Client: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service
Location: Nationwide
EA provided comprehensive energy audits at National Marine Fisheries Service research centers across the United States. Each audit was led by an Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Auditor/Manager and included an evaluation of current energy consumption levels and profiles for a variety of administrative, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities, and systems at each center. Energy/asset inventories were reviewed and potential energy conservation opportunities were identified, including utility rate analysis, energy management systems, facility modifications, adjustments, alterations, additions, and retrofits. Demand-side management programs available through servicing utility companies were investigated and recommended, as appropriate. Options for advanced metering systems including electric, gas, and water as well as on-site energy production, both non-renewable and renewable, with emphasis on renewable opportunities, were identified.
Auditors identified the existing types, conditions, operating modes, and energy consumption profiles from a range of systems, including:
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Process exhaust
- Domestic hot water generation, storage, and distribution
- Building envelopes (conduction, radiation, and infiltration gains and losses)
- Existing computerized energy management control
- Utilities including above- and below-ground heating and cooling lines, electrical distribution, etc.
- Operation/maintenance practices
- Advanced metering options
A pre-audit questionnaire was sent to each facility to assemble baseline information. On-site activities involved assessment of systems and equipment, observation of practices, and analysis of records. An audit summary report was developed consisting of recommendations for changes in operations and retrofits of facilities, systems, and equipment. Energy upgrade standards were in accordance with the Executive Order 13423, Department of Energy Federal Energy Conservation Standards, Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 435, or ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (latest edition) Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings, Except New Low-Rise Residential Buildings, and ASHRAE/IES Standard 100-2006 (or latest edition), Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration integrated the results of these assessments into capital planning efforts.
