Emap - Environment Management & Assistance Program

a program of SBDC Pennsylvania

What is an Energy Assessment?

Also referred to as an energy audit, energy assessments are a terrific way to get a complete picture of your current energy consumption and where you can make improvements.

We've provided a slideshow that walks you through a typical assessment. Use the arrows above the image to scroll through and read along with the text below to follow along.

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    • Energy assessment: inital meeting

    • The assessment begins with a preliminary discussion to go over the process, gather additional information, set goals and expectations, and answer questions.

       

    • Energy assessment: hot water heater

    • Hot water heaters can consume a great deal of energy. The consultant looks closely at the boiler and water tank, noting both how efficient and how well-maintained the equipment is.

    • Energy assessment: hot water pipes
    • Digital thermometer

    • Digital thermometers measure small variations in temperature within a room and can help determine the efficiency of HVAC equipment, as well as find leaks.

    • Energy assessment, light meter

    • A light meter can indicate whether a specific area is receiving the right amount of light for its intended use. Many businesses waste energy by providing more light in certain areas than is required.

       

    • Energy assessment: high sensitivity digital thermometer

    • A high-sensitivity digital thermometer can detect localized variations in temperature, indicating possible leaks in HVAC equipment.

    • Energy assessment: refrigeration

    • Opportunities to save energy can come from a variety of different places, including refrigeration equipment.

       

    • Energy assessment: insulation

    • Insulation is another critical component of energy efficiency. The consultant checks attics and basements, where insufficient insulation often results in wasted energy.

    • Energy assessment: Air Conditioning

    • Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is a major component of any building’s energy use. The consultant checks furnaces, air conditioners and ducts for possible upgrades or repairs that would improve efficiency.

    • Energy assessment: hot water heater

    • Many clients can save money on their water heating by taking simple steps, such as lowering the temperature setting to 120° F and insulating hot-water pipes.

A professional energy consultant examines every aspect of your business and facility, collects data about energy usage, and makes recommendations for improvements.

Assessments begin with business owners gathering one year's worth of utility bills. The professional assessor will review those bills, looking for usage trends, and comparing energy costs with similar-sized businesses in the area.
 
The assessor will then schedule an appointment for an on-site visit, to walk through the facility with the owner (or other approved staff) and gather information on the existing lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, equipment, insulation, windows and other appliances.
 
After completing the walk-through, the assessor will take the information and prepare a report for the business owner, which summarizes his or her findings, and provides recommendations for improvements. Often, these reports will prioritize which items are most 'urgent' and could provide the most significant return on investment. And ideally the assessor can suggest any funding available to help you pay for your projects.
 
Professional asessors (or auditors) are certified by several different organizations.
 
EMAP consultants have a variety of certifications. You can review their bios on our staff pages.
 
Our team has provided hundreds of free, confidential assessments for small businesses over the past 7 years. We can help you identify, prioritize and implement strategies to improve your business’s energy efficiency and reduce costs. Click through the above slideshow for a “walk through” of a typical energy audit.
 
The EPA’s ENERGY STAR website also offers a video of a sample energy audit.

EMAP Resources

Energy Efficiency: Getting Started brochure

GreenQuest™, an online energy management tool, provided by Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers