ASHRAE Level 2 Audit Checklist for Commercial Buildings

Level 2 energy audits offer more in-depth analyses to pinpoint where businesses can cut energy waste. They allow businesses to prioritize and analyze capital cost projects for maximum return on investment.

An audit at Level 2 includes an on-site visit, review of utility bills and operating data, as well as interviews with facility personnel.

1. Review the Building Operation

As the starting point for energy optimization in buildings, level-1 audits serve as the basic starting point. They typically involve interviewing facility staff members, reviewing utility bills and operating data, conducting limited walkthrough surveys around the building and providing a report outlining various low-cost and no-cost efficiency opportunities in the form of low-cost and no-cost savings opportunities.

Some EEMs found through a level 2 audit may require significant investments of funds, personnel or other resources. Prior to making such an investment, however, the Owner will want an in-depth understanding of benefits, costs and performance expectations before proceeding with such investments. A level 3 audit (sometimes known as an "investment grade") provides this more thorough examination through more detailed field data collection as well as rigorous engineering analyses which enable accurate cost savings calculations sufficient for major capital investment decisions.

2. Review the Energy Use

Level 1 energy audits, commonly referred to as simple audits, screening audits or walk-through audits, are the quickest and least expensive way to identify high-level opportunities for cost and energy savings. They typically involve brief interviews with site operating personnel, review of utility bills and operating data and limited building surveys that assess system operations and energy use patterns.

ASHRAE Level 2 audits include more in-depth facility interviews, an intensive examination of utilities and an expanded walk through to survey systems and operations. They often involve using more complex engineering calculations for mechanical equipment as well as reviewing drawings or other detailed documents for review.

At this level, assessments may include evaluations of lighting, air quality, temperature, ventilation and humidity as they affect occupant comfort and performance. It may also involve conducting more in-depth financial assessments such as longer-term energy price projections or the cost of lifecycle equipment ownership.

3. Review the Maintenance Schedule

ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits offer more comprehensive analysis than Level 1 audits, providing more in-depth analyses to identify more complex opportunities for energy savings and improvement at your facility. Where Level 1 provides an overall overview, Level 2 takes a more in-depth approach by inspecting every aspect of your building to uncover more energy-saving possibilities.

Conduct a full energy audit of your building to quickly identify no-cost or low-cost energy savings measures. Interview with key operating personnel; review utility bills and data; walk through of building; identify no-cost energy efficiency solutions quickly.

Level 2 audits are considered an "investment grade" audit. Building upon the findings from Level-1 audits, Level 2 analyses the building energy systems to identify any possible improvements for areas like Building Envelope, Lighting, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC), Domestic Hot Water (DHW), Plug Loads Compressed Air or Process Uses.

4. Review the Building Design

Level 2 audits involve more detailed engineering analysis and an in-depth survey of building systems. The energy savings can then be identified and estimated through consumption/peak demand analysis and interviews with key personnel from within the building to identify energy efficient measures (EEMs), including no- and low-cost measures as well as modifications to building automation, operational changes or potential capital upgrades.

All these strategies can help reduce energy costs in buildings, but for some projects requiring further analysis on costs and savings, a level 3 audit may be beneficial in providing more in-depth information. Levels 1-2 audits typically serve to inform the decision of whether to move on to level 3. A level 3 provides rigorous field data collection as well as engineering analysis that is cost-effective for your most cost-efficient projects.

5. Review the Building Systems

Also referred to as a simple audit or screening audit, this level of energy assessment includes interviews with staff members, review of utility bills and operating data, as well as limited walk through of building systems and operations surveying systems and operations. Results include potential no-cost and low-cost EEMs that could be installed, operational changes that can be implemented immediately, as well as capital upgrades which require further evaluation.

At Level 3, an ASHRAE expert conducts more intensive engineering analysis of specific potential energy conservation measures, gathering and analyzing field data (sub-metering), as well as employing industry-recognized calculations methods to predict achievable energy savings. This analysis takes into account longer term energy price projections, equipment lifecycle costs, and maintenance implications.

Level-3 energy audits provide organizations that are serious about cutting waste with a more detailed, investment-grade analysis of how they might cut costs and emissions.