Energy Assessments

Over the years I have surveyed probably thousands of properties, different sectors and in many countries. They all have common criteria. They have four walls and a roof, that have an entrance, they have plant rooms and they all consume energy. It does not matter where the country is, who the company is or what the company does. I will follow my own proven way of carrying out an energy assessment.

I always follow the same route and I always begin outside of the building. The important factor is the client needs to understand the expectation of my assessment.

I have broken it down into these areas:

1. Scope
2. Set-Up Meeting
3. Energy Assessment
4. Debrief

Scope

The energy assessment process shall be:

• Appropriate, suitable to the agreed scope, aims and thoroughness.
• Complete, in order to define the assessment object and the organisation
• Representative, in order to collect reliable and relevant data.
• Traceable, in order to trace the origin and processing of data
• Useful, in order to include a cost effectiveness analysis of the energy saving opportunities identified
• Verifiable, in order to allow the organisation to monitor the achievement of the targets of implemented energy efficiency improvement opportunities.

The energy assessor shall agree with the organisation on the aims, needs and expectations concerning the energy assessment. The scope and boundaries for example the surrounding area to the building, the roof, the loft space, all plant rooms, all operational areas including industrial if applicable and the vehicle fleet. The assessor will also agree levels of thoroughness for example duplication of an area. The assessor will agree in advance the timescales involved to complete the building energy assessment. This will ensure that all time commitments from the staff of the organisation is focused on making a difference on the day of the assessment.

The energy assessor shall request information about the building prior to his visit and whilst surveying the building he may ask for additional data, which may not be available on the day.

The actual assessment report will be made available in draft format on completion of the visit and within 5 working days the report will be finalised ready for inclusion into the ESOS business plan and issued to the key parties.

The Set-up Meeting

The aim of the set-up meeting is to brief all interested parties about the energy assessment objectives, scope, boundaries and depth of the assessment.

The organisation will nominate the person or persons ultimately responsible for the energy assessment within the organisation and ideally, they would have a technical background. 
The nominated person will liaise with the energy assessor and where necessary they will be supported by other appropriate individuals constituted as a team for the purpose. To inform affected personnel and other interested parties about the energy assessment and any requirements placed on them in connection with the assessment to ensure the cooperation of all affected parties.

During the meeting safety and security rules will be agreed, resources and data to be provided. The energy assessor shall describe the processes, the means and schedule of the energy assessment and explain the process of the day or time on site.

Energy Assessment Survey

The energy assessor will carry out an agreed survey route around the building with the nominated person or persons. During the assessment he will request to review all accessible areas and focus on best practice, existing energy management technologies, heating, cooling, lighting and power. The energy assessor will be following BS 16427 to carry out the onsite assessment.

The Report

On completion of the assessment a provisional report will be prepared to issue to the team on site the findings on the day.  This will ensure that the energy assessment requirements agreed with the organisation have been met. It will report possible measures for improvement with zero cost, medium and high capital costs. Each measure that has been identified will have an associated cost, saving and simple payback.

The exact content of the report shall be appropriate for the scope, aim and thoroughness of the energy assessment.

The report of the energy assessment shall contain:

• Executive summary
• Energy efficiency improvement opportunities
• Proposed actions, recommendations, Action plan and implementation
• Final Review on Site

Final meeting

At the final meeting, the energy assessor shall:

• Hand over the report on the day of the energy assessment
• Present the results of the energy assessment in a way that facilitates decision-making by the organization.