Energy audits. Definition, scope of action and regulations

Energy audits (Part I). Definition, scope of action and regulations.

The present post represents the first part of an article in which we delve into the field of energy audits.

Introduction and definition of audits energy.

An energy audit is defined as the procedure to through which it is possible to obtain reliable information and objective about the energy consumption of a given building, in order to detect which factors affect said consumption. In this way we will be able to understand how using the energy and thus be able to identify where it can be be wasting or squandering to be able to establish and organize possible energy saving strategies.

An audit therefore includes a complete study both technical and non-technical factors that influence the consumption of all those installations or equipment that consume energy within the building object of the study.

The energy audit focuses on to provide a technical report in which the detail the appropriate measures to carry out a management and use adequate and rational energy. It must be taken into account that in the case of buildings for tertiary or industrial use such improvement measures should not affect the quality of the service, nor to the productivity of a company, and in the use residential not interfere with the habitability of a building.

The ultimate goal of a audit is, on the one hand, to provide more efficient to rationalize energy consumption and on the other to be able to optimize the procedures and processes of a certain activity that involves the use and consumption of energy, so it will focus on:

• Get billing information energy to be able to analyze the history of consumption of resources that consume energy.
• Carry out an inventory and study and analysis both of all the machines, motors or equipment that consume energy, as well as all energy facilities and the thermal envelope of the building through cameras thermographic images to quantify, analyze and classify energy consumption.
• From said study to identify those Zones or areas likely to achieve the greatest savings energetic.
• Make proposals and recommendations for improve the energy efficiency of building.
• Quantify both energy and economically in order to obtain the return periods of the different improvement measures proposals.
• Analyze and study the rates offered by the energy companies and propose recommendations.
• Propose measures for adequate management in the use of water.

As the main advantage in the case of organizations and companies highlights the positive impact generated by reducing the production costs and at the same time improve competitiveness business, due to the fact that, above all, a rationalization and optimization of energy consumption in the production processes.

In order to carry out an adequate planning of it and establish the key points that must be take into account when making the audit , the audit technician usually resort to standard cards in which the information on the state of the facilities and audited teams, which should cover the analysis and study of the following aspects:

• Constructive systems of the thermal envelope of the building.
• Energy and electrical systems of both the consumers as well as producers.
• Equipment and installations of air conditioning.
• Equipment and installations for ventilation and air renewal of commercial premises and shopping centers work.
• Equipment and installations of lighting.
• Current status of machinery, equipment and facilities in relation to compliance with regulations in force as well as other requirements environmental.

Types of audits.

There are several types of audits energy which differ by their scope based on factors such as the number of areas analysed, the type and use of services energy sources as well as the processes analysed, so that they are grouped into the following three levels:

Level 1: Audit Preliminary:

which corresponds to the simplest or most basic type, in the which will be carried out on the one hand a visual diagnosis of the building, basic data collection and an interview minimum, a not very detailed study on the billing of energy services as well as by obtaining other data on its maintenance and exploitation, obtaining a diagnosis that is not very exhaustive about the opportunities for saving and improving energy efficiency, so that your cost is usually rather low.

Level 2: Audit detailed:

In this second case, a more detailed analysis is carried out, based on a greater amount of previous information about the construction systems and installations (plans, project reports, budgets and any other document), as well as carrying out a series of tests or verifications, through the use of technical equipment of measurement, to obtain even more real information about the state of the building. Can encompass all resources energy resources or a single resource or service in a company or work center, so that its cost can be quite greater depending on which are the parameters that define its scope.

Level 3: Audit special:

In this case we would be talking about a level audit 2, but carried out in greater detail, in which, in addition, the shot of data with measuring equipment is detailed up to the point of make a record of consumption by appliance, expanding measurements to other parameters so that they will be need more complex measurement equipment and its cost will be even higher.

Application regulations.

Technical Building Code: Decree 314/2006, of March 17, of the Ministry of Housing by which the Technical Building Code (CTE) is approved and later changes... HERE .

RITE: Royal Decree 1826/2009, of November 27, which modifies the Royal Decree 1027/2007 approving the Facilities Regulation Thermal in Buildings (BOE no. 207 of August 29, 2007)… HERE .

Modification of the RITE: Real Decree 238/2013, of April 5, which modifies certain articles and technical instructions of the Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings, approved by Real Decree 1027/2007, of 20 July…. HERE .

UNE 216501:2009: Audits energy in buildings: Requirements…. HERE . (More information in an introduction to the Regulation from HERE ).

UNE EN 15193:2008 on energy efficiency in lighting buildings…. HERE .

REBT: Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation: ROYAL DECREE 842/2002. of August 2, 2002, of the Ministry of Science and Technology by which the Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation. (BOE 09/18/2002)…. HERE .

Modification of the Regulation of technical installations in buildings : Real Decree 238/2013: By which certain articles and technical instructions are modified of the Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings ( R.D. 1027/2007).

Technical regulation of distribution and use of gaseous fuels: Royal Decree 919/2006 …. HERE .

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Let us remember the access to the article … « Audits energy (Part II). phases and development «.

Added February – 2016: Published in Spain Royal Decree 56/2016 on auditing for Spain, which partially transposes the European directive on efficiency Energy 2012/27/UE.

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Article prepared by José Luis Morote Salmeron (Technical Architect – Energy Manager - Google profile plus) Access to your website HERE, in collaboration with Home Repair Care .