An energy audit of the Canmore Nordic Centre

Abstract

The operation of buildings consumes a considerable amount of energy worldwide. Rising energy costs and the desire to reduce greenhouse emissions mean the desire to improve energy efficiency is becoming increasingly strong. Energy audits provide a structured method of analysing energy consumption at a facility in order to understand how energy is being consumed and thereby make intelligent decisions on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. This dissertation provides a review of the practical application of an energy audit to the Canmore Nordic Centre, a cross country ski training and recreation facility located in the province of Alberta, Canada. The audit process is first placed in context through a literature review of building energy trends, the relevance of energy efficiency, energy auditing methods and a number of case studies of energy efficiency measure implemented in similar facilities. A method of auditing the particular facility is developed, the results of the audit presented and the implications of the results to wider sector and other findings discussed. The energy audit identified 38 specific efficiency measures that have the potential to save 3692 GJ of energy annually, saving $31,400 in energy costs and 325 tonnes CO2e per year. The facility was found to be relatively inefficient and as such the majority of savings could be made by optimising the existing systems at low cost. Estimated capital costs were$22,600 with a simple payback period of 0.7 years. Additional recommendations include conducting a detailed audit of the compressed air system, the recommissioning of two buildings, ongoing monitoring of individual building energy consumption and updating HVAC maintenance plans