“As we work to identify investment opportunities in commercial buildings, we want to ensure that any recommendations are cost effective, technically feasible and result in significant energy savings,” said Jim Kelsey, course instructor. “Providing the best audits that we can will help move the industry forward to net zero buildings, so this course focuses on how to actually conduct good audits.”

Kelsey noted that new industry research shows revenue from energy efficient HVAC systems will grow from $17.2 billion in 2013 to $33.2 billion by 2020.

“That growth will not be possible without independent energy auditors who can put unbiased, engineering-based information into the hands of decision-makers,” he said.

The two-part course, Commercial Building Energy Audits, includes a summary of materials essential for performing ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and 3 audits; time-saving tips for energy auditors; how to hire an auditor; what to ask for in a comprehensive audit report; how to build a successful energy efficiency retrofit team; tips to make site visits quicker and more effective; tools to make analysis of billing data and energy savings faster and more accurate; and tools to perform diagnostics using measured data.

“Engineers don’t usually make the best salesmen,” Kelsey noted. “Yet promoting energy efficiency projects in buildings requires energy auditors to promote projects and ‘sell’ their ideas. Attendees will learn how to promote energy efficiency projects in commercial buildings, with means that are more effective than simple cost effectiveness.”

The course takes place Nov. 4 and 6. For registration costs and to register, visit www.ashrae.org/onlinecourses.

Publication date: 8/5/2013

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