Consultation is the first point of contact with any Energy Management situation, this gives the client an opportunity to express their requirements and gain an understanding on what processes are to be undertaken. We follow a procedure which is personal and unique to each client and installation. This is achieved by personally attending the site and evaluating the impact it has on the environment and potential energy savings. The best way to evaluate energy efficiencies is to conduct an audit of the site. We conduct our audits in relation to
AS/NZ 3598:2000 energy audits, which is an Australian Standard recommended by the AGO (Australia Greenhouse Office) in the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Water Resources.
The standard defines three (3) levels of Audits:
- Level 1
This is the basic energy audit, sometimes called an overview. It evaluates the site and determines whether energy use is reasonable or excessive. The audit enables an overall level of efficiency of the site. Accuracy figures would generally be within 40%.
- Level 2
A level 2 audit is the same as level 1 but involves more investigation into energy supplied and energy usage. It also provides a statement of costs and potential savings. A report is also provided along with a briefing of personnel. Accuracy figures would generally be within 20%.
- Level 3
This is the most detailed of the reports and can be calibrated to site specific or site as a whole and provides a cost to achieve the savings. Generally the audit will require metering and or logging of data to assist with a more precise system. Reports in level 3 will justify investments and contain detailed analysis. Accuracy figures would generally be within +10% for costs and -10% for benefits.
Frequency
A Level 1 audit should be undertaken annually as a way of keeping track of the program. The higher level should be undertaken every 3 – 5 years or whenever there is a major change to any of the analysed factors relating to the existing management system.