Model Energy Audit

Prepared by

Y Company
Prepared for:

X Company

Contents

Executive Summary
The xxxxxx was surveyed in February 1994. The energy use index of 285kWh/m2/yr is high for a building of this type, with 200kWh/m2/yr being more usual. See table 1.1 below for a summary of current energy consumption. The HVAC and hotwater systems seem to be responsible for most of the excess energy use and further investigation of these systems is recommended. Energy saving opportunities were also found for electricity. Table 1.1 Summary of Annual Energy Usage Building Gross Floor Area m2 Current If T1 met If T1 and T2 met 5,734 Annual energy Usage, kWh Energy Use Index kWh/m2/yr Annual Energy Cost (GST excl) $133,200 $122,144 $93,283 $11,056 $39,917 Energy cost saved

1,637,118 1,589,159 1,043,588

285 277 182

A summary of energy saving opportunities is shown in table 1.2. The no cost / low cost opportunities are identified as being "Target 1" (T1) opportunities. More capital intensive energy saving opportunities lead to "Target 2" (T2) energy savings. The magnitude of the capital costs are also estimated. Firm quotes should be obtained from suitable suppliers before capital works are undertaken. Further investigation of some of the energy saving opportunities is required where indicated. A monitoring programme would need to be put in place while these opportunities are being pursued to ensure satisfactory results are being obtained.

Energy breakdown (Cos t) Space heating DH W Lighting Air conditioning Office equip Cooking Other

Energy breakdown (kWh)

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Table 1.2 T1 Energy saving opportunities Report Section Target 1: Operational or housekeeping measures Cost Annual energy & mtce cost savings Annual Payba demand ck cost years savings $3,193 <1 year -

3.3

Monitor electricity use carefully and identify the source of the occasional peaks. Our experience shows that there is usually a common factor. Identify any loads that can be time switched to operate after hours. The pumps that supply water to the water towers are an option. Consider reducing contract capacity to 200kVA for the warmer months of the year. Reassess the load profile after implementing the recommendations of this report. It should be possible to safely reduce contract capacity to 200kVA all year round. Review service contract options for the pneumatic control system. With the exception of laboratory and equipment areas requiring particular climate control conditions, ensure that all air conditioning is set to maintain no less than 23oC. Replace 38mm fluorescent tubes with 26mm triphosphor lamps when due for replacement. Bulk replace lamps at regular intervals. Purchase a light meter for the maintenance manager. Identify areas that are overlit and delamp as necessary. In the Communications Area, remove one lamp per fitting and replace the remainder with triphosphor lamps. Control of the DHW circulating pump to be altered to ensure that the pump is off outside office hours. It is recommended that staff be instructed to turn off office equipment when not in use, particularly when they go home for the day.

low

3.3

low

unknown

3.3 3.3

low low

$3,193 as above

4.1.2 4.1.7

low low

up to $5,000 Unknown

<1 year

4.2.1 4.2.1 4.2.2

low low low

$2,000 $1,000 > $1000

2-3 yrs <1 year <1 year <1 year <1 year

4.2.8

low

$250

4.3.1

low

$1,200

4.4.1

low

$2,000

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4.4.1

It is recommended that all future purchases of PCs VDUs and laser printers comply with the US EPA Energy Star criteria. Investigate whether the compressors can be set to optimise the use of off peak electricity. Investigate the possibility of rationalising the use of the freezers. It may be possible to shut down one of the -70oC freezers or a some of the domestic freezers.

low

>$5,000

4.4.3

low low

upto $500

unknown -

4.4.5

Consider gas appliances when purchasing new equipment for the cafeteria. Subtotal: T1 Measures

low

unknown unknown $6546 $6,386

Notes 1. 2. The above subtotal does not include the potential savings in service contract costs. The contract capacity savings are included. Summer time savings of $3,193 are realistically achievable based on historical data. This should be discussed with Capital Power. Winter savings would require careful evaluation as stated. Important. Before reducing any contract capacity, it is recommended that some of the T2 opportunities be implemented, particularly those that reduce the electrical base load. Because of the fixed cost component of the electricity pricing, all electricity savings are calculated at a rate of $0.08c/kWh. Savings in gas cost are calculated at a rate of $0.035c/kWh

3. 4.

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Table 1.3 T2 Energy saving opportunities Report Section Target 2: Retrofit Measures Cost Annual Annual energy & demands mtce savings savings $1,350 Pay back years <2 yrs

4.1.2

Fit valve blankets or some other suitable insulating device to all uninsulated valves in the hot water pipework. Commission a further study to investigate the feasibility of installing a gas fired waterheater to replace the calorifier. Study cost $1,000 Commission a further study to investigate converting the air handlers back to recirculating mode. Study cost $2000-$3000 Fit door closers to the doors of all rooms fitted with local air conditioners Replace all corridor fittings with 4 ft singles fitted with low loss ballasts and prismatic diffusers. Install 36 watt lamps. Replace all light fittings in offices with new light fittings fitted with low loss ballasts and triphosphor lamps. Estimated cost - $30,600 -Marginal cost of replacement as opposed to repair - $12,600 Delamping as a result of replacing light fittings as suggested above. Investigate replacing the 5ft twin reflector fittings illuminating the library shelves with 5ft singles fitted with specular reflectors. Investigate replacing the opal diffusers on the 24 5ft single tube light fittings with prismatic diffusers. Fit skylights into the ceiling of the workshop. This will provide an improved quality of light and enable the lights to left off most of the time. Replace the existing aquarium area light fittings with 5ft single fittings and fit specular reflectors complete with triphosphor lamps.

$1,500

4.1.2

$5,000

$5,000

1 yr

4.1.2

$30,000

$10,000

3 yrs

4.1.7

$2,500

>1,200

<2 yrs

4.2.3

$4,000

$2,170

<2 yrs

4.2.4

$12,600

$4,200

3 yrs

4.2.4 4.2.5

low $4,500

$2,808 1,050

low 4.3 yrs

4.2.5

$720

Nil

NA

4.2.6

$1,500

$672

<3 yrs

4.2.7

$920

$297

3.1 yrs

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4.2.7

Rewire the 4 light fittings at the seaside end of the aquarium on to their own circuit with a separate switch. Fit occupancy sensors to operate the lights in the computer room. Consideration be given to modifying the domestic hot water system to comply with the new building code. Commission a report to investigate installing a seawater cooled coil in the multizone AHU. This may eliminate the need for many local air conditioners. Reduce contract capacity to 200kVA all year round. This could be quite safely done once the above measures had been implemented. Subtotal T2 Measures

$250

$100

2.5 yrs

4.2.13 4.3.1

$350 Not known

$120 Nil

<3 yrs -

Not known

Not known

low

$6,386

$59,840

$28,967

$6,386

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1.0
1.1

Introduction
Description of Building

The campus consists of a number of separate buildings. The main building is a 5 story concrete structure consisting of 4 levels of mainly offices and a few laboratories. The 5th level is a dedicated plantroom. Attached to the main building and to the east is a library, cafeteria and conference area. Attached to the main building and to the north is a 2 story (single level plus mezzanine) area which houses the aquarium, the wet lab and the Communication Centre. Two water towers provide a gravity feed for the fish tanks in the aquarium. The rest of the complex comprises a substantial store and workshop area. The store includes an office and administration area that also houses the computer centre. 2.0 Historic Energy Use

Table 2 shows the energy costs and intensities. Table 2 Energy consumption year ended June 94 kWh cost kWh/m 2 Gas Common electricity Totals 916,998 720,120 1,637,118 $32,356 $100,844 $133,200 160 125.6 285.6 cost/m 2 $5.64 $17.59 $23.23

2.1

Energy Use Index

The energy use index for the building is 285kWh/m2/year for the year ended July 94. This does not compare well with the target figure of 140kWh/m2/annum suggested by NZS 4220:1982 or the typical consumption of buildings of this type of 200kWh/m2/annum. Given the anomalies noted in the gas use, one can only assume that the Heating and hotwater systems are responsible for the excessive energy use.

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Energy Consumption

140000 120000 100000 k W 80000 h r 60000 s 40000 20000 0 J u l-93 Se p -93 N o v -93 G as J a n -94 M a r-94 M a y-94 Ele c t J u l-94

250.0

200.0 d e g 150.0r e e 100.0d a y s 50.0

The above graph shows monthly energy consumption with a line showing degree days

0.0 Se p -94

D e g re e

superimposed upon it. It can be seen quite clearly from this that gas consumption tends to follow the degree day line. The variance of actual gas use from theoretical demand is 0.93. The maximum possible is 1 and above 0.8 is regarded as good. A variance of 0.93 is thus regarded as very good. This indicates that there is a good control system that is performing well. It is of some concern though that the gas use appears to be comparatively high during the autumn and spring periods. This should be closely monitored during those periods to see if it can be explained. It can also be seen that even during the months when there is no heating requirement, there is still a considerable gas load. This "base load" appears to be due to the gas water heating and a "leaking" of heat into the heating and ventilation system during the summer periods. This will be discussed in more detail later in the report. There is some concern though that the base load is so high that the above mentioned gas water heating and a "leaking" of heat into the H&V system may not account for it all. Once the above issues have been addressed; summer gas use would normally reduce to approximately 10% of winter peaks. Careful monitoring is required to ensure that these results are obtained. If the results are not obtained, further effort is required to account for all of the gas use. The electricity use is essentially constant with the exception of the December period which obviously reflects the holiday period.

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This point is further illustrated in the following graph.

Heating Performance Chart

140000 120000 100000 k W 80000 h r 60000 s 40000 20000 0 0.0 50.0 100.0 150.0 200.0 250.0 Degree days Gas Elec t

It can be seen that the gas use rises continuously as weather gets colder. The electricity demand however remains constant regardless of outside temperature conditions. This indicates that there is very little use of portable electric heating in the building. However, given the substantial amount of air conditioning in the building (2 100kW chillers and 28 individual air conditioners plus the chillers for the computer area) I would expect to see an increase in the summer period. It would appear that these units are operating all year round and may be working in opposition to the heating system in the winter periods.

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3.0 Tariff Review

The client is currently on Time of Use Tariff. With the Time of Use tariff, the customer pays: a fixed cost of $17.75/day for every 50kW of contract capacity, plus a fixed cost of 1.5c/u for every unit of electricity used, plus a unit cost which varies according to the time of day. These are expanded upon below: 3.1 Contract Capacity

The client currently pays for 250kVa of capacity but seldom exceeds 200kVa. The penalties for exceeding the stated contract capacity however are horrendous. In the last 12 months, you exceeded 200kVA 5 times by amounts varying between 3 and 20 kVA. Capital Power advise that the penalties for these excesses would have amounted to $53,000. The savings by reducing the contract capacity to 200kVA would amount to only $6,487.75. It was noted that the peaks all occurred in the colder months of the year. It is possible to reduce the contract capacity to 200kVA for the warmer months of the year and remain at 250kVA during colder months of the year. 3.2 Fixed Unit Charge

The 1.5 cents/unit is a fixed charge. The only option for reducing this cost is to reduce electricity consumption. 3.3 Time of Use

The Time of Use component is charged at different rates for each half hour of the day. It is at its highest between the hours of 8am and 8pm and at its lowest between 8pm and 8am. The aim of the Time of Use tariff is to encourage off peak use of electricity and to encourage customers to manage their load. Under ideal conditions, it can be very cost effective. In this case however, it is proving expensive due to a poor load factor i.e. low off peak loads and high daytime use. The average cost of electricity is currently working out to be 11.95 cents/unit. Other rates have been considered. The commercial anytime at 11.79c/u would appear to be the most attractive but Capital Power advise that it is not available because you are supplied from a dedicated transformer.

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T1 Recommendation Monitor electricity use carefully and identify the source of the occasional peaks. Our experience shows that there is usually a common factor. Identify any loads that can be time switched to operate after hours. The pumps that supply water to the water towers are an option. Consider reducing contract capacity to 200kVA for the warmer months of the year. Reassess the load profile after implementing the recommendations of this report. It should be possible to safely reduce contract capacity to 200kVA all year round.

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4.0 Study of end uses

4.1
4.1.1

HVAC
General

The main building is serviced by a total of 5 Air Handling Units (AHUs). All AHUs operate on the straight through or single pass mode whereby the building is supplied with continuous fresh air which is exhausted immediately after use. i.e. no air is recirculated. This is not energy efficient but considering the nature of the use of the building, it was no doubt prudent at the time it was set up for health reasons. It may now be possible however to recirculate much of the air. Many of the rooms that were previously set up as laboratories appear to be now used as offices. It should be possible to seal the return air grills in the laboratories and exhaust air via local expelairs. This would require further investigation. 4.1.2 Description

The bulk of the building is serviced by the Multizone (main AHU) and the 2 AHUs servicing the NE and the NW zones of the 3rd floor. Each of these AHU's consists of a supply air fan, an exhaust air fan and a heating coil. All AHUs are fitted with recirculating dampers but these are locked in the full fresh air mode. The heating coils are all fed by hot water supplied by a gas fired boiler. No mechanical refrigeration is available to the areas cooled by these AHUs. The other two AHUs, the North and South zone units are each fitted with heating and cooling coils. The cooling coils are fed with chilled water supplied by two 100kW Cookes Chillers. The condenser circuits use sea water for cooling. It was noted during the survey that the insulation on the chilled water valves require attention. Hotwater is supplied to the AHUs by a 760kW Hoval ST2600 single burner gas fired boiler. The boiler also supplies hotwater to 3 AHUs in the ground floor plantroom that services the cafeteria, library and conference room. Additionally, the boiler supplies a calorifier that provides domestic hotwater to the main building. A comprehensive system of time switches ensures that the above systems are only operated during normal working hours. After hours timers are provided but are only able to be operated from the plantroom. Staff wishing to work after hours advise the maintenance staff who preset the time switches accordingly. Additionally, a Temperzone air conditioner is used to provide 6.75kW of cooling to the 3rd floor conference room. Cool air is ducted to the conference room but the system is switched from the conference room and used only on an as required basis. Overall, the plantroom is in a very tidy condition and seems to be very well maintained. Filters are changed at regular intervals and a full comprehensive maintenance contract is in operation with Honeywell to maintain the pneumatic control system.

21

It was noted during the site inspection that most heating valves were not insulated. Uninsulated valves radiate heat which is wasted. T2 Recommendation Fit valve blankets or some other suitable insulating device to all uninsulated valves in the hot water pipework. It was noted during the site inspection that the supply air fan on the multizone AHU was drawing only 16Amps/phase. If the motor ever requires replacing then it would be worth considering a lesser powered motor as this would use less energy. It was also noted that the supply air temperature in the first floor offices was 23 degrees when the outside air temperature was measured at 19.5 degrees. It appeared that 2.5 degrees was gained across the Multizone AHU and 1 degree in the duct. The supply air in the NW zone on the 3rd floor was 25 degrees. It would appear that there is heat "leaking" from the hotwater system into the supply air when it is not required. This not only wastes energy but more significantly, results in unnecessary discomfort for staff on hot days. It was noted that in the Property Manager's office, the room temperature was 25 degrees. It is felt that this could reasonably be reduced to 23.5 degrees. T1 Recommendation Review service contract options for the pneumatic control system. Full comprehensive usually has a profit margin built into it which is ultimately in favour of the supplier in the long term. Tender for preventative maintenance contracts and compare with existing costs. T2 Recommendation Commission a further study to investigate the feasibility of installing a gas fired waterheater to replace the calorifier. Review the control system with a view to switching off the main boiler when it is not required to provide space heating. Many systems use a thermostat located on a south facing wall to switch off the boiler above outside temperatures of 18 degrees. The potential for increased staff comfort is probably more important than the energy savings. T2 Recommendation Commission a further study to investigate converting the air handlers back to recirculating mode. As many of the rooms that were previously set up as laboratories appear to be now used as offices, it should be possible to seal the return air grills in the laboratories and exhaust air via local expelairs. This would require further investigation.

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4.1.3

Fume Cupboards

A total of 7 fume cupboards are located around the building. Each cupboard is fitted with a 0.75kW extract fan motor. The motors are all switched at the fume cupboards. 4.1.4 Cafeteria, Library and Conference Room

Each of the above areas is serviced by its own air handling unit. Each AHU is fitted with its own supply air fan, exhaust air fan, a heating coil supplied by the boiler in the main plant room and dampers to modulate supply, exhaust and return air. Each AHU is individually time switched and individually controlled by a pneumatic single output proportional controller. It was noted that none of the hotwater valves were insulated. The library and cafeteria are also equipped with wall mounted radiators fed with hotwater. Hotwater flow temperature to these radiators is modulated according to room temperature. 4.1.5 Workshop and Store Offices (heating)

The heating in these areas is supplied by an kW gas fired boiler located in the main store. Hotwater is supplied on 2 separate circuits to the workshop and store offices. Hotwater flow temperature of each circuit is controlled by a Micronic 50 R7554 A1002 in each circuit. This controller adjusts hotwater flow temperature according to outside air temperature. Thermostats in the workshop and store offices operate the pump on their respective circuits as required. Timeswitches ensure that heating is only available during normal working hours. T2 Recommendation Fit valve blankets or some other suitable insulating device to all uninsulated valves in the hot water pipework.

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4.1.6

Computer room air conditioning

Air conditioning is supplied by 2 separate AHU's fitted with Chilled water coils supplied by 2 separate chillers to provide 1+1 redundancy. A UPS is used to provide a continuous no break power supply to the computer system. 4.1.7 Local air conditioners

During our survey, it was noted that doors were left open in unoccupied rooms fitted with these air conditioners. In this situation the air conditioner will operate continually. T2 Recommendation Fit door closers to the doors of all rooms fitted with local air conditioners The site maintenance manager advises that the air conditioners are set to cool to very low levels in a number of areas. To avoid the situation where the heating and cooling work in opposition to each other, it is important that air conditioners be set to not less than 23oC. T1 Recommendation With the exception of laboratory and equipment areas requiring particular climate control conditions, ensure that all air conditioning is set to maintain no less than 23oC. 4.1.8 Lighting contribution

Almost all energy used by the lighting system in a building ends up as heat. As most of the building is not air conditioned and staff are uncomfortable in summer, it is advisable to reduce the energy going into the lighting system as much as possible. The following section suggests how this can be done without compromising the standards of illumination. 4:1:9 Air conditioning As previously mentioned, staff are currently finding that it is too hot in many parts of the main office building during summer. This is evidenced by the high number of local air conditioners that have been installed. Consideration may be given to installing a chilled water coil in the multizone AHU. In the event this is considered, as an alternative, consideration should be given to installing a chilled water coil cooled with seawater. This would be cheap to run and may eliminate the need for many local air conditioners. T2 Recommendation

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Commission a report to investigate installing a seawater cooled coil in the multizone AHU.

4.2 Lighting
4.2.1 Fluorescent Lighting
Lamp Types The bulk of the fluorescent light fittings are fitted with 38mm lamps. Modern 26mm lamps use 10% less energy and emit 10% more light. The 26mm triphosphor lamp also uses 10% less energy but emits 20% more light with a more natural colour quality. Maintenance staff have found that 26mm lamps don't last as long as the 38mm lamps currently being used. This should be investigated. Over 80% of the lamps now sold in New Zealand are of the 26mm variety. In some European countries, it is closer to 100% due to the requirement for the lamps to meet minimum energy performance standards. T1 Recommendation The 38mm fluorescent tubes should be replaced with triphosphor lamps which use 10% less energy and emit 20% more light and a higher colour rendering index which results in a substantial increase in lighting quality. Bulk replace lamps at regular intervals. This has the advantage of considerably lower equipment and labour costs than occur with spot replacement. Additionally, administration costs are reduced through not having to record faulty lamps and direct service people etc. 4.2.2 Delamping

There are a number of areas that are overlit. Removing lamps where appropriate would reduce energy consumption without compromising staff comfort. T1 Recommendation Purchase a light meter for the Maintenance Manager. Identify areas that are overlit and delamp as necessary. 4.2.3 Corridors

All corridors are illuminated with 4 ft twins with aging opal diffusers. Every second fitting is operated 24 hours a day to provide security lighting.

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T2 Recommendation Replace all corridor fittings with 4 ft singles fitted with low loss ballasts and prismatic diffusers. Install 36 watt lamps. 4.2.4 General Office Areas

The main office building is predominantly divided into small to medium size office areas which require a substantial number of light fittings due to the extensive compartmentalisation. These fittings are all of the Thorn Budget Pack range and fitted with the Thorn Atlantic range of diffusers. The diffusers have opal sides and a prismatic base. The diffusers give excellent control of light and are among the best types of diffuser for surface mounted fittings in large offices where VDU's are in use. The opal sides however have a tendency to discolour with age and result in a very tired appearance. More importantly, the light output from the fitting reduces substantially. It should be noted that the fitting is of an inefficient type to start with. Additionally, the endcaps have all discoloured with age and are on the verge of becoming a maintenance liability. To replace the diffusers and endcaps would cost about $40/fitting excluding labour. To purchase new fittings complete with low loss ballasts would cost about $75 per fitting. The new fittings fitted with 58 watt triphosphor lamps would produce considerably enhanced quality of light and consume 32 watts/fitting less than the existing fittings. Furthermore, the additional light output would enable a considerable amount of delamping to be done. Substantial improvements could be made by a thorough redesign of the lighting layout but it is seldom economical to relocate light fittings in this type of accommodation. Investigation of each case would be required. T2 Recommendation Replace all light fittings in offices with new light fittings fitted with low loss ballasts and triphosphor lamps. NB. This is only recommended because the fittings are nearing the end of their economical life and replacement is only about $35/fitting more expensive than refurbishing the existing fittings. Important: Ensure that low loss ballasts are specified when replacing fluorescent light fittings. Delamp the upgraded lighting installation. It is estimated that as many as a third of the lamps could be removed. 4.2.5 Library

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The library shelves are illuminated with Thorn Pop Pack 5ft Twin Reflector fittings. It should be possible to replace these with 5ft single fittings fitted with low loss ballasts and specular reflectors. A trial on one row would be required to gauge the level of satisfaction. The reading areas are illuminated with Thorn Pop Pack 5ft single fluorescent fittings fitted with opal diffusers. All light fittings are in good condition but the opal diffusers are very inefficient. Consideration should be given to replacing them with prismatic diffusers. T2 Recommendation Investigate replacing the 5ft twin reflector fittings illuminating the library shelves with 5ft singles fitted with specular reflectors. Investigate replacing the opal diffusers on the 24 5ft single tube light fittings with prismatic diffusers. 4.2.6 Workshop Area

The workshop is illuminated with 25 5ft twin Thorn Budgetpack light fittings. The lighting level in the workshop was measured at 600lux even with the lights off. Workshop staff however require these lights to be operating even when the sun is shining. T2 Recommendation Fit skylights into the ceiling of the workshop. This will provide an improved quality of light and enable the lights to left off most of the time. As an alternative, consider replacing existing fittings with 5ft single fittings fitted with specular reflectors. 4.2.7 Aquarium

The aquarium area is currently lit with 10 only 5 ft twin budgetpack fittings time switched to simulate day and night conditions. The light levels do not appear to be critical. Four fittings are located on the seaward end of the aquarium. These appear to be on most of the day because they are not switched separately. T2 Recommendation Replace the existing aquarium area fittings with 5ft singles and fit specular reflectors complete with triphosphor lamps.

21

Rewire the other 4 fittings on to their own circuit with a separate switch to enable staff to operate these lights only as required. 4.2.8 Communication Centre

This is currently lit with 5ft twin fittings in weatherproof enclosures. Light levels are much greater than required for the type of work undertaken in this area. T1 Recommendation Remove one lamp per fitting and replace the remainder with triphosphor lamps. 4.2.9 Cafeteria

The cafeteria is fitted with 25 Par 38 150 watt downlights. These are an extremely inefficient fitting but are seldom used due to the high levels of natural light. However, while usage is intermittent and energy consumption is minimal, the Par 38 downlights make a contribution of 3.75kW to the demand charges. There are a number of more efficient downlights available and these could be expected to reduce the demand by more than 2 kW. NB This should only be considered if there is any concern about exceeding the contract capacity. T2 Recommendation Note that there is an opportunity to reduce the peak demand if necessary by replacing these downlighters.

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2.10

Security Lighting

The self ballasted Mercury lamps in the outside light fittings are being progressively replaced with compact source fluorescent lamps. This is prudent in terms of energy costs and lamp replacement costs and should continue. 4.2.11 Main Store Lighting The main store is illuminated with 5ft twin Thorn Budget Pack fluorescent light fittings. The lights in this area are seldom used due to the abundance of natural lighting. 4.2.12 Computer Mezzanine Area Staff in this area are generally well aware of the benefits of switching off lights in unoccupied areas. There are limited opportunities for delamping. 4.2.13 Computer Room The computer room is seldom occupied but the lights are on continually. There appears to be operational reasons for leaving the lights on but I think that this could be overcome with a minimal amount of effort. Occupancy sensors could then be fitted with a view to operating the lights only when the room is occupied. T2 Recommendation Fit occupancy sensors to operate the lights in the computer room.

4.2.14 Conference Room The conference room is substantially lit by 24 150W Par 38 downlights and fluorescent indirect cornice lighting. While usage is intermittent and energy consumption is minimal, the Par 38 downlights make a contribution of 3.75kW to the demand charges. There are a number of more efficient downlights available and these could be expected to reduce the demand by more than 2 kW. NB This should only be considered if there is any concern about exceeding the contract capacity.Error: Reference source not found

T2 Recommendation

21

Note that there is an opportunity to reduce the peak demand if necessary by replacing these downlighters.

4.3
4.3.1

Domestic Hot Water

Main Building

Domestic hot water is provided by a calorifier attached to the main boiler situated in the 5th floor plant-room. A circulating pump is used to circulate the water to the various washrooms. The circulating pump operates continually. Throughout the rest of the complex, hotwater was provided by a number of gas fired hot water cylinders. It was found on most of these cylinders that the pipe insulation required attention. Water temperature was measured at a number of locations throughout the campus and in all cases measured it was found to be quite low. (approx 30-40oC) These low temperatures are energy efficient and minimise heat loss from the system. However, it is noted that NZS 4302:1987 and the new building code require domestic hot water to be raised to 60oC at least once every 24 hours to avoid the possibility of the growth of legionella. The code also requires water to be delivered at a temperature below 55oC to avoid the possibility of scalding. These conflicting requirements are able to be met using tempering valves which mix the hot water from the cylinder with cold water before use. (For hand washing a temperature of 45oC would be adequate. Other uses may require water at 55oC.) These requirements only have to be met in new or refurbished buildings, but some building owners or tenants of existing buildings may wish to comply with them. T1 Recommendations Control the DHW circulating pump to ensure it is switched off outside office hours. T2 Recommendations Consideration be given to modifying the domestic hot water system to comply with the new building code in regard to storage and delivery temperatures in order to avoid the possibility of legionella and scalds.

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4.4 Other Equipment Loads

4.4.1 Personal Computers PC's are installed in most offices. Most staff appear to be very good about switching off PC's after hours, however, during a late evening walk through inspection, it was found that a number had been left on. Generally if staff turn off their office equipment when they go home a saving of 75% of office machine energy can be achieved. Switching off unused equipment during the day would give even greater savings. The computer terminals are provided with a "screen saver" feature which blacks out the screen after 10 minutes. This feature saves the screen but not energy. Energy consumption is unchanged when the screen blacks out. Often staff are concerned that turning computers off will cause damage to the equipment. This idea seems to derive from the observation that the large soap-lubricated hard drives for old mainframe computers performed more reliably when left running. Modern miniature hard drives function reliably even if turned off frequently and in fact their life, which is measured in total running hours as well as number of starts, could be extended. Major companies such as IBM and Hewlett Packard are not concerned by the prospect of turning off idle equipment and in fact often follow a policy of turning off unused equipment in their own organisations. Another concern regarding turning off computers overnight is that the morning start up energy is equal to or greater than the energy consumed by the machine overnight. In fact the energy used during start up is only equivalent to a few seconds running energy. Networking PCs can often reduce the number of printers required so saving capital expenditure and energy. Even network printers can often be turned off outside office hours if printing jobs are not scheduled at these times or network software modified to allow printers to be switched off. T1 Recommendation. It is recommended that staff be instructed to turn off office equipment when not in use, particularly when they go home for the day. Many of the major computer suppliers are now offering equipment that complies with the US EPA Energy Star program which means that their energy consumption is considerably reduced, usually by circuits similar to those used in laptop PCs that put the equipment into a low energy standby mode when it is not being used. Usually there is no extra cost involved in specifying this option. T1 Recommendation.

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It is recommended that all future purchases of PCs VDUs and laser printers comply with the US EPA Energy Star criteria. 4.4.2 Aquarium

There is no environmental control in this area. The fish tanks are continually flushed with "fresh" seawater gravity fed from reservoir tanks. The water temperature is not controlled. Pumps are used to pump water to the reservoir tanks. The water is in turn gravity fed to the aquarium. Float switches in the reservoirs operate the pumps to refill the reservoirs as required. A Programmable Logic Controller is installed but this appears to be largely unused. T1 Recommendation. Investigate whether these pumps can be set to optimise the use of off peak electricity. It may be as simple as doing a complete fill at 7.00am each morning. 4.4.3 Compressors

Instrument quality compressed air is produced by 2 carbon ring compressors each fitted with 7.5kW motors. The bulk of their use appears to be to pump air to aerate the fish tanks. The Maintenance Manager is currently investigating whether this can be done by a fresh air fan similar to a spa bath. If this is done then the compressors may be oversized for current operations. Monitoring their duty cycles may reveal that their operation can be inhibited during the high charging periods of the day. T1 Recommendation Investigate whether the compressors can be set to optimise the use of off peak electricity. 4.4.5 Freezers

There are 5 main freezers in use; 3 set to maintain -70oC and a further 2 set to maintain -20oC. There are also a number of large domestic freezers in the wet lab. T1 Recommendation Investigate the possibility of rationalising the use of the freezers. It may be possible to shut down one of the -70oC freezers or some of the domestic freezers.

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4.4.5

Cafeteria

There is a minimal amount of electrical cooking equipment in the cafeteria. This consists of a domestic stove, 2 Zip water heaters and a microwave oven. T1 Recommendation Consider gas appliances when purchasing new equipment for the cafeteria. There is a gas supply close by in the adjacent hotwater cupboard.

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Appendix
NB. Associated charts and calculations not included in this model audit but the appendix would normally include: Tables that charts were developed from Supporting calculations Graphs supplied by power companies.

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