We all know that the world needs to become more energy efficient if we are going to have any chance of fighting climate change, but how do we achieve this goal? An energy audit can be a great first step. This type of audit is becoming increasingly important in all economic sectors as businesses, homes, and other types of buildings look for ways to reduce their environmental impact and save on energy bills.
Here, we will dive deep into why an energy audit is essential in all sectors today – from its ability to identify areas where significant savings can occur to improving safety standards in many workplace environments. We’ll look at key benefits an audit provides plus some best practices when conducting one – so let’s get started!
What Are Energy Audits?
Energy audits are a process that organizations can use to achieve energy efficiency and save money. First, a detailed analysis of the organization’s energy consumption patterns is conducted to identify areas where energy costs can be reduced while still meeting operational requirements. Then, an expert in the field reviews the audit results and provides recommendations based on their findings.
These recommendations typically include implementing energy-efficient measures, upgrading lighting fixtures or electrical systems, and optimizing operating settings to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Performing an energy audit is a great way for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact and energy expenses.
Purpose Of Energy Audits
Energy Audits conduct residential energy assessments to help homeowners better understand the inefficiencies in their home’s energy usage and how they can improve it. Using sophisticated analysis tools and data analysis techniques, Energy Auditors can identify the sources of wasted energy input in residences and make cost-saving recommendations to improve energy efficiency.
Lowered utility bills, enhanced comfort, decreased environmental impact, and improved safety is some of the many benefits of implementing these recommendations. Ultimately, a homeowner can save money by conducting an Energy Audit while doing their part for the environment.
Why is an energy audit in all sectors needed?
In order to save energy and minimize energy wastage, energy audits in all sectors are essential. An energy audit reviews energy usage patterns to help identify cost-cutting measures and system defects and identify energy-saving goals. Through energy audits, energy-saving plans can be developed and implemented.
These energy-saving plans can save businesses thousands in energy costs each year, making energy auditing an invaluable tool for organizations looking to cut costs without sacrificing important resources. Investing in energy efficiency also helps improve the environment by reducing emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels for electricity generation. Therefore, energy audits in all sectors are essential for conserving energy and promoting sustainable practices.
What Is The Procedure Of Energy Audit
An energy audit is a key step in energy saving and energy management. To get started, the energy auditor first walks through the building or facility to assess energy usage and energy-saving opportunities. The energy auditor then makes recommendations for energy-saving changes that can be made.
These may include adding equipment such as solar panels, replacing existing systems with more energy-efficient models, or changing behaviors and practices for energy conservation. After examining the recommendations, the organization will create an energy-saving plan outlining what needs to be done to maximize energy efficiency. This plan will outline necessary renovations, upgrades, and investments to achieve the desired energy savings goals.
Why Are Energy Audits Important
Energy audits are key to understanding energy performance and identifying energy efficiency upgrades. A professional energy audit highlights opportunities to save energy and money, recommends strategies that can be implemented for energy savings and sets goals for energy savings – all tailored to your specific energy needs.
Over time, energy audits help identify waste areas, allowing businesses to develop a long-term energy strategy that prioritizes maximum efficiency while still optimizing business performance. Importantly, energy audits also provide information on grants and incentives that may be available to help cover the costs associated with installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Taken together, energy audits are a critical ingredient in establishing energy performance goals and laying out an achievable path toward reducing operating expenses while meeting the highest environmental standards.
What Is an Energy Audit Checklist?
An energy audit checklist is an important tool when assessing the energy efficiency of your home or business. This audit is designed to help you identify areas of wasted energy and how you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by making changes that can improve efficiency.
From the insulation in walls and ceilings to the appliances used throughout your space, the components that make up an energy audit checklist will provide a comprehensive analysis of what needs to be done. With this valuable insight, you’ll be on your way to creating a more energy-efficient home or office in no time!
Why Is An Energy Audit Important?
An energy audit is an invaluable tool that can drastically reduce your environmental footprint and help you save money in the long run. By thoroughly examining the energy uses on your property, an energy auditor can provide an in-depth analysis of all energy usage sources, pinpoint issues resulting in waste, identify opportunities for cost savings, and suggest ways to make more efficient use of available resources.
The average homeowner or business owner can benefit from such an audit – making small changes to improve efficiency can add to significant financial savings. Additionally, changes made to reduce energy usage also help protect our environment and create a healthier world for everyone. Therefore, pursuing an energy audit should be considered by anyone looking to increase their sustainability quotient and work towards having a more meaningful impact on the planet.
Benefits Of Investing In Energy Audits
Here are the benefits of investing in energy audits:
1. Maximize Energy Efficiency: An energy audit can help identify potential areas of improvement in a home or business’s energy usage, allowing for better efficiency and savings. This leads to lower energy bills, improved comfort, and increased sustainability.
2. Uncover Hidden Problems: An energy audit can reveal hidden problems that could potentially cause more energy waste. These problems might not be immediately obvious, but they can often be detected by an energy audit and corrected to save money in the long run.
3. Improve Air Quality: An energy audit can uncover potential issues with indoor air quality, such as poor ventilation, inadequate insulation levels, or other environmental factors that could impact air quality.
4. Long-Term Savings: An energy audit can identify long-term solutions to improve efficiency and save money in the long run. This can include replacing outdated equipment, installing more efficient insulation materials, or making simple changes like improving air sealing and weather stripping.
5. Financial Incentives: Many utility companies offer financial incentives and rebates for customers who invest in energy audits and improvements. These incentives can help offset the cost of an energy audit or improvements, making them a more attractive option.
6. Environmental Responsibility: Investing in energy efficiency helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent pollution. This is something that’s important to many people, businesses, and governments, and investing in an energy audit is an important step toward achieving this goal.
By investing in an energy audit, you can make sure that your home or business is running as efficiently as possible, save money on energy costs, and become more environmentally responsible. This makes it well worth the investment for many people.
Additionally, if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, an energy audit can provide important information to potential buyers or sellers. This could be valuable when it comes to negotiations and understanding the property’s true value. An energy audit might also help identify potential issues that need addressing prior to the sale.
Things To Consider When Investing In Energy Audits
Here is what you should consider when investing in energy audits:
Initial cost and the return on investment: The initial cost of an energy audit will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project and the expertise of the auditor you hire. Be sure to get detailed quotes from several qualified auditors before deciding so that you can compare their costs and determine which offers the best return on investment.
Legal requirements: Depending on the region or state in which you live, there may be legal requirements that must be met before an energy audit can begin. Make sure to check with your local government and/or utility company to determine what is necessary for a successful audit.
Type of audit needed: There are different types of energy audits that may be required for your project, such as a whole-building audit or an engineering analysis. Knowing exactly what type of audit is needed and how it will benefit you can help you make the most informed decision regarding which auditor to hire and how much to invest in the process.
Data requirements: Before an energy audit begins, you must gather the necessary data and records for the auditor to analyze. This includes such items as building plans, utility bills, equipment specifications, etc. Make sure to have all of this information readily available before scheduling an audit so that it does not delay the process.
Level of detail required: Each energy audit will require a certain level of detail and accuracy. Be sure to discuss with your auditor the level of detail needed to provide an accurate assessment of your building’s energy efficiency and any potential improvements that can be made.
Timing: Depending on the complexity and scope of the audit, it may take several weeks or even months for the process to be completed. Make sure that you have a timeline in place with your auditor so that you can plan accordingly and stay on schedule.
Considering these factors, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision when investing in energy audits. Doing so will ensure that you get the best value for your money and that you can achieve the highest energy efficiency and sustainability possible.
The Bottom Line
An energy audit is crucial in all sectors in order to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability. However, a comprehensive understanding of the audit process is necessary to succeed. This includes having knowledge about the types of equipment being used, as well as their abilities and limitations. Additionally, utility companies need to work together with businesses and industries in order to ensure that an effective energy management system is developed and implemented. Energy audits can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve economic competitiveness, and save money—but only if done correctly.
Get Help With Planning Your 2023 Building Upgrades!
Learn About How Our Free Easy To Use Platform Can Simplify Energy Compliance And Building Upgrades For You
VertPro® is a one-stop shop SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with every Energy Benchmark law across the United States, in 30 minutes or less. Beyond energy compliance, use VertPro to simplify your energy upgrades and building improvements. From obtaining multiple pre-screened bids for various energy projects (like Angie’s List, for CRE), to searching for Utility Rebates, to getting professional help identifying which upgrades are best for your specific building, VertPro® simplifies energy efficiency and compliance across your portfolio. Sign up for a free consultation above on our calendar. For any questions, you may reach me at Kevin.Sullivan@VertEnergyGroup.com or give me a call at (949) 200-7728.
Los Angeles Seismic Retrofitting Compliance Assistance
LA Seismic Retrofitting Deadline: May 2, 2023
ORDINANCE 183893 Ordinance 183893 is concerned with the definition and compliance of buildings identified for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 183893 applies the retrofit requirement to:
Buildings that have a wood frame and were permitted or built before January 1, 1978.
Buildings whose ground floor contain a parking space or other similar open /semi-open spaces.
Buildings that contain four or more dwelling units.
Ordinance 183893 also prioritizes the identification and selection of buildings in the following manner:
Priority I (Highest) - Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units. This priority has two sub-categories:
3 stories and above – the orders were sent out to these buildings on May 2nd, 2016. o 2 story – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 22nd, 2016.
Priority II - Buildings with 3 or more stories and contain less than 16 units. – The orders were sent out to these buildings on October 17th, 2016.
Priority III - All buildings not falling within Priority I or Priority II
Buildings with 9-15 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 24th, 2017. o Buildings with 7-8 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on August 21st, 2017. o Buildings with 4-6 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on September 25th, 2017. o Condos and Commercial units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on November 6th, 2017. ORDINANCE 184081 Ordinance 184081 is concerned with the Time Limits for Compliance for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 184081 applies the time limits compliance in the following manner:
The owner is expected to submit the structural analysis to demonstrate existing compliance within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit a structural analysis to demonstrate a proposed structural alteration to meet seismic retrofit requirements within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit the plans for demolition of the building within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to obtain all necessary permits for rehabilitation or demolition within three and a half (3.5) years after the service of the order.
The owner is expected to complete construction or demolition work under all necessary permits within seven (7) years after service of the order.
You Need to Retrofit if: While this can all be quite confusing and if you feel like you might not need to consider a retrofit because it doesn’t match the criteria mentioned above, wait up! The ordinances only apply to wooden structures and non-ductile concrete structures for now. However, it is always wise to check if your building is earthquake ready and if a retrofit may be required. The Department of Building and Safety has already identified the buildings that require a seismic retrofit in the state of California and has sent out notices to each of the property owners requiring them to start work on their properties. Sign up for a free consultation above on our calendar. For any questions, you may reach me at Kevin.Sullivan@VertEnergyGroup.com or give me a call at (949) 200-7728.
Last Chance to Comply Is Approaching! Learn Why:
New York City's Local Law 97 is a subset of the Climate Mobilization act. LL97 is a green energy policy that mandates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for buildings over 25,000 sq.ft.
1st Deadline: 2024 (+ additional 40% reduction required by 2030)
Penalties: $268 per metric ton over the limit
Not in compliance with Local Law 97? Time is running out to avoid substantial penalties.
Here's why:
2022 = Plan & Implement Energy Upgrades
2023 = Plan & Implement Energy Upgrades (Last chance to make upgrades)
2024 = 1 full year of proven energy reduction
2025 = Will determine if you are in compliance based on 2024 Benchmark Report
Schedule a consultation to learn about new Seismic Retrofit projects in Los Angeles you may be qualified to bid on:
Difference Between Ordinances:
There are a few key differences between the two ordinances under the LA Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program. The highlights of each ordinance are detailed below: ORDINANCE 183893 Ordinance 183893 is concerned with the definition and compliance of buildings identified for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 183893 applies the retrofit requirement to:
Buildings that have a wood frame and were permitted or built before January 1, 1978.
Buildings whose ground floor contain a parking space or other similar open /semi-open spaces.
Buildings that contain four or more dwelling units.
Ordinance 183893 also prioritizes the identification and selection of buildings in the following manner:
Priority I (Highest) - Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units. This priority has two sub-categories:
3 stories and above – the orders were sent out to these buildings on May 2nd, 2016. o 2 story – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 22nd, 2016.
Priority II - Buildings with 3 or more stories and contain less than 16 units. – The orders were sent out to these buildings on October 17th, 2016.
Priority III - All buildings not falling within Priority I or Priority II
Buildings with 9-15 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 24th, 2017. o Buildings with 7-8 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on August 21st, 2017. o Buildings with 4-6 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on September 25th, 2017. o Condos and Commercial units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on November 6th, 2017. ORDINANCE 184081 Ordinance 184081 is concerned with the Time Limits for Compliance for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 184081 applies the time limits compliance in the following manner:
The owner is expected to submit the structural analysis to demonstrate existing compliance within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit a structural analysis to demonstrate a proposed structural alteration to meet seismic retrofit requirements within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit the plans for demolition of the building within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to obtain all necessary permits for rehabilitation or demolition within three and a half (3.5) years after the service of the order.
The owner is expected to complete construction or demolition work under all necessary permits within seven (7) years after service of the order.
Use VertPro® to find new customers, simplify the bidding process, and grow your business.
VertPro® is a SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with local building codes and get bids for capital improvements (e.g. HVAC, lighting, seismic retrofits, plumbing, etc.). We simply the bidding process by connecting our clients to qualified, pre-screened contractors who specialize in their project type(s). For contractors, we provide a marketplace that helps you win more projects and reduce your cost of customer acquisition. You never pay for leads, only for projects you win. VertPro® also provides a safe and secure project management platform for better communication and project updates. Apply to be a vendor today and start winning more projects!
VertPro®, a Marketplace for Contractors to Win More Projects
Schedule a consultation to learn about new LL87 Energy Audit & RCx projects in NYC you may be qualified to bid on:
NYC Local Law 87 (LL87) requires buildings over 50,000 sq.ft. submit an Energy Efficiency Report (EER) once every ten years. Building owners are required to submit their EER in the calendar year in which the last digit of the year coincides with the last digit of the building’s tax block number. The EER must contain:
Energy Audit Report
Retro-Commissioning (RCx) Report
Building owners face penalties of $3,000 for failing to comply the first year, and then $5,000 every year thereafter until the EER is submitted. The annual deadline is December 31st. Vert Energy Group advises all clients to get started at least 12 months in advance to ensure sufficient time to complete the RCx corrections. Vert Energy Group is seeking partnerships with qualified NYC engineers to offer services for LL87 Request for Proposals (RFPs) through our VertPro® marketplace. Learn more:
Use VertPro® to find new customers, simplify the bidding process, and grow your business.
VertPro® is a SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with local building codes and get bids for capital improvements (e.g. HVAC, lighting, seismic retrofits, plumbing, etc.). We simply the bidding process by connecting our clients to qualified, pre-screened contractors who specialize in their project type(s). For contractors, we provide a marketplace that helps you win more projects and reduce your cost of customer acquisition. You never pay for leads, only for projects you win. VertPro® also provides a safe and secure project management platform for better communication and project updates. Apply to be a vendor today and start winning more projects!
VertPro®, a Marketplace for Contractors to Win More Projects
Schedule a consultation with our Contractor Relations Manager to learn about new projects your company may be qualified to bid on:
Use VertPro® to find new customers, simplify the bidding process, and grow your business.
VertPro® is a SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with local building codes and get bids for capital improvements (e.g. HVAC, lighting, seismic retrofits, plumbing, etc.). We simply the bidding process by connecting our clients to qualified, pre-screened contractors who specialize in their project type(s). For contractors, we provide a marketplace that helps you win more projects and reduce your cost of customer acquisition. You never pay for leads, only for projects you win. VertPro® also provides a safe and secure project management platform for better communication and project updates. Apply to be a vendor today and start winning more projects!