Retrotec USACE - Manual (Page 35)

Chapter 2 13
among different user groups as well. Instead of permanent submeters, it
may make sense also to use temporary portable instrumentation to record
usage.
Step 3: Carry Out Level I–III Assessments
After setting up monitoring activities and sorting out the objects with the best
potential for energy savings, energy assessment (audits) can be conducted on
entire sites or individual areas of the organization such as single operating
units, specifi c systems (e.g., heating, cooling, compressed air), specifi c build-
ings, or particular items of equipment. It is often reasonable to begin with a
walk-through assessment (Level I) and to carry out a preliminary survey to
fi nd the key target areas for more detailed assessments (Level II–III). Another
decision to make is whether to carry out the assessments in-house, which, at
least at fi rst, requires training personnel. Another alternative is to hire outside
expertise, which is often justifi ed for performing certain assessment tasks. As-
sistance from site personnel (site access, escorts, history of use/performance,
etc.) will be necessary in both cases. Detailed instructions for Level I–III ac-
tions will be given in later chapters.
Step 4: Develop an Action Plan for the
Implementation of ECM
When energy assessment results are available, a detailed action plan must be
prepared to ensure a systematic implementation of energy performance mea-
sures found in Level I—III assessment. The action plan must be regularly up-
dated, most often on an annual basis, to refl ect recent achievements, changes
in performance, and shifting priorities. While the scope and scale of the action
plan is often dependent on the organization, the following steps outline a basic
starting point for creating a plan (EPA’s guidelines for energy management):
Identify gaps between current performance and goals by reviewing the 1.
results of the technical assessments and audits.
Determine who should be involved and what their responsibilities will
2.
be. Depending on the organization and action plan, this might include
several in-house actors.
Determine the degree to which consultants, service providers, ven-
3.
dors, and other product providers will be used. Some organizations may
choose to outsource entire aspects of their action plans while others may
only want to contract with specifi c vendors for limited projects.
Estimate the cost for each item of each project in terms of both human
4.
resources and capital/expense.