Energy Auditing
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, An-Najah National University has launched a comprehensive Energy Audit to systematically identify areas where energy wastage is highest and implement measures to improve overall energy efficiency. The audit is a crucial component of the university’s energy review plan, designed to pinpoint key inefficiencies in energy consumption across various facilities.
This audit process involves a detailed examination of energy consumption patterns, including the usage of electrical appliances, equipment, and building activities that have a direct impact on the university's overall energy use. By evaluating these factors, the university aims to implement best practices for reducing unnecessary energy use and enhancing energy efficiency across all its buildings.
Objectives of the Energy Audit at ANNU:
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Identify Areas of Energy Wastage: Through a careful review of energy consumption data and behavior, the university is working to locate specific areas where energy is being wasted, from equipment use to building systems.
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Establish Energy-Efficiency Benchmarks: The audit compares the university’s energy consumption against national and international benchmarks, providing clear indicators of where improvements can be made.
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Optimize Energy Use in Facilities: The process focuses on understanding energy demands in academic, administrative, and residential buildings to implement energy-saving solutions.
Scope of Work for the Energy Audit:
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Energy Situation Analysis of Buildings: A comprehensive assessment of the energy needs and current consumption in each facility, including heating, lighting, and equipment usage.
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Specific Consumption Calculation: Measuring energy usage by square footage (BTU/sq ft) or per person/visitor to determine the energy intensity of each space.
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Benchmarking: Comparing the university’s energy usage with reference values from similar national and international facilities to set improvement goals.
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Energy Consumption Distribution: Assessing energy use by type (heating, cooling, lighting, etc.) to identify the most energy-intensive processes.
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Energy Balances: Calculating both electrical and thermal energy balances post-measurement to better understand consumption patterns.
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Energy Use Index Calculation: Establishing an Energy Use Index (EUI) to quantify energy efficiency across the campus.
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Energy Conservation Potential: Identifying the potential for energy conservation across all facilities and operations.
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Definition of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs): Outlining actionable steps and strategies for reducing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency.
Energy Audit Field Work:
The fieldwork involves on-site measurements and observations, allowing for real-time data collection on energy consumption across the university’s campuses. This includes:
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Equipment Monitoring: Recording the energy consumption of electrical appliances, machinery, and HVAC systems to evaluate their efficiency.
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Building Inspections: Investigating the physical infrastructure of buildings, such as insulation, windows, and HVAC systems, to determine their impact on energy usage.
Thermal Imaging: Utilizing thermal cameras to identify heat loss in buildings, which can be targeted for insulation improvements.
Outcomes and Future Steps:
The results of the energy audit will serve as a foundation for implementing Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) that can significantly reduce the university’s energy usage. These measures may include upgrading inefficient appliances, optimizing building management systems, improving insulation, and expanding the use of renewable energy sources.