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M any educational institutions need a prioritized manage- ment strategy to reduce energy consumption and to develop refined capital plans that move from the no cost to major capital expenditures. An ASHRAE Level 1 audit is a great place to start. These audits have been used for years to identify lower cost strate- gies that in many cases can be completed with available staff. The Level 1 audit requires a Profes- sional Engineer or an Energy Engineer to bring the right experience on costing and savings to refine the plan. The Level 1 could be run in parallel with the En- ergy Star program for greater efficiency if a designation is desirable. If the Level 1 calls for higher capital expenditures, that would then feed into a Level 2 or Level 3 audits that are investment grade audits for large capital expenditures. Using the ASHRAE energy audit allows the institution to use a stepped process to achieve the goals of their improve- ment plans. A CASE IN POINT The National City Tower located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, is a 38-story office building containing approximately 871,507 gross square feet (SF) that was constructed in 1972. The building has a perimeter induc- tion and terminal-reheat heating, ven- tilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, utilizing chilled water for cool- ing and electric resistance and hot water for heating. Chilled water, generated by centrifugal water chillers, is circulated to air handling units that provide condi- tioned air to the induction units and suspended ductwork and air grilles. Heat is rejected from the chillers through cooling towers located on the roof. Heating for the induction units and terminal reheat system is provided by natural gas-fired boilers. The building HVAC systems utilize pneumatic con- trols. Domestic hot water is provided by electric tank-type water heaters located on three levels throughout the building. Fluorescent lighting is provided on all levels by type T-12 and T-8 lamps. The building engineering staff had previously improved the energy effi- ciency of the building. These strategies included reflective coatings on portions of the exterior glass, replacing water chillers, converting lighting to high- efficiency type T-8 fluorescent lamps, upgrading the cooling towers, and con- verting elevator controls to digital type and variable speed drives. The owner prioritized options for improvement in energy efficiency and reduced energy costs at the Tower. The strategy needed to address feasibil- ity, installed cost, payback, and rate of ASHRAE Level 1 Energy Audit: A Tool for Success By Jeffrey A. Miller, P.E., LEED AP, CBCP power tools 50 | january/february 2015 | Facilities Manager