Monitoring current energy expenditure:
The first step of the energy audit is to create a system that monitors current energy expenditure. The idea of this is to analyze past and current spending on energy consumption to analyze trends. This is a system of benchmarking to help in the effort to bring consumption below existing levels. Steps to achieve this include making copies of all energy bills and storing them in a separate file in order to calculate trends at the end of the year. Charting out the findings and making the information public will help to spread awareness about energy consumption levels.
Identifying areas of energy consumption that need reduction:
By charting out energy consumption levels the energy management team might discover areas in which the school needs to cut down on its energy spend and chalk out ways it can do so. For example the school might identify a need to change electricity consumption patterns. Alternatives to existing fuels that are being consumed for heating may be identified. The management will also be able to calculate the average consumption during peak hours and non-peak hours and use of electricity during holidays or over weekends.
Involve students in the energy audit process:
Students need to be involved in the energy audit process. By displaying the energy expenditure graphs on notice boards, students may be able to contribute reasons as to why there have been abnormal peaks. Students may be able to point out links such as record hot or cold spells, extended school hours etc. Students will learn the cause and effect relationship between the working of the school and its energy expenditure and may be able to suggest innovative ways to cut down on spending.
Cataloguing existing equipment:
The second part of an energy audit is to take stock of the type of equipment that is being used on the school premises. This involves drawing up a detailed school plan and listing out different sources of energy consumption. This includes doing an inventory of lighting – in classrooms and in other areas, space heating or cooling, hot water and other equipment that adds to the energy consumption.
Calculate the variance between expected and current expenditure:
Once the audit is done, the energy management team can calculate the expected expenditure of running the various appliances in the school and compare it to the actual expenditure. If there is a large variance, the cause of the gaps needs to be identified and energy-efficient equipment brought in to replace old appliances and equipment.
