Energy Auditing Brings Environmental and Financial Benefits to the U.S. Commercial Sector
Date
2015-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
An energy audit (sometimes called “energy assessment” or “energy study”)
determines where, when, why and how energy is used in a facility, and to identify
opportunities to improve efficiency. Energy auditing services are offered by energy
services companies (ESCOs), energy consultants, and engineering firms. The energy
auditors lead the audit process but work closely with building owners, staff and other key
participants to ensure accuracy of data collection and appropriateness of energy
efficiency recommendations. Energy audits are a powerful tool for identifying operating
and equipment improvements that will save energy, reduce energy costs, and lead to
better efficiency.
This paper provides an analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of an
energy audit, including an example energy study for a warehouse/distribution center,
Liberty Distributors, located in the Brooklyn, New York. The first portion of the paper
will define and give a brief history & analysis of the problem at stake, which is the highenergy
usage in the United States Commercial Sector and how we, as a nation and
society, are helping to curtail this problem through environmental efficiency mechanisms,
such as energy auditing. Next, an energy study will be presented, which will include all
information collected from the Liberty Distributors walk-through, performed by myself
and my team at Bright Energy Services. Finally, a conclusion will be presented, including
an analysis of the Liberty Distributors energy study, key findings from the research, and a
list of recommendations that were made in order to reduce the facilities intense energy
usage, such as the installation of energy conservation measures and energy conservation
opportunities. Through a literature review analysis and an example of an energy study, I will prove how energy auditing is an essential mechanism in reducing the United States
Commercial Sector’s high-energy consumption and how it can significantly lower
business’ energy bills while benefiting the environment in a positive manner.
Description
Keywords
Energy & Environmental Policy, Energy Auditing