High energy costs might be an issue for real estate holders in the UAE. Office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, storage buildings and other types of commercial buildings use energy daily for air-conditioning, lighting, machinery and many other purposes.
However, it does not necessarily imply that the structure only consumes too much power. In some cases, it can be because of inefficient machinery, inadequate system programming, unnecessary cooling, outdated lighting or faulty building systems operation.
An energy audit can help identify where energy is being used and where improvements may be possible.
But what exactly does a commercial building audit package include? Let’s look at the main areas normally reviewed during the process.
What Is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a detailed review of how a building uses energy.
The purpose is to understand:
- Where energy is being consumed
- Which systems use the most energy
- Whether equipment is operating efficiently
- Where energy may be wasted
- What improvements could reduce consumption
- How much may those improvements cost
The audit gives the property owner a clearer picture of the building’s current energy performance.
It is not simply about checking electricity bills. A proper audit combines information from documents, building systems, equipment and on-site observations.
Review of Energy Bills and Building Information
The first part of an audit usually involves collecting information about the building.
This may include previous electricity bills, building drawings, equipment details, operating schedules and information about how the property is used.
Energy bills can show patterns in consumption over time. This information gives the audit team a starting point for the rest of the assessment.
On-Site Building Inspection
A physical inspection is an important part of a commercial energy audit.
Engineers can walk through the building to understand how its systems are being used and identify areas that may require closer attention.
The inspection may cover:
- Air conditioning equipment
- Lighting
- Electrical systems
- Ventilation
- Pumps
- Water heating
- Building controls
- Equipment and appliances
- Building envelope
The auditor may also look for signs of inefficient operation, such as equipment running when it is not needed or cooling being provided to unused spaces.
HVAC and Cooling Assessment
In the UAE, air conditioning can account for a significant part of a commercial building’s energy use because cooling is needed for much of the year.
For this reason, HVAC systems are an important part of many audits.
The assessment may consider:
- Air conditioning equipment
- Chillers
- Air handling units
- Fan systems
- Pumps
- Airflow
- Temperature settings
- Operating schedules
- Controls
The auditor may look at whether the system is correctly sized, properly maintained and operating according to the building’s actual requirements.
Even small changes to settings or operating schedules can sometimes improve efficiency.
Lighting Assessment
Lighting is another area that can affect energy consumption.
An audit may review the type, number, location and operating hours of lighting fixtures throughout the property.
The assessment may consider:
- LED lighting
- Lighting controls
- Occupancy sensors
- Daylight use
- Lighting schedules
- Areas that are over-lit
For example, lights operating in empty rooms or storage areas can result in unnecessary energy consumption.
Upgrading inefficient fixtures or improving controls may provide an opportunity to reduce this waste.
Electrical System Review
An energy audit may also examine how electricity is distributed and used throughout the building.
This can include reviewing major electrical equipment and identifying large energy-consuming loads.
The audit may consider:
- Electrical panels
- Major equipment
- Power consumption
- Operating patterns
- Load distribution
- Power factor
- Standby equipment
The purpose is to understand where electricity is going and whether certain systems are consuming more energy than expected.
Building Envelope Assessment
The building envelope includes elements such as walls, windows, doors, roofs and other parts that separate indoor areas from outdoor conditions.
In a hot climate like the UAE, the condition of the building envelope can affect cooling requirements.
An audit may look at areas such as:
- Windows
- Glazing
- External doors
- Roof conditions
- Insulation
- Air leakage
If heat enters the building through poorly performing windows or insufficient insulation, the air conditioning system may need to work harder to maintain indoor temperatures.
Building Controls and Automation
Modern commercial buildings may use control systems to manage HVAC, lighting and other equipment.
During an audit, these controls may be reviewed to determine whether they are being used effectively.
An audit can identify whether existing controls are working properly and whether better scheduling or automation could improve energy performance.
Identifying Energy-Saving Opportunities
After collecting information, the auditor can identify areas where improvements may be possible.
These opportunities could include:
- Replacing inefficient equipment
- Improving HVAC controls
- Upgrading lighting
- Adjusting operating schedules
- Improving insulation
- Reducing unnecessary cooling
- Installing sensors
- Improving equipment maintenance
Not every recommendation will require a major investment.
Some improvements may involve simple operational changes, while others may require new equipment or upgrades.
Cost and Savings Analysis
A useful audit should help property owners understand more than just what needs to change.
It should also provide information that can support investment decisions.
Depending on the scope of the audit, recommendations may be assessed based on:
- Estimated project cost
- Expected energy savings
- Potential reduction in operating costs
- Payback period
- Maintenance requirements
- Expected benefits
This allows property owners to compare different improvements and decide which ones make the most sense for their building.
Energy Audit Report
The findings are normally brought together in an energy audit report.
The report may include information about current energy use, equipment performance, identified problems, recommended improvements and potential savings.
A good report should be clear enough for property owners and facility managers to understand what the findings mean and what actions they can consider.
The report can then be used as a reference when planning future upgrades.
Final Words
A commercial building uses energy through many different systems and finding the source of high consumption is not always straightforward.
It provides a structured way to examine how a building uses energy and identify areas where improvements may be possible. From HVAC and lighting to electrical systems, building controls and insulation, each area can provide useful information about the property’s overall performance.
For commercial property owners in the UAE, a detailed audit can provide a practical starting point for reducing energy waste, controlling operating costs and planning future building improvements.
8 PM Engineering and Contracting provides engineering services for commercial and other building projects across Dubai and the UAE. Its services include MEP engineering design, BIM and Revit coordination, project management, fit-outs, refurbishment, testing and commissioning, maintenance and engineering consultancy.