ENERGY SURVEYS and REDUCING ENERGY AND WATER USE in Existing and Operating  Buildings  
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There are three basic approaches to making savings in operating sites:

1  Benchmarking

The Carbon Trust publishes benchmark energy performance indicators in £/sq m or kWh/sq m

The Benchmarks are 'Typical' and 'Good Practice' figures.

Your recorded consumption can be compared with a benchmark.  However, conclusions must be drawn with care. The benchmarks are for average buildings; how 'average' is the size, construction, occupation and output of your facility?  Is the area in square metres relevant to the consumption?  Would it be more useful to relate to output or occupancy?  Performance indicators are most useful when you have a range of sites to compare with which you are reasonably familiar.

Comparison of indicators will not tell necessarily you which sites have the greatest potential savings.

See benchmarks

Comparing your energy costs with benchmarks gives an initial direct indication of how many tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds should be saved each year if the recommended appropriate energy standards can be achieved.

The consultant gathers information on energy bills, site type, size and  layout, and  carry out a site visit, usually identifying a number of measures which are itemised in a report with an indication of savings and pay back periods where expenditure is needed.  For smaller sites a full energy analysis can be carried out at this stage.   

The consultant analyses energy use and potential savings. This requires a detailed energy survey, referring to record drawings of the buildings and services and to maintenance manuals and records. The analysis will look at all the consumption, and provides a detailed report showing the effect of making changes in any aspect , such as operation, controls, insulation, etc.

The consultant may use each the three approaches, either individually or in combination, according to their merit for the site or for the client. In this way the consultant aims to reduce energy and water use with a minimum of cost and effort.

 This is achieved by:

• analysis of the present energy and water use
• reporting on options for making savings
• providing options for energy management
• acting where energy costs can be most effectively saved
• extended involvement to ensure savings are achieved and recognised.

Public relations - internal and external publicity provides clear benefits. From the start of an initiative the aims, achievements and results can be publicised to the advantage of green image and both customer and shareholder perception.

Equipment and plant upgrades - you can replace and upgrade equipment which has an identifiable return, with the benefit of Enhanced Capital Allowances.

Operational improvements - improved energy efficiency often means improved operator efficiency or comfort. Significant savings of up to 50% and improved comfort and productivity can result from a simple change of plant timing to "core time plus extension" rather than "all on full on".

Keeping in control - through progress monitoring and reporting that ensures targets are set and achieved.

A consultant's typical involvement for a multi-site corporation is:

• Initial presentation of current position, opportunities, effects of Climate Change Levy.
• Calculate Performance Indicators of buildings estate to highlight high users. Compare with benchmarks. Visit and analyse selected sites, and review procedures
• Implement equipment and plant measures.
• Operational review and training programme.
• Continuing monitoring and progress assessment leading to annual publicity report summarising progress actions and benefits for the company.

Single buildings and smaller sites

For smaller sites and buildings, the consultant's service typically comprises:

• Calculate Performance Indicators
• Preliminary energy survey with initial discussions about procedures.
• Discussion of energy standards, performance against benchmarks, operational and equipment measures, Climate Levy, grants and support.
• Follow-on as appropriate:

• Continuing monitoring and progress assessment with report to building management.