SAVING ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

ENERGY AUDITS AND SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

Energy Audits

Many energy efficiency upgrades begin with an Energy Audit. ECOsystems employs accredited energy auditors and all audits are peer reviewed.

It is one thing to be accredited as an energy auditor but when it comes to energy audits, what is necessary is a wide range of practical experience to go with the theoretical savings calculations. This is where ECOsystems comes into its own with a wide range of experience to call on within our staff. View our Staff Profiles to get some idea of the range of practical experience.

As well as this practical experience there is no better test than to implement the recommendations and monitor the results. Because ECOsystems are systems integrators and have installed more than 50 energy efficiency upgrades (not just audits) between Dunedin and Auckland, we know what works and what actually achieves savings for you.

What can you expect to save?
Our experience suggests that an audit would identify measures to produce a 20% reduction or more in your energy costs

Levels of Energy Audits:
The New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3598:2000 (Energy Audits) sets out the standard required for completing an energy audit.

Level 1 Audit.
This is sometimes called an overview and allows the overall energy consumption of the site to be evaluated to determine whether energy use is reasonable or excessive. It provides initial benchmarks so that the effect of any efficiency measures can be tracked and evaluated.

A level 1 audit is expected to give an overview, which provides rough orders of savings and costs. Accuracy would generally be within ±40%.

Level 2 Audit.
A level 2 audit identifies the sources of energy to a site, the amount of energy supplied, and what the energy is used for. It also identifies areas where savings can be made, recommends measures to be taken and provides a statement of costs and potential savings.

A level 2 audit is an energy use survey which is expected to provide a preliminary assessment of costs and savings. Accuracy of figures would generally be within ± 20%.

Level 2 is the most common standard used in New Zealand.

Level 3 Audit.
A level 3 audit provides a detailed analysis of energy usage, the savings that can be made and the cost of achieving those savings. It can cover a whole site or concentrate on an individual process or service. The auditor may employ specialist staff to carry out specific parts of the audit or may need to install local metering or logging.

A level 3 audit is expected to provide a firm estimate of savings and costs. Accuracy of figures should be within ± 10%.

Most of ECOsystems audits meet the Level 3 criteria as we have our own technical staff and loggers and you end up with an actual cost of installation.

Government Subsidies are currently available.

EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) has established an Energy Audit Grant Scheme. This grant is an incentive to complete an energy audit by an accredited energy auditor. This grant provides a subsidy of up to a maximum of $50,000 and is for 50% of the cost of an energy audit.

ECOsystems is happy to apply for the funding on your behalf and our audits provide all the information you require to report back to EECA. Part of our system of making things simple for time constrained executives.

Energy Audit Grant Scheme (PDF 36KB)

Energy Audit Grant Application Form (117KB)

Cost of energy audits.
The price is largely dependent on the time required to complete the audit and the level of detail and accuracy of costs. ECOsystems audits are typically based on an end result where you know what the actual cost of installing the energy efficiency measures will be.

Typically you can expect to pay between 5 and 10% of your annual energy bill and of this up to 50% can be claimed as a Government subsidy under the "Audit Grant Scheme".

Design audits.
The most cost-effective time to complete an energy audit is at the design stage. By looking at replacing 'standard' components with energy efficient ones, we can consider the 'marginal costs' of the more efficient components over the 'standard' items and work out the energy savings of these products relative to this additional cost. Most people are amazed at the benefits of more energy efficient components when presented in this way. And of course you continue to reap the benefits for the following 10 years.

About Us | Products | Energy Audits & Systems Integration | Commercial Building Automation
Home Automation | ECO News | Funding | Sitemap | Home

ECOsystems Limited, Level 2, 17 Raroa Road, Lower Hutt, NEW ZEALAND