Building Audits

• Energy measures that can be implemented for energy efficiency and cost and maintenance savings
• Mechanical systems that are operating inefficiently
• Overall areas of improvement for operational procedures in a building

R3 Energy performs ASHRAE Level I, II, and III audits:

• ASHRAE Level I

  The Level I audit is an elementary start for creating a path to energy efficiency at your building. It entails an overview of the facility's utility bills, communication with building staff, and an abbreviated audit of the building.
  
  The ASHRAE Level I audit is designed to: help the building understand how the building performs relative to its peers; establish a baseline for measuring improvements; and determine what further evaluation into energy efficiency measures is needed. The Level I audit will also give insight into the number of possible financial incentives available through Federal, State, Local, and Utility sources.

• ASHRAE Level II

  A Level II audit includes an energy reduction plan with detailed energy calculations and financial analysis of proposed energy efficiency measures. The financial analysis allows the Property to understand the financial benefits of installing energy efficient measures. This also is the type of audit required by PlaNYC Local Law 87.
  
  The Level II process begins with a detailed analysis of energy consumption in order to quantify electric and gas loads, weather pattern variations, and efficient energy costs. Our auditors will assess lighting, air quality, temperature, ventilation, humidity, and other conditions that could affect energy performance and occupant comfort. Utility bills and assistance from onsite management may be needed during the process, if not previously acquired.
  
  The Level II audit results in an Energy Reduction Plan (ERP) which analyzes Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) that could include: HVAC measures, CHP, an oil or steam to natural gas conversion, modifications to system controls and building automation, operational changes, and potential capital upgrades. This allows a client to evaluate the EEMs and decide the direction to go with implementation. For other EEMs that require complex interaction among building systems or potentially large financial investments, it may be necessary to dig deeper into the building operation as well as the human factors influencing overall performance.

• ASHRAE Level III

  Some of the system updates or retrofits revealed by the Level II audit may need significant investment of funds, personnel, or other limited resources. Before making the investment, a client will most likely want a more thorough understanding of the benefits, costs, and performance expectations.
  
  The ASHRAE Level III audit usually focuses on a "whole-building computer simulation", where some type of computer program is used to very accurately model how a brick-and-mortar building would react to changes in the energy systems, whether those are major HVAC retrofits or architectural modifications to wall space, windows, and roof. The ASHRAE Level III audit involves much more detailed information collection over a period of weeks or even months. Data loggers typically are placed temporarily to keep track of the operation of pumps and motors, temperatures of affected spaces, lighting levels, switching behavior, and additional factors. The final report will be reviewed with the Owner to evaluate the EEMs and decide the direction to go with implementation.

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