The intention of this three-day workshop is to develop the energy auditing skills of individuals associated with small-and medium-sized (under 500 kW) commercial facilities. We will provide an overview of building technologies with an emphasis on distinguishing older, inefficient equipment from newer efficient systems. In-class exercises and a mock-audit at the end of the last day will allow the attendees to apply what they have learned. Though geared to the non-experts, attendees should have a fundamental understanding of building components and energy concepts.

The class will begin with a discussion of energy and building terms and be followed by a module on utility rates and billing data analysis. The overview of building technologies and efficiencies will include modules on lighting, mechanical systems, motors, refrigeration, gas, envelope, kitchen equipment and renewables. Because identifying retrofit opportunities is the focus of this training, instructors will illustrate optimal equipment choices though samples, images of real installations, and performance data. Measurement tools that auditors use to identify equipment efficiencies or to test system performance will be demonstrated with each topic.

Each module will include a section on calculating energy savings for various applications. Several in-class exercises using real-world data will be built around these calculations. An additional section on financial calculations will include material on pay back analysis, net present value, internal rate of return, and other life-cycle-cost analysis models.

The mock audit at the end of the last day is a 90-minute exercise/competition designed to use the attendees' newly attained knowledge of equipment efficiency and building operation. Working in small groups, class attendees will address a series of questions about the equipment and operation of a commercial building. We will assign points to correct responses and award prizes to teams with the highest scores.

Click here, for more information.