Commercial Building Energy Audits
SWA provides energy audit services for commercial, institutional and residential clients across the country. In these assessments, SWA works with building owners and management staff to identify cost effective upgrades to all systems that impact energy performance, and to locate and change energy and resource consuming maintenance practices. As part of our services, SWA provides detailed descriptions of financial incentive programs that may benefit building owners. Preliminary energy conservation recommendations are analyzed using energy modeling software to prioritize a scope of work for improvements. SWA staff meets with building owners and management to discuss audit report findings, and the implementation of recommended improvements. Owners and management staff are encouraged to attend SWA’s popular Energy Efficient Building Operator courses and national seminars; SWA also conducts site walkthroughs and on-site training for building staff at all levels.
For existing buildings, SWA professionals examine the needs of the facility, state of the existing HVAC/electric equipment, and opportunities to improve the operational performance of this equipment. The range of options are more limited than in new buildings, but similar concerns relating to interactions between systems – and with electric/gas/steam rates -- remain. In addition, SWA’s experience with commissioning allows its professionals to understand better the problems, and solutions, occurring in existing buildings.
As part of the energy analysis services, SWA staff can provide detailed feasibility assessments for projects considering a building designation through LEED for Existing Buildings, Energy Star, or other state programs. SWA also offers a range of carbon footprint analysis and reduction strategies.
Improving the built environment through research, sustainable design and technology. © 2008 Steven Winter Associates, Inc.