Sustainability and Energy Audits

A team consisting of Chapman Construction, RDK Engineers, & map-lab, performed a hybrid of a typical energy audit for an industry leader that recognized the connection between sustainability and health/wellness is critical to growth and long-term success - both internally and externally. There was a clear initiative to build on top of an already strong perception of the company’s commitment to sustainability from employees, outside investors and partners in their industry. 

Project Team & Approach: 

The Team of Chapman Construction/Design, RDK Engineers and map-lab was assembled to provide this company with a comprehensive analysis. Potential energy conservation measures were developed and analyzed based on a) their engineering merit, b) cost and constructability, and c) the potential to improve overall occupant health and comfort. 

The report included environmental, social and mechanical performance data collected over a three-week period (A timeframe reflecting a Level 1+ of 3 Analysis). The process of discovery for this report involved the following: 

• Examination of the existing facility design, construction drawings and schematics.

• Review of recent energy use history.

• Tours of the facility to review department locations / adjacencies, office equipment type / quantity / location, and operational use patterns.

• Interviews with department heads and key managers.

• Review of corporate organization, operations, and departmental interaction.

• Review of internal communication channels and policies for both promoting and monitoring sustainability initiatives.

• Detailed survey of the existing building systems: HVAC, Envelope, Lighting, Plumbing

• Infrared inspection of the building envelope with thermal imaging equipment

• Review of equipment loads and existing utility bills

• Review of building operations both from the equipment and end user perspective

• Review of employee use of technology. 

Project Findings: 

Even with an already strong commitment to sustainability, based on our investigations, our Team had identified a prioritized list of 15 energy conservation measures (ECMs). The estimated construction costs, energy savings and simple financial payback for each ECM were summarized. A detailed description and analysis of each ECM was also included. The information was derived from the Team’s collective expertise and experience, analysis of the interviews, standard design guidelines, review and analysis of existing utility bills, stated operating procedures and equipment nameplate data.

The Team estimated that implementing all recommended ECMs would cost approximately $192,000 and create more than $127,000 of annual operating savings potential. This would result in an estimated aggregate simple payback of 1.5 years.

In addition to the recommended ECMs, the Team evaluated 5 additional strategies that will clearly have energy savings, health or occupant comfort benefits. These strategies however are either not readily quantifiable or pertain to base building systems that were not under the control of corporation. These ECMs are a key component to the successful implementation of many measures in the buy-in and participation of the end-users. To that end, the Team has also included possible strategies that could be used to both roll out the conservation measures to employees as well as promote their continued engagement. These strategies, along with some graphic samples of how they may be exhibited were outlined and would serve as the beginning conversation to that roll-out.