Energy Modeling
Our energy modeling experts can evaluate your existing model to assist in resolving issues or they can provide start-to-finish energy modeling for your building projects. Familiar with all of the ASHRAE requirements, if an energy model is required for your LEED project, or you need to meet the International Green Construction Code and California Title 24, our modelers are ready to help.
Our modelers use Energy Modeling tailored to your project’s needs and can simulate multiple options for your building, to determine the cost-effectiveness of a proposed strategy, from mechanical systems to wall construction, or to provide an estimate in the reduction of energy use based on design options or energy efficiency improvements.
ASHRAE Level 1, 2, & 3 Energy Audits
Our energy specialists can provide an energy assessment of your building to identify opportunities to reduce energy use and help reduce your overall carbon footprint. The process begins by conducting an energy usage analysis. Typical analyses require a review of 36 months of utility data to determine energy usage patterns and trends. This review will allow for a comparison of the property being analyzed to similar facilities nation-wide using the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) data. Based on this outcome a recommendation will be made as to which type of audit should be performed. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provide standards for 3 different types of audits through the ASHRAE 211 standard:
ASHRAE Level 1: WalkThrough Analysis/ Preliminary Audit
The first level audit is the most simple. The audit consists of interviews with select facility operators, review of facility utility bills, benchmarking the facility’s energy use intensity, and a detailed walk-through of the facility. The level 1 audit will identify major areas of energy inefficiency and identify priorities for improvement based on the audit analysis with estimated simple paybacks.
ASHRAE Level 2: Energy Survey and Analysis
The second level audit includes steps taken in the ASHRAE Level 1 Audit with the addition of more detailed energy calculations and financial analysis of proposed energy efficiency measures. Additional interviews may be conducted with key building personnel, which used in conjunction with energy consumption data can help identify the areas with the greatest energy-saving opportunities with corresponding returns on investment. This level audit includes detailed analysis and financial calculations. Often these audits are used to firm up internal budgets and financial requests for the implementation of energy conservation measures.
ASHRAE Level 3: Detailed Analysis of Capital Intensive Modifications
The third level audit consists of the highest level of engineering analysis of the potential cost-intensive measures identified in the ASHRAE Level 2 Analysis. As the most rigorous analysis, ASHRAE Level 3 requires more detailed field data gathering as well as existing utility data. Supplemented with sub-metering of the major energy-consuming systems, an accurate and realistic baseline can be determined to then compare energy and operating savings of the proposed measures before and after project implementation. This extensive and detailed audit is usually reserved for industrial and complex commercial buildings and is typically used to implement large capital improvements through external funding sources.
3R can work with you to determine what level of analysis fits your situation and facility. Our process will give you the information you need to identify, scope, and financially justify the energy conservation measures most suited for the project. Additionally, we will implement an ongoing program of energy monitoring tailored to your needs through the Energy Star portfolio manager, Arc Platform, or specific Measurement & Verification (M&V) protocol.
Utility Bill Audit
Billing errors and changes in rates and plans can go unnoticed for much longer than they should. This results in over-spending on utility bills. The expert team at 3R will conduct a thorough analysis of your utility/energy invoices to uncover errors and help you discover rate plans that may generate further savings. Through analyzing the history of water and energy bills, normalizing consumption errors with typical usage patterns, and determining the billing calculation methods used by the utility company, 3R can help ensure you are not being overcharged by your utility company and identify past overcharges that can be used to recover overpayments.
Benchmarking
2030 Districts & Pittsburgh’s Benchmarking Ordinance
As a 2030 District sponsor and local sustainability consultancy, 3R Sustainability is proud to be among and support Pittsburgh’s leading organizations in the largest 2030 District. The District members’ commitment to driving measurable progress toward the 2030 reduction goals will result in a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous region.
Pittsburgh is our home and we are committed to making the city an even better place to call home! 3R can assist you in reporting and reducing your energy and water usage with Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager as a part of the requirements of the benchmarking ordinance for the city of Pittsburgh. The ordinance broadens the voluntary program, known as the Pittsburgh 2030 District, which aims to cut energy and water usage by half by the year 2030. The gallery of images to the left shows the Pittsburgh 2030 District, that have voluntarily committed to reporting. Buildings that are now required to report include non-residential buildings of 50,000 SF or greater within Pittsburgh city limits. Contact 3R today if you have questions or need assistance reporting!
Arc
Arc is a building utilities analysis tool in which buildings can input their data to benchmark themselves and improve performance. Arc is for LEED certified buildings and for projects that are not yet certified but looking to improve sustainability and human health and take steps toward earning LEED certification. Ultimately, Arc will eliminate complexities and barriers that will enable you to make smarter decisions. The 3R team can assist with data input and can help you develop strategies based on performance.
Commissioning (Cx)
The 3R commissioning experts bring years of experience in design, new buildings, and retro commissioning. Our team can verify that your Owner’s Requirements and the Basis of Design are followed to ensure your building performs to the optimum level of your design in either Fundamental Commissioning and Verification or Enhanced Commissioning plans.
