Energy Survey Data Collection

When carrying out an energy survey, data collection should include a wide range of information that can best identify how and why energy is being used.

The energy survey should start by collecting data about energy consumption. This can be as simple as identifying old energy bills and building up a profile of energy consumption over a given period of time. In many cases, this should be done over a period of at least 12 months to give an idea of how energy throughout the seasons. Where possible, the information in energy invoices should be backed up with meter readings, but if you just starting an energy survey in this information may not be available.

Automated Meter Reading

The collection of monthly invoices and manual meter readings is rarely a perfect solution to collecting energy survey data. Invoices can often be inaccurate and rarely issued on the same day each month. Similarly, manual meter readings leave many opportunities for simple, but significant, errors that can be difficult to identify at first. However, one solution could be to use automated meter reading equipment that will collect energy data at set intervals. For example, you may wish to energy at 8 AM on the first day of each month. This is a very simple process with automated meter reading, but if the first day of the month is a Saturday and staff only work weekdays, then a manual meter reading probably won't be taken until the following Monday, or even a Tuesday if it is a bank holiday week.

Floor Area and Layouts

In addition to the energy consumption data, the energy survey should collect data on the building including floor areas and basic building layouts. This will enable the survey to measure like with like over time, and make any adjustments if the layout of the building should change significantly throughout the course of the energy management system.

Building Use and Occupancy Patterns

The way in which a building is used and occupied can have significant impacts on energy consumption. The energy survey should also consider any people that have a significant impact on total energy consumption within the organisation. For example, an office may be used primarily on weekdays between 8 AM and 6 PM, but security open the building at 6 AM and lock-up at 10 PM. How does this affect overall energy consumption with equipment being switched on and switched off and what time could be defined as the beginning and end of the day. During busy periods, how does the building use and occupancy change to accommodate occasional weekend working, and should this be factored into overall energy performance?

Building Services

Before starting the energy survey you should collect at least basic information on the building services to have a better understanding of the heating, lighting, cooling and ventilation systems. This should include developing a basic knowledge of how the systems were designed and how they were intended to be used. By understanding the design strategy of the available building services you will be able to form a more developed picture of how the system and requirements may have changed over time and these subsequent effect on energy consumption.

Previous Reports

Finally, before carrying out the energy survey, collect any available information from earlier energy survey reports such as display energy certificates, energy performance certificates, air conditioning inspections and similar surveys.