Energy audit of an educational building in a hot summer climate

The building considered in this case study is a 2-story educational facility with a total floor area of 7020 square meter located in a harsh hot summer climate (State of Kuwait) and served by 4 air-cooled reciprocating chillers. Energy audit techniques were carried out by an energy audit team (EAT) to identify any energy conservation opportunities (ECOs). Level 1 (walk-through assessment) and level 2 (survey and data analysis) audits were conducted over all building zones. These levels of assessments proved that the building and its mechanical and electrical systems were improperly maintained and inefficiently operated. The building assessment produced a list of ECOs classified as non-retrofitting (no or minimal cost) and retrofitting (with cost) recommendations. Interestingly, the non-retrofitting ECOs saved 6.5% of the building's annual energy consumption, while the retrofitting ECOs can save up to 49.3%; this results in a 52% total saving. The savings were calculated using a building simulation software (DesignBuilder). Finally, a cost analysis of the findings was performed; the result showed a pay-back period of less than 6 months for both non-retrofitting and the most effective retrofitting actions. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.