An ASHRAE Level I audit will include a full day walk-through of the facility, a building benchmark using the EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager, a list of no-cost/low-cost measures, and a list of higher cost energy conservation measures (ECM). The final report will detail energy and cost savings for each ECM identified, any applicable Utility rebates and/or tax credits, and a building energy balance. Following the full day onsite assessment, a detailed report will typically be developed within 3-4 weeks. For those clients interested in obtaining LEED-EB certification, an ASHRAE Level 1 audit is required for the Energy & Atmosphere Prerequisite 1, and the Energy Star Benchmark is required for EA Prerequisite 2, as well as, for obtaining credits from EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Efficiency Performance. Best For: Medium to Large businesses or those looking to achieve LEED-EB certification.*

Level II audits include a more detailed building survey and energy efficiency study of capital intensive components. The process is similar to a Level 1 audit, including a full day site visit; however the final report includes a detailed financial analysis of all identified ECMs that meet the facility’s economic criteria based on project implementation costs, operating costs, and achievable savings. For each ECM, you will know the amount of energy and cost savings, cost of the measure, and the payback period. Additionally, discussions regarding beneficial changes to operation and maintenance procedures are included. A report is typically generated within 4 weeks of the onsite survey. For those clients seeking LEED-EB, an ASHRAE Level 2 audit satisfies EA Credit 2.1 Option 2, and is good for 2 points towards final certification.

Comprehensive investment-grade energy audits for commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities require an extensive amount of engineering effort, typically 3-7 days of onsite visits, including measured data collection and thorough surveys of building systems. In an investment-grade audit, MWE2’s engineers will conduct an in-depth investigation of the facility, and develop a DOE-2 based energy model which is calibrated against historical billing history. Typically the final report is developed within 2-3 months of the initial site visit. In this way, investments in energy efficiency are based on solid information and accurate estimates of project costs and savings. As the costs for this level of effort can be high, typical candidates are facilities whose electric demand exceeds 200 kW.

An energy model is an indispensable tool for green building design that helps to maximize energy conservation, decrease environmental impact, and generate savings over the life of your building. The model is a computer generated simulation used to analyze different energy conservation measures and compare them to a baseline design so that Environmental Building Strategies can identify the best solutions. When conducted early in the life-cycle of the project the energy model will determine the best way to lower energy costs while attaining LEED credits for your certification.