Energy Audits for Buildings

Our energy audit service provides a comprehensive and systematic assessment of a building and its installations to gain a detailed understanding of the different energy consumption patterns and their sources. This makes it possible to identify and quantify potential energy savings, assess their likely impact and estimate the payback period for the associated investments. The proposed improvement measures must not reduce the quality of services provided, productivity or building comfort; they may also bring additional benefits in these areas. We carry out energy audits in accordance with the criteria established in standard UNE 16147, covering the following stages:

• Preparation
• Site Visit and Inspection
• Data Collection
• Energy Accounting
• Proposed Improvements and Their Assessment
• Preparation of the Final Report

The image shows some of the measurement equipment available to the research group for on-site measurements during energy audits. The group can also provide access to any equipment required to carry out this type of audit. In addition, the group has all the technical resources and personnel needed to conduct detailed energy assessments, including energy analysis using simulation tools such as HULC, Calener, Cype and EnergyPlus.

This service is available to both private individuals and professional clients who want to assess the condition of their buildings and installations and identify opportunities for improvement in terms of energy savings, regulatory compliance and thermal comfort.

Buildings account for 40% of total energy consumption in the European Union, exceeding the shares attributable to industry and transport. This means there is considerable potential for energy savings across the existing building stock. By using new technologies alongside smart energy-efficiency measures, substantial energy savings can be achieved while also improving indoor comfort. Drawing on our experience, we can conduct energy audits that provide a sound basis for building services refurbishment projects, helping to reduce energy consumption, meet applicable regulatory requirements and improve comfort in buildings. Compared with similar services offered by other professionals, our work benefits from the expertise and technical resources of researchers at a public university. We can therefore provide a comprehensive service in accordance with the relevant UNE standards, covering all standardised stages of the audit. Furthermore, our university research group is committed to delivering a professional and comprehensive service, rather than focusing solely on financial gain.

We have previous experience in conducting energy audits in different types of buildings. Examples of completed audits include:

• Audit of the General Library building at the University of Alicante.
• Audit of the Aulario I General teaching building at the University of Alicante.
• Audit of the thermal energy production plant at a shopping centre in Alicante.
• Audit of the thermal energy production plant at the Quorum III building of Miguel Hernández University of Elche.
• Audit of the thermal energy production plant at an educational institution.
• Audit of a hospital with a capacity of 200 beds.
• Audit of a logistics warehouse comprising two units measuring 14,000 m² (Unit 1) and 5,000 m² (Unit 2), with offices, a loading bay and storage areas.

• Public Sector Organisations (universities, local councils and public hospitals).
• Private Service Sector (hotels, shopping centres and corporate offices).
• Industry and Logistics (warehouses and industrial units with offices).
• Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and Building Engineering Firms.

Pedro Ginés Vicente Quiles – University Research Institute for Engineering