Thermal loss audit
Introduction
An energy conservation measure (ECM) is any type of project undertaken or technology implemented to reduce energy consumption in a building. The types of projects implemented can come in a variety of forms, but are generally designed to reduce utility costs: water, electricity and gas are the main three for industrial and commercial companies. The objective of an ECM should be to achieve savings by reducing the amount of energy used by a particular process, technology or installation.
Energy conservation measures are often combined into larger guaranteed energy savings performance contracts to maximize energy savings and minimize disruption to building occupants by coordinating renovations. Some ECMs cost less to implement, but result in greater energy savings. Traditionally, lighting projects were a good example of "low-hanging fruit" [1] that could be used to drive the implementation of more substantial upgrades to HVAC systems in large facilities. Smaller buildings can combine window replacement with modern insulation using advanced building foams to improve energy performance. Energy panel projects[2] are a new type of ECM that relies on changing the behavior of building occupants to save energy. When implemented as part of a program, case studies (such as the District of Columbia Schools) report energy savings of up to 30%.[3] Under the right circumstances, open energy panels can even be implemented on a standalone basis. free[4] to further enhance these savings.
On a global basis, energy efficiency works behind the scenes to improve our energy security, reduce our energy bills and move us closer to our climate goals. According to the IEA, about 40% of the global energy efficiency market is financed by debt and equity.[5] Energy performance investment") is a financing mechanism through which ECMs can be implemented now and paid for with savings realized over the life of the project. While all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have statutes that allow companies to offer energy savings performance contracts, success varies due to variations in the approach, the degree of state participation and other factors.[6][7] Homes and businesses are implementing energy efficiency measures including energy-efficient lighting, insulation, and even high-tech dashboards to reduce bills by avoiding waste and increasing productivity.
Companies implementing ECM in their commercial buildings often employ energy services companies (ESCOs) with experience in energy performance contracts. This industry has been around since the 1970s and is more prevalent today than ever. The American organization EVO (Efficiency Valuation Organization)[8] has created a set of guidelines for ESCOs to adhere to the evaluation of savings achieved by ECMs. These guidelines are called the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).