Energy savings potentials in buildings through energy audit - a case study in an Indian building

Abstract

International reports show about 25 to 35% energy saving potential in commercial buildings. Many buildings in India, situated in different climatic zones are energy inefficient since they were not constructed following energy conservation building codes and techniques of solar passive architecture. It is impractical to redesign and reconstruct such buildings. In such cases retrofitting of utilities provides a cost effective solution than going for altering the existing building structures. The aim of this paper is to present the results generated from a detailed energy audit study conducted in an office buildings to propagate the awareness of energy saving potentials in Indian buildings. Based on data collection and measurement undertaken, the present case study envisages many energy-saving measures to be considered for implementation towards achieving the energy saving potential in the identified areas. The identified areas were Air conditioning, Lighting, UPSs, Power factor improvement and installation of Energy Management System (EMS). The analysis revealed that the public office building in which the detailed energy audit was carried out has the annual energy saving potential of 231656 kWh, in terms of cost saving; it would be Rs. 16.2 Lakhs. In order to achieve this benefit, it requires one time investment of Rs. 27.5 Lakhs, resulting the payback period of 1.7 years.