Energy Auditor Training

Lesson 1 • Energy Concepts and Terminology

Covers fundamental units, energy forms, and conversion principles. Establishes shared vocabulary used throughout all subsequent audit activities.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

Introduces energy efficiency standards, certification bodies, and compliance drivers without referencing jurisdiction-specific codes. Auditors learn to navigate regulatory contexts.

Lesson 3 • Types and Levels of Audits

Distinguishes walkthrough, detailed, and investment-grade audits by scope and rigor. Helps auditors match audit type to client needs and budget.

Lesson 1 • Data Logging and Interval Analysis

Introduces time-series energy data collection and visualization techniques. Auditors learn to identify load profiles, anomalies, and operational schedules from logged data.

Lesson 2 • Utility Bill Analysis

Teaches systematic review of electricity, gas, and water bills to extract demand and consumption trends. Connects billing data to facility operational patterns.

Lesson 3 • Data Quality and Validation

Addresses common data errors, gaps, and inconsistencies and how to resolve them before analysis. Clean data is essential for credible audit findings.

Lesson 4 • Metering Technologies and Placement

Covers whole-building, sub-metering, and portable metering options and their installation logic. Proper meter placement ensures data accuracy for audit analysis.

Lesson 1 • Window and Door Performance

Evaluates glazing systems, frames, and seals for thermal and solar performance. Window upgrades often yield significant heating and cooling savings.

Lesson 2 • Wall, Roof, and Floor Systems

Covers common construction assemblies and their thermal characteristics. Auditors learn to assess insulation adequacy and identify degraded materials.

Lesson 3 • Thermal Resistance and Heat Transfer

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation as they apply to building assemblies. Provides the physics foundation for calculating envelope energy losses.

Lesson 4 • Air Leakage Testing and Analysis

Introduces blower door testing, tracer gas methods, and visual inspection for air infiltration. Quantifying air leakage is critical for accurate envelope energy calculations.

Lesson 1 • HVAC System Types and Components

Surveys central, distributed, and packaged HVAC configurations and their key components. Understanding system architecture is prerequisite to diagnosing inefficiencies.

Lesson 2 • Refrigerant and Mechanical Diagnostics

Introduces refrigerant charge verification, coil condition assessment, and mechanical fault identification. Mechanical deficiencies directly reduce system efficiency and equipment life.

Lesson 3 • Equipment Efficiency Ratings

Explains COP, EER, SEER, AFUE, and other efficiency metrics used to benchmark HVAC equipment. Auditors use these ratings to compare existing equipment against current standards.

Lesson 4 • Controls and Thermostat Strategies

Evaluates setpoint schedules, economizer operation, and demand-controlled ventilation for control optimization. Proper controls often deliver savings with minimal capital investment.

Lesson 1 • Plug Loads and Miscellaneous Equipment

Addresses office equipment, kitchen appliances, and other plug loads often overlooked in audits. Plug loads can represent 20–30% of commercial building energy use.

Lesson 2 • Power Quality and Power Factor

Explains harmonics, power factor, and their effects on energy costs and equipment life. Auditors learn to identify power quality issues and recommend correction measures.

Lesson 3 • Electric Motors and Drives

Evaluates motor efficiency classes, load factors, and variable frequency drive opportunities. Motors represent a major share of commercial and industrial electricity consumption.

Lesson 4 • Lighting System Fundamentals

Reviews lamp types, luminaire efficacy, and lighting power density standards. Establishes the technical basis for comparing existing lighting to efficient alternatives.

Lesson 1 • Measure Interaction and Sequencing

Explains how energy conservation measures interact and why sequencing affects total savings. Auditors avoid double-counting and correctly attribute savings to each measure.

Lesson 2 • Benchmarking and Performance Metrics

Uses energy use intensity and peer benchmarking to contextualize audit findings. Benchmarking helps clients understand their relative performance and prioritize action.

Lesson 3 • Uncertainty and Measurement Protocols

Addresses sources of uncertainty in savings estimates and introduces measurement and verification frameworks. Credible savings claims require transparent uncertainty disclosure.

Lesson 4 • Engineering Calculation Methods

Introduces bin method, degree-day method, and end-use disaggregation for savings estimation. These methods form the analytical core of any detailed energy audit report.

Lesson 1 • Life-Cycle Cost Analysis

Covers net present value, internal rate of return, and life-cycle costing for long-term investment evaluation. Life-cycle analysis captures costs and savings over equipment lifetimes.

Lesson 2 • Incentives, Rebates, and Financing

Surveys utility rebate programs, tax incentives, and financing mechanisms that improve project economics. Auditors help clients access available financial support to accelerate implementation.

Lesson 3 • Energy Price Escalation and Risk

Addresses energy price forecasting, escalation rates, and sensitivity analysis for financial projections. Price uncertainty affects the reliability of long-term savings estimates.

Lesson 4 • Measure Prioritization and Action Plans

Combines financial and technical criteria to rank measures and build phased implementation plans. A prioritized action plan is the primary deliverable clients use to guide investment.

Lesson 1 • Audit Report Structure and Content

Defines the standard sections of a professional energy audit report and their required content. A well-structured report builds client confidence and supports implementation decisions.

Lesson 2 • Data Visualization and Graphics

Covers charts, graphs, and diagrams that make energy data accessible to non-technical readers. Effective visuals increase report clarity and client engagement with findings.

Lesson 3 • Quality Assurance and Peer Review

Introduces internal review checklists and peer review processes to ensure report accuracy. Quality assurance protects auditor credibility and client trust.