Although this article address power audits for the hospitality industry, which includes hotels, motels and bed and breakfast operations, it can be applied to nearly every business that serves a customer base, such as restaurants, coffee shops and other business that have to accommodate customer comfort and balance energy usage.
What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a detailed analysis of your energy usage. The results of the audit can point to a list of energy conservation measures (ECMs) that you can take and are listed in descending order of no cost to low and high cost measures. This is very important in the hospitality industry, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast operations. Many of the smaller businesses depend on guest satisfaction and their spreading the word. So, for these businesses draconian measures are a no-go. An energy audit can address the many issues confronting a hospitality operation, benchmarking, procurement recommendations, even renewable energy on onsite power generation.
Power Supply Challenges Facing Restaurant Industry
There many different power supply challenges as many of these operations include a restaurant or eating establishment. Hotels are rife with machinery and all have a mortality period. They have lives such as we do and will at some point fail. But older machinery probably doesn’t live up to current power efficiencies as does newer equipment. Over ridden control points, ad hoc repairs that though planned as temporary eventually incorporate themselves as permanent part of the equipment.
Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Hospitality operations are generally known for high EUI or Energy Usage Intensity. This results from more of an emphasis on occupant comfort in contrast to efficiency and this is complicated by fluctuating occupancy levels. An audit can ferret out those areas for power efficiency without impacting the occupant comfort aspect. An audit can reveal many items that can be implemented at no cost and with the savings in power result in investment pay back in as little as a year after the audit.
ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit
The HVAC industry organization, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) practices a three-level auditing program. For the hospitality industry a Level 2 audit is suggested. Level 1 is for small operations without a centralized HVAC plant. Level 3 are on tap for capital intensive projects and generally exceed $2 million. A level 2 audit will range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Research Audit Phase
The auditing process includes multiple steps. First is the Research Phase. A PCA (Property Condition Assessment) and includes as built, and renovations and an analysis of past power usage. PCA to power usage analysis may point out potential problem points. Then comes Phase 2, the onsite inspection.
On Site Inspection Visit
On site visits take into consideration data from the research phase. Age of equipment, inspection of building systems and any mechanical issues. HVAC equipment, visual inspection of this and other onsite machinery. Include lighting, plumbing fixtures (most audits include water and power usage) automation systems, and any operational protocols in effect.
Energy Audit Analysis
The last phase is analysis. After phase 1 & 2, phase three proceeds after the walk-through. All data collected will be processed. Computer and simulation software are used in analysis to identify the ECMs with the greatest savings potential. Beyond the simulation tools are other aspects like onsite laundries, restaurants, pools and exercise rooms, with emphasis of the quality of service, and these must be accounted for when listing ECMs.
Professional Energy Audit Report
The finished report with an inventory of systems checked and a list or recommendations. The are grouped in order of expected capital outlay and of course the “no-cost” proposals that can be implemented immediately and accomplished through minor repairs or protocol changes to equipment. Even with prior audits the savings can range from 10 to 30 percent, with much more if your operation as never been audited or there is an extended time lapse since your last audit. The extended list of recommendations could include renewable energy, on-site power generation, utility incentives, energy bench marking and power procurement strategies.
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As with all business decisions it rests on the bottom-line of the register. A return on investment or ROI is considered. These audits can save hundred to thousands of dollars and lower your energy footprint in doing so. Last consideration is the auditor. Many do the calculations but never experience hands-on implementation of their recommendations. This leads to misidentification of the scope and tends to lead to underestimates of the costs involved.
Call Advanced Electric Solutions Corp. for a comprehensive energy audit today!
