returns. The scoping audit has proven to be the best way to identify and prioritize potential projects.

The next step is to perform an engineering feasibility study, a detailed analysis of each of the potential projects identified in the scoping audit. Existing systems’ performance is benchmarked against efficiency standards as well as high-efficiency system. Additional factors examined include:

Energy cost drivers - How will the performance characteristics of possible solutions impact energy use and costs? Will incremental investments in monitoring and control systems be justified by reductions in demand charges?

Synergistic advantages – What are the synergistic interactions of systems? Building envelope improvements may decrease HVAC loads enabling an upgraded high-efficiency HVAC system to be downsized, saving both capital costs and operating expenses. Similarly a building automation system may not be justifiable for controlling mechanical systems alone, but when combined with controlling lighting and shedding demand during peak loads may prove invaluable., The interactions of various projects can dramatically impact the returns and attractiveness of projects.

Operational implications – As system approaches its end-of-life, maintenance costs increase. Returns on capital investments can change dramatically when considering maintenance cost reductions. Improved environmental factors such as improved lighting or better temperature control can increase employee retention and productivity while improving customer relations. Green marketing may prove a valuable asset to brand management. While quantifying the value of these factors may prove difficult, it is valuable to identify them and include them in the decision process.

Financial implications – What opportunities exist to reduce capital investment? Grants, utility rebates, and tax credits and accelerated deductions all change a project’s return on investment and can make otherwise unattractive projects desirable.

Sustainability / Carbon footprint – Reducing our impact on the environment and migrating to sustainable practices has become a requirement of the industrialized world. Energy reductions improve profitability and sustainability – both factors are very important looking forward.

The final step is to develop an energy management action plan, eMAP™. An eMAP contains exact costs, project schedules and operational impacts. For smaller investments the eMAP usually contains a fixed-bid proposal while, for larger projects, performance contracting may be a better solution as it decreases operating costs and makes a valuable capital improvement without incurring any upfront capital costs.