Certified Energy Audit Professional (CEAP)
Develop a structured understanding of energy auditing to improve efficiency and control operating costs. This course supports accurate assessment, informed decisions, and practical identification of energy-saving opportunities.
What you'll learn
- Plan and conduct energy audits by defining scope, audit level, team, data needs, fieldwork, reporting, follow-up, standards, codes, and sector requirements.
- Analyze facility and fleet energy use using tariffs, baselines, normalization, regression, indicators, trends, benchmarking, and end-use breakdowns.
- Collect, organize, and validate pre-site and on-site data; identify, prioritize, and model efficiency measures while accounting for interactive effects.
- Evaluate energy projects using costs, cash flows, payback, NPV, IRR, life-cycle methods, break-even, sensitivity, scenarios, risks, and client criteria.
- Audit lighting systems by assessing sources, fixtures, controls, power density, illumination, daylighting, maintenance, retrofit options, and savings.
- Audit HVAC, heating, cooling, boiler, furnace, and ventilation systems by evaluating equipment, controls, efficiency, O&M, measures, and energy savings.
- Assess domestic hot water and water systems, including efficiency, setpoints, recirculation, irrigation, conservation, O&M, savings, costs, and reporting.
- Evaluate motors, drives, VFDs, and compressed air systems, including operation, controls, efficiency, O&M, leaks, heat recovery, and energy savings.
- Assess building envelope performance through R- and U-values, walls, roofs, windows, infiltration, thermal mass, O&M, modelling, and savings.
- Evaluate building, process, and energy control systems through strategies, control points, operator practices, trends, sensors, data quality, O&M, and savings.
- Assess renewable generation and energy storage technologies, site constraints, costs, integration, incentives, demand response, and project opportunities.
- Analyze transport energy across modes and fleets through fuel data, operations, maintenance, logistics, benchmarking, modelling, monitoring, and improvements.
Requirements
This course is best suited to graduates, master’s and postgraduate learners, and working professionals with a basic understanding of energy use in buildings, facilities, industrial operations, or transport. Participants should be proficient in English and comfortable interpreting technical data, formulas, and multi-step energy and financial calculations. Prior experience in engineering, energy management, facilities, operations, maintenance, sustainability, or energy auditing is helpful but not essential, provided learners have a strong interest in energy efficiency and performance improvement.
Who this course is for
Students, Fresh Graduates & Early-Career Learners
For final-year students, fresh graduates, master’s students, postgraduate learners, and advanced academic learners in engineering, energy, sustainability, facilities, the built environment, or related fields who want to understand how professional energy audits works.
Energy Auditing & Management Professionals
For energy auditors, energy managers, energy analysts, consultants, and efficiency specialists who want to improve their approach to audit scoping, utility analysis, baselines, field measurements, energy modelling, opportunity prioritization, reporting, and implementation follow-up.
Engineering, Operations & Maintenance Teams
For mechanical, electrical, building-services, industrial, and energy engineers, facility managers, operators, technicians, and maintenance teams responsible for equipment performance, operating conditions, controls, maintenance practices, energy losses, and efficiency improvements.
Project, Finance & Senior Decision-Makers
For project managers, finance teams, procurement professionals, capital-planning personnel, consultants, department heads, and senior leaders who evaluate energy initiatives using costs, payback, NPV, IRR, life-cycle methods, sensitivity analysis, risk, and implementation priorities.
Transport, Fleet & Logistics Professionals
For fleet managers, transport planners, logistics professionals, vehicle operations teams, and transport-energy analysts who want to evaluate fuel and electricity use, vehicle performance, maintenance, routes, benchmarking, modelling, monitoring, and energy improvement opportunities
Early-Career & Working Professionals
For engineers, technicians, analysts, and other working professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge of energy systems, data analysis, efficiency opportunities, financial evaluation, and professional audit practices to support career growth or expanded responsibilities.
Building Systems and Automation Teams
For HVAC, lighting, BAS, controls, automation, commissioning, and building-performance professionals who work with system operation, control strategies, sensors, trend logs, equipment scheduling, data quality, optimization, and performance verification.
Sustainability & Compliance Professionals:
For sustainability managers, environmental professionals, decarbonization practitioners, and compliance teams who need a technical understanding of energy performance, ISO 50001, ASHRAE 211, ISO 50002, energy codes, performance indicators, and continual improvement.
Renewable Energy, Storage & Utility Professionals
For professionals involved in renewable generation, energy storage, utilities, distributed energy, demand response, cogeneration, resilience, or electrification who need to assess technical suitability, site constraints, integration, incentives, costs, and project opportunities
Certified Energy Audit Professional (CEAP)
Course Description
Certified Energy Audit Professional (CEAP) is an advanced course for graduates and working professionals who want to develop a disciplined, organization-ready approach to energy auditing. It builds the professional judgement, analytical capability, and structured thinking required to move beyond general energy-saving ideas and produce findings that are technically sound, financially informed, clearly documented, and practical to implement.
In today’s organizations, energy performance has a direct impact on operating costs, asset reliability, productivity, sustainability commitments, regulatory responsibilities, and long-term investment planning. Organizations are expected to understand how energy is being used, where avoidable losses occur, which improvement opportunities deserve priority, and whether proposed savings can be justified with reliable evidence. Professional energy auditing provides the connection between technical conditions, operational realities, financial priorities, and management decisions.
This course develops the capability to approach energy audits with consistency, accuracy, transparency, and professional judgement. Learners strengthen their ability to examine energy and operational information critically, assess data quality, establish dependable baselines, recognize performance gaps, evaluate improvement opportunities, and consider the technical, financial, operational, and implementation factors that influence decision-making.
A credible energy audit must do more than identify possible savings. It must explain the existing condition, support recommendations with appropriate evidence, document assumptions and limitations, account for uncertainty, and present expected benefits in a form that decision-makers can understand. CEAP develops the ability to communicate findings clearly to engineering, operations, maintenance, finance, procurement, sustainability, and management teams, helping different functions work from a shared and reliable basis.
Strong audit practice also depends on traceable methods, appropriate levels of analysis, awareness of recognized standards, and responsible professional boundaries. These principles help ensure that audit findings remain credible when supporting operational improvements, capital approvals, procurement decisions, compliance activities, sustainability planning, decarbonization initiatives, and future measurement and verification. They also reduce the risk of overstated savings, incomplete recommendations, weak assumptions, and poorly prioritized investments.
The course promotes an implementation-focused approach to energy auditing. Learners develop an understanding of how recommendations should be prioritized, how responsibilities and next steps should be defined, and how performance should be reviewed after improvements are introduced. This helps turn audit reports from static documents into practical tools for cost control, performance improvement, accountability, and continuous organizational progress.
For individual professionals, CEAP strengthens technical credibility, analytical confidence, financial awareness, professional communication, and the ability to support evidence-based decisions. For organizations, it supports stronger internal capability, more consistent audit quality, improved coordination between technical and business functions, better use of energy data, and more defensible investment planning. The course provides a clear professional framework for turning energy information into responsible, prioritized, and implementation-ready action.
Course Outline
Module 1 - Developing an Energy Audit Strategy & Plan
M1L1 – Plan an Energy Audit
Coverage of audit purpose explains how an energy audit identifies energy use, cost, system performance, and reduction opportunities. Learners examine audit planning sequence through pre-site planning, site visit execution, post-site analysis, report preparation, and follow-up. The discussion addresses audit success criteria by considering clear objectives, measurable deliverables, realistic savings accuracy, and agreed financial screening criteria. Key points in audit risk planning include safety risks involving electrical equipment, mechanical rooms, roofs, confined spaces, and active processes.
M1L2 – Define Audit Procedures: Scope and Objectives
Learners examine audit scope through physical boundaries including buildings, floors, systems, meters, leased areas, and outdoor energy uses. The discussion of audit objectives explains how to quantify current energy use, cost, demand, and emissions where relevant. Key points in procedure definition include data collection methods for bills, interval data, drawings, asset inventories, interviews, and BAS trend logs. Study of objective constraints focuses on required level of accuracy based on audit level and client decision risk.
M1L3 – Define Audit Procedures: Fieldwork and Deliverables
The discussion addresses fieldwork plan by considering site walk-through sequence by building area, meter, system, and end use. Key points in field measurement procedures include spot measurements for temperature, humidity, light levels, voltage, current, combustion, flow, and pressure. Study of site documentation focuses on notes on equipment condition, operating mode, controls, maintenance condition, and implementation constraints. The lesson reviews deliverable definition through fieldwork summary, data gaps, preliminary findings, and immediate O&M observations.
M1L4 – Define the Project Team
Key points in core audit roles include lead energy auditor responsible for scope control, methodology, schedule, quality, and client communication. Study of facility team roles focuses on facility manager as primary site coordinator and source of operational context. The lesson reviews specialist support through licensed engineers for high-risk design, code implications, structural impacts, and investment-grade recommendations. Coverage of responsibility matrix includes assignment of data owners, site escorts, measurement responsibilities, calculation reviewers, and report reviewers.
M1L5 – Understand Energy Audit Levels
Study of benchmarking audit focuses on utility bill review, basic benchmarking, EUI calculation, cost intensity, and portfolio screening. The lesson reviews walk-through audit through brief site survey with energy bill review and visual inspection of major energy-using systems. Coverage of detailed audit includes more complete field survey, equipment inventory, energy end-use breakdown, and system performance evaluation. Learners examine investment-grade audit through detailed field measurements, simulation where needed, vendor pricing, and financial risk evaluation.
M1L6 – Determine the Appropriate Audit Level
The lesson reviews selection criteria through client decision purpose such as screening, budgeting, compliance, financing, or project implementation. Coverage of facility conditions includes high EUI, abnormal load factor, rising utility costs, or unexplained seasonal trends indicating deeper review. Learners examine cost and effort balance through matching audit cost to likely savings potential and value of improved decision confidence. The discussion addresses audit level documentation by considering written statement of selected audit level and why IT fits the client objective.
M1L7 – Define Pre-Audit Tasks
Coverage of utility data collection includes one to two years of electric, gas, fuel, water, sewer, steam, chilled water, and delivered fuel records. Learners examine facility information review through architectural, mechanical, electrical, controls, plumbing, and process drawings. The discussion addresses preliminary analysis by considering building profile narrative covering age, use, size, construction, occupancy, and major systems. Key points in site visit preparation include site schedule, access permissions, safety requirements, escorts, and required shutdown coordination.
M1L8 – Prepare Pre-Audit Documents and Site Information
Learners examine site information package through facility name, address, use type, climate zone, conditioned area, operating hours, and occupancy profile. The discussion addresses site sketch by considering building outlines, north arrow, floor areas, construction years, and building identifiers. Key points in data collection forms include utility bill spreadsheet, equipment inventory sheets, lighting survey forms, and HVAC inspection sheets. Study of pre-audit data review focuses on comparison of drawings against known renovations, equipment replacements, and operational changes.
M1L9 – Data Required for Energy Analysis
The discussion addresses utility and meter data by considering monthly bills for all fuels and utilities with units, costs, demand, service charges, and rate schedules. Key points in facility and operational data include conditioned floor area, space use, occupancy counts, schedules, weather exposure, and operating calendars. Study of cost and financial data focuses on energy rates, demand charges, fuel escalation assumptions, maintenance costs, and avoided cost definitions. The lesson reviews baseline and benchmark data through historical normalization variables such as weather, occupancy, production, and operating hours.
M1L10 – Instrumentation Required for Energy Analysis
Key points in electrical instruments include clamp-on ammeters, voltmeters, wattmeters, power factor meters, and power quality analyzers. Study of environmental instruments focuses on light meters for illuminance measurements at actual work planes. The lesson reviews mechanical and thermal instruments through combustion analyzers for boilers, furnaces, burners, and flue gas efficiency checks. Coverage of instrument quality control includes calibration certificates, instrument range, accuracy, resolution, and sampling interval selection.
M1L11 – Communicate Audit Procedures
Study of kickoff communication focuses on purpose of the audit, selected audit level, scope boundaries, expected deliverables, and schedule. The lesson reviews site coordination by examining how daily fieldwork plan, areas to be visited, equipment rooms needed, and staff availability. Coverage of technical communication includes explanation of measurement methods, sampling limitations, and why specific data are needed. Learners examine stakeholder expectations through clear explanation of what the audit will and will not decide.
M1L12 – Communicate Data-Gathering Requirements
The lesson reviews data request list through utility bills, interval data, rate schedules, fuel invoices, water bills, and meter information. Coverage of data format includes preferred spreadsheet formats for bills, equipment lists, schedules, and production variables. Learners examine data ownership through assignment of each requested item to a responsible person or department. The discussion addresses data validation by considering cross-checking utility data against meter numbers, service addresses, account names, and facility areas served.
M1L13 – Identify the Operations and Maintenance Team
Coverage of O&M stakeholder mapping includes facility manager, chief engineer, operators, technicians, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, and controls staff. Learners examine operational knowledge through staff knowledge of actual schedules, manual overrides, seasonal practices, recurring faults, and comfort complaints. The discussion addresses interview participation by considering selection of staff who understand each major energy-consuming system. Key points in O&M engagement show how explaining how O&M input improves savings accuracy and implementation success.
M1L14 – Create Pre-Audit O&M Interview Questions
Learners examine operating schedule questions through normal, weekend, holiday, cleaning, production, and seasonal operating hours. The discussion addresses maintenance practice questions by considering preventive maintenance frequency for filters, coils, belts, dampers, valves, steam traps, burners, and sensors. Key points in control system questions include BAS access, point naming, trend capabilities, alarm management, overrides, and scheduling authority. Study of implementation questions focuses on measures previously attempted, rejected, or reversed and the reasons for each outcome.
M1L15 – Define Audit Report Format
The discussion addresses executive summary by considering facility description, audit purpose, main findings, savings potential, and recommended action plan. Key points in facility and utility sections include building information, occupancy, operating profile, construction history, and major energy systems. Study of recommendation sections focuses on ECM summary list meeting the client’s financial or operational criteria. The lesson reviews appendices through detailed calculations, meter data, rate schedules, photos, drawings, equipment inventories, and field forms.
M1L16 – Define Audit Report Requirements
Key points in technical requirements include existing system description, operating conditions, observed deficiencies, and affected energy end uses. Study of financial requirements focuses on installed cost assumptions, avoided cost rates, maintenance impacts, incentives, and escalation assumptions. The lesson reviews implementation requirements through recommended priority, implementation sequence, operational constraints, downtime needs, and responsible parties. Coverage of quality requirements includes clear statement of scope, exclusions, limitations, and confidence level.
M1L17 – Draft the Energy Audit Report
Study of finding organization addresses how to group findings by system, end use, building area, implementation priority, or financial category. The lesson reviews ECM narratives through existing condition, recommended measure, technical rationale, savings mechanism, and implementation approach. Coverage of calculation documentation includes engineering formulas, conversion factors, baseline values, proposed values, and annualization method. Learners examine draft review package by considering how to draft executive summary, ECM tables, supporting graphs, photo pages, and appendices.
M1L18 – Finalize the Energy Audit Report
The lesson reviews comment resolution by examining how to review client comments from facilities, finance, management, O&M, safety, and engineering stakeholders. Coverage of final quality check explains how to confirm consistency between ECM summary, individual measure pages, calculations, and executive summary. Learners examine final recommendations through prioritized list of immediate O&M actions, short-payback measures, capital projects, and further-study items. The discussion addresses report handoff by considering final presentation for executive, technical, and O&M audiences.
M1L19 – Conduct Audit Follow-Up
Coverage of follow-up meeting explains how to review recommended measures with management, facility staff, finance, and implementation stakeholders. Learners examine implementation planning through convert audit recommendations into scopes of work, design tasks, procurement packages, and work orders. The discussion of savings tracking explains how to establish baseline period, tracking metrics, meter data sources, and reporting frequency. Key points in persistence activities show how to document updated setpoints, schedules, sequences, maintenance tasks, and operating procedures.
M1L20 – Introduction to ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems
Learners examine energy management system structure through ISO 50001 as a management system standard for improving energy use through an energy management system. The discussion addresses energy planning by considering energy policy, energy review, significant energy uses, relevant variables, and energy performance improvement opportunities. Key points in operational control include operating and maintenance criteria for significant energy uses. Study of performance evaluation focuses on tracking energy performance against EnPIs, baselines, objectives, and action plans.
M1L21 – Supporting ISO 50001 Through Energy Auditing
The discussion of energy review support explains how energy audits provide evidence for current energy use, significant energy uses, and improvement opportunities. Key points in significant energy uses include identification of systems, processes, facilities, or equipment with major consumption or improvement potential. Study of EnPI and baseline alignment focuses on audit data used to develop or validate EnPIs such as kWh/unit, kbtu/ft², kWh/ton-hour, or therms/degree-day. The lesson reviews continual improvement evidence through audit recommendations converted into energy performance improvement actions.
M1L22 – Introduction to ASHRAE 211
Key points in standard 211 purpose include consistent practices for conducting and reporting commercial building energy audits. Study of audit level framework focuses on Level 1 walk-through analysis for preliminary assessment and basic opportunity identification. The lesson reviews audit methodology through data collection for building characteristics, energy use, operating schedules, and systems. Coverage of professional use includes contract scoping language for auditors, owners, ESCOs, utilities, and public programs.
M1L23 – Introduction to ISO 50002
Study of ISO 50002 scope focuses on international framework for conducting energy audits across buildings, processes, systems, and transport. The lesson reviews audit principles through consistency, transparency, relevance, accuracy, traceability, and evidence-based analysis. Coverage of audit process includes planning, opening meeting, data collection, measurement plan, site work, analysis, and reporting. Learners examine audit levels through Level 1 walk-through audit for basic opportunity screening.
M1L24 – Applying Energy Audit Standards in Practice
The lesson reviews standard selection by examining how to use ASHRAE 211 for commercial building audit scoping, procedures, and reporting consistency. Coverage of scope translation includes convert standard requirements into a project-specific scope of work. Learners examine practical tailoring by considering how to match effort to facility complexity, decision risk, available data, and expected project value. The discussion of compliance documentation explains how to maintain traceability from scope requirements to fieldwork, calculations, recommendations, and final report.
M1L25 – Energy Codes and Legal Requirements
Coverage of model energy codes includes ASHRAE standard 90.1 as a commercial building energy standard widely used as a code basis. Learners examine existing building requirements through benchmarking, energy audit, retro-commissioning, and building performance standard requirements in some jurisdictions. The discussion addresses safety and regulatory requirements by considering electrical safety, lockout/tagout, roof access, confined spaces, hot work, and hazardous materials. Key points in legal risk management include distinguishing audit recommendations from final engineering design and code compliance certification.
M1L26 – Industry-Specific Energy Requirements
Learners examine healthcare and laboratories through ventilation, pressure relationships, filtration, humidity, infection control, and life-safety constraints. The discussion addresses data centers and IT facilities by considering continuous operation, high plug loads, cooling reliability, UPS losses, and redundancy requirements. Key points in industrial and process facilities include energy drivers based on production volume, process schedule, raw materials, quality requirements, and product mix. Study of commercial and institutional facilities focuses on schools, offices, retail, hotels, warehouses, and campuses with different occupancy and end-use patterns.
Coverage of audit purpose explains how an energy audit identifies energy use, cost, system performance, and reduction opportunities. Learners examine audit planning sequence through pre-site planning, site visit execution, post-site analysis, report preparation, and follow-up. The discussion addresses audit success criteria by considering clear objectives, measurable deliverables, realistic savings accuracy, and agreed financial screening criteria. Key points in audit risk planning include safety risks involving electrical equipment, mechanical rooms, roofs, confined spaces, and active processes.
M1L2 – Define Audit Procedures: Scope and Objectives
Learners examine audit scope through physical boundaries including buildings, floors, systems, meters, leased areas, and outdoor energy uses. The discussion of audit objectives explains how to quantify current energy use, cost, demand, and emissions where relevant. Key points in procedure definition include data collection methods for bills, interval data, drawings, asset inventories, interviews, and BAS trend logs. Study of objective constraints focuses on required level of accuracy based on audit level and client decision risk.
M1L3 – Define Audit Procedures: Fieldwork and Deliverables
The discussion addresses fieldwork plan by considering site walk-through sequence by building area, meter, system, and end use. Key points in field measurement procedures include spot measurements for temperature, humidity, light levels, voltage, current, combustion, flow, and pressure. Study of site documentation focuses on notes on equipment condition, operating mode, controls, maintenance condition, and implementation constraints. The lesson reviews deliverable definition through fieldwork summary, data gaps, preliminary findings, and immediate O&M observations.
M1L4 – Define the Project Team
Key points in core audit roles include lead energy auditor responsible for scope control, methodology, schedule, quality, and client communication. Study of facility team roles focuses on facility manager as primary site coordinator and source of operational context. The lesson reviews specialist support through licensed engineers for high-risk design, code implications, structural impacts, and investment-grade recommendations. Coverage of responsibility matrix includes assignment of data owners, site escorts, measurement responsibilities, calculation reviewers, and report reviewers.
M1L5 – Understand Energy Audit Levels
Study of benchmarking audit focuses on utility bill review, basic benchmarking, EUI calculation, cost intensity, and portfolio screening. The lesson reviews walk-through audit through brief site survey with energy bill review and visual inspection of major energy-using systems. Coverage of detailed audit includes more complete field survey, equipment inventory, energy end-use breakdown, and system performance evaluation. Learners examine investment-grade audit through detailed field measurements, simulation where needed, vendor pricing, and financial risk evaluation.
M1L6 – Determine the Appropriate Audit Level
The lesson reviews selection criteria through client decision purpose such as screening, budgeting, compliance, financing, or project implementation. Coverage of facility conditions includes high EUI, abnormal load factor, rising utility costs, or unexplained seasonal trends indicating deeper review. Learners examine cost and effort balance through matching audit cost to likely savings potential and value of improved decision confidence. The discussion addresses audit level documentation by considering written statement of selected audit level and why IT fits the client objective.
M1L7 – Define Pre-Audit Tasks
Coverage of utility data collection includes one to two years of electric, gas, fuel, water, sewer, steam, chilled water, and delivered fuel records. Learners examine facility information review through architectural, mechanical, electrical, controls, plumbing, and process drawings. The discussion addresses preliminary analysis by considering building profile narrative covering age, use, size, construction, occupancy, and major systems. Key points in site visit preparation include site schedule, access permissions, safety requirements, escorts, and required shutdown coordination.
M1L8 – Prepare Pre-Audit Documents and Site Information
Learners examine site information package through facility name, address, use type, climate zone, conditioned area, operating hours, and occupancy profile. The discussion addresses site sketch by considering building outlines, north arrow, floor areas, construction years, and building identifiers. Key points in data collection forms include utility bill spreadsheet, equipment inventory sheets, lighting survey forms, and HVAC inspection sheets. Study of pre-audit data review focuses on comparison of drawings against known renovations, equipment replacements, and operational changes.
M1L9 – Data Required for Energy Analysis
The discussion addresses utility and meter data by considering monthly bills for all fuels and utilities with units, costs, demand, service charges, and rate schedules. Key points in facility and operational data include conditioned floor area, space use, occupancy counts, schedules, weather exposure, and operating calendars. Study of cost and financial data focuses on energy rates, demand charges, fuel escalation assumptions, maintenance costs, and avoided cost definitions. The lesson reviews baseline and benchmark data through historical normalization variables such as weather, occupancy, production, and operating hours.
M1L10 – Instrumentation Required for Energy Analysis
Key points in electrical instruments include clamp-on ammeters, voltmeters, wattmeters, power factor meters, and power quality analyzers. Study of environmental instruments focuses on light meters for illuminance measurements at actual work planes. The lesson reviews mechanical and thermal instruments through combustion analyzers for boilers, furnaces, burners, and flue gas efficiency checks. Coverage of instrument quality control includes calibration certificates, instrument range, accuracy, resolution, and sampling interval selection.
M1L11 – Communicate Audit Procedures
Study of kickoff communication focuses on purpose of the audit, selected audit level, scope boundaries, expected deliverables, and schedule. The lesson reviews site coordination by examining how daily fieldwork plan, areas to be visited, equipment rooms needed, and staff availability. Coverage of technical communication includes explanation of measurement methods, sampling limitations, and why specific data are needed. Learners examine stakeholder expectations through clear explanation of what the audit will and will not decide.
M1L12 – Communicate Data-Gathering Requirements
The lesson reviews data request list through utility bills, interval data, rate schedules, fuel invoices, water bills, and meter information. Coverage of data format includes preferred spreadsheet formats for bills, equipment lists, schedules, and production variables. Learners examine data ownership through assignment of each requested item to a responsible person or department. The discussion addresses data validation by considering cross-checking utility data against meter numbers, service addresses, account names, and facility areas served.
M1L13 – Identify the Operations and Maintenance Team
Coverage of O&M stakeholder mapping includes facility manager, chief engineer, operators, technicians, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, and controls staff. Learners examine operational knowledge through staff knowledge of actual schedules, manual overrides, seasonal practices, recurring faults, and comfort complaints. The discussion addresses interview participation by considering selection of staff who understand each major energy-consuming system. Key points in O&M engagement show how explaining how O&M input improves savings accuracy and implementation success.
M1L14 – Create Pre-Audit O&M Interview Questions
Learners examine operating schedule questions through normal, weekend, holiday, cleaning, production, and seasonal operating hours. The discussion addresses maintenance practice questions by considering preventive maintenance frequency for filters, coils, belts, dampers, valves, steam traps, burners, and sensors. Key points in control system questions include BAS access, point naming, trend capabilities, alarm management, overrides, and scheduling authority. Study of implementation questions focuses on measures previously attempted, rejected, or reversed and the reasons for each outcome.
M1L15 – Define Audit Report Format
The discussion addresses executive summary by considering facility description, audit purpose, main findings, savings potential, and recommended action plan. Key points in facility and utility sections include building information, occupancy, operating profile, construction history, and major energy systems. Study of recommendation sections focuses on ECM summary list meeting the client’s financial or operational criteria. The lesson reviews appendices through detailed calculations, meter data, rate schedules, photos, drawings, equipment inventories, and field forms.
M1L16 – Define Audit Report Requirements
Key points in technical requirements include existing system description, operating conditions, observed deficiencies, and affected energy end uses. Study of financial requirements focuses on installed cost assumptions, avoided cost rates, maintenance impacts, incentives, and escalation assumptions. The lesson reviews implementation requirements through recommended priority, implementation sequence, operational constraints, downtime needs, and responsible parties. Coverage of quality requirements includes clear statement of scope, exclusions, limitations, and confidence level.
M1L17 – Draft the Energy Audit Report
Study of finding organization addresses how to group findings by system, end use, building area, implementation priority, or financial category. The lesson reviews ECM narratives through existing condition, recommended measure, technical rationale, savings mechanism, and implementation approach. Coverage of calculation documentation includes engineering formulas, conversion factors, baseline values, proposed values, and annualization method. Learners examine draft review package by considering how to draft executive summary, ECM tables, supporting graphs, photo pages, and appendices.
M1L18 – Finalize the Energy Audit Report
The lesson reviews comment resolution by examining how to review client comments from facilities, finance, management, O&M, safety, and engineering stakeholders. Coverage of final quality check explains how to confirm consistency between ECM summary, individual measure pages, calculations, and executive summary. Learners examine final recommendations through prioritized list of immediate O&M actions, short-payback measures, capital projects, and further-study items. The discussion addresses report handoff by considering final presentation for executive, technical, and O&M audiences.
M1L19 – Conduct Audit Follow-Up
Coverage of follow-up meeting explains how to review recommended measures with management, facility staff, finance, and implementation stakeholders. Learners examine implementation planning through convert audit recommendations into scopes of work, design tasks, procurement packages, and work orders. The discussion of savings tracking explains how to establish baseline period, tracking metrics, meter data sources, and reporting frequency. Key points in persistence activities show how to document updated setpoints, schedules, sequences, maintenance tasks, and operating procedures.
M1L20 – Introduction to ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems
Learners examine energy management system structure through ISO 50001 as a management system standard for improving energy use through an energy management system. The discussion addresses energy planning by considering energy policy, energy review, significant energy uses, relevant variables, and energy performance improvement opportunities. Key points in operational control include operating and maintenance criteria for significant energy uses. Study of performance evaluation focuses on tracking energy performance against EnPIs, baselines, objectives, and action plans.
M1L21 – Supporting ISO 50001 Through Energy Auditing
The discussion of energy review support explains how energy audits provide evidence for current energy use, significant energy uses, and improvement opportunities. Key points in significant energy uses include identification of systems, processes, facilities, or equipment with major consumption or improvement potential. Study of EnPI and baseline alignment focuses on audit data used to develop or validate EnPIs such as kWh/unit, kbtu/ft², kWh/ton-hour, or therms/degree-day. The lesson reviews continual improvement evidence through audit recommendations converted into energy performance improvement actions.
M1L22 – Introduction to ASHRAE 211
Key points in standard 211 purpose include consistent practices for conducting and reporting commercial building energy audits. Study of audit level framework focuses on Level 1 walk-through analysis for preliminary assessment and basic opportunity identification. The lesson reviews audit methodology through data collection for building characteristics, energy use, operating schedules, and systems. Coverage of professional use includes contract scoping language for auditors, owners, ESCOs, utilities, and public programs.
M1L23 – Introduction to ISO 50002
Study of ISO 50002 scope focuses on international framework for conducting energy audits across buildings, processes, systems, and transport. The lesson reviews audit principles through consistency, transparency, relevance, accuracy, traceability, and evidence-based analysis. Coverage of audit process includes planning, opening meeting, data collection, measurement plan, site work, analysis, and reporting. Learners examine audit levels through Level 1 walk-through audit for basic opportunity screening.
M1L24 – Applying Energy Audit Standards in Practice
The lesson reviews standard selection by examining how to use ASHRAE 211 for commercial building audit scoping, procedures, and reporting consistency. Coverage of scope translation includes convert standard requirements into a project-specific scope of work. Learners examine practical tailoring by considering how to match effort to facility complexity, decision risk, available data, and expected project value. The discussion of compliance documentation explains how to maintain traceability from scope requirements to fieldwork, calculations, recommendations, and final report.
M1L25 – Energy Codes and Legal Requirements
Coverage of model energy codes includes ASHRAE standard 90.1 as a commercial building energy standard widely used as a code basis. Learners examine existing building requirements through benchmarking, energy audit, retro-commissioning, and building performance standard requirements in some jurisdictions. The discussion addresses safety and regulatory requirements by considering electrical safety, lockout/tagout, roof access, confined spaces, hot work, and hazardous materials. Key points in legal risk management include distinguishing audit recommendations from final engineering design and code compliance certification.
M1L26 – Industry-Specific Energy Requirements
Learners examine healthcare and laboratories through ventilation, pressure relationships, filtration, humidity, infection control, and life-safety constraints. The discussion addresses data centers and IT facilities by considering continuous operation, high plug loads, cooling reliability, UPS losses, and redundancy requirements. Key points in industrial and process facilities include energy drivers based on production volume, process schedule, raw materials, quality requirements, and product mix. Study of commercial and institutional facilities focuses on schools, offices, retail, hotels, warehouses, and campuses with different occupancy and end-use patterns.
Module 2 - Energy Use Analysis
M2L1 – Required Energy Usage Information
The discussion addresses utility bill records by considering minimum 12 to 24 months of electricity and sewer bills. Key points in meter and account information show how utility account numbers, meter numbers, meter multipliers, rate schedules, and service classifications. Study of electric demand data focuses on monthly peak demand in kW and distinction between actual demand and billing demand. The lesson reviews fuel and energy conversion data through conversion of each fuel to common units such as Btu, kbtu, MMBtu, GJ, or kWh equivalent. Coverage of data organization and quality checks includes spreadsheet setup for monthly use, cost, demand, unit cost, load factor, EUI, and cost index calculations.
M2L2 – Required Facility and Operational Information
Key points in facility profile data include facility name, location, climate zone, building type, operating function, ownership, and occupancy category. Study of operating schedule data focuses on normal occupied hours, unoccupied hours, weekend schedules, holiday schedules, and seasonal operation. The lesson reviews building systems information through HVAC system types, central plant equipment, air distribution systems, terminal units, and controls. Coverage of control and monitoring information includes BAS schedules, trend logs, alarms, setpoints, overrides, and control sequences. Learners examine production and service variables through output units such as tons produced, meals served, rooms occupied, students enrolled, patient-days, or operating hours.
M2L3 – Utility Rate Classifications
Study of rate classification basics focuses on residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, irrigation, and outdoor lighting classifications. The lesson reviews electric rate structures through flat rates with one energy price for all kWh. Coverage of natural gas rate structures includes firm service for customers requiring uninterrupted gas supply. Learners examine audit review of rate classification by considering how to compare facility demand, usage, and service voltage with tariff eligibility rules. The discussion of rate optimization opportunities explains how to evaluate whether tariff switching could reduce cost without reducing energy.
M2L4 – Demand Charges and Tariff Components
The lesson reviews electric demand fundamentals through demand as the rate of electricity use measured in kW. Coverage of demand charge components includes monthly demand charges based on actual peak kW or billing kW. Learners examine power factor and reactive charges through real power in kW, reactive power in kVAR, apparent power in kVA, and power factor. The discussion addresses other tariff components by considering customer charges, service charges, meter charges, fuel adjustment charges, riders, taxes, and surcharges. Key points in audit use of tariff data include recalculate bills from tariff language to verify billing accuracy.
M2L5 – Establish Utility Cost Baseline
Coverage of baseline purpose includes reference point for comparing future energy cost performance. Learners examine baseline cost data through monthly utility cost by fuel, meter, account, and building. The discussion addresses baseline period structure by considering use of a representative 12-month period or multi-year average where operations are stable. Key points in cost baseline calculations include annual total cost by utility and whole facility. Study of baseline communication focuses on charts showing monthly cost by fuel and total annual cost distribution.
M2L6 – Validate and Normalize Cost Baseline
Learners examine cost data validation by considering how to check bills for missing months, duplicate entries, meter read errors, and estimated readings. The discussion of unit cost validation explains how to compare $/kWh, $/therm, $/MMBtu, and $/gallon across months. Key points in weather normalization show how to adjust weather-sensitive cost using heating degree days and cooling degree days. Study of operational normalization addresses how to adjust for production, occupancy, operating hours, patient-days, rooms occupied, or service volume. The lesson reviews normalized cost baseline review by examining how to compare actual cost baseline with normalized cost baseline.
M2L7 – Establish Utility Energy Usage Baseline
The discussion addresses energy baseline purpose by considering reference model for how much energy the facility normally uses. Key points in energy data assembly include monthly usage by electricity, gas, fuel oil, propane, steam, chilled water, water, and process utilities. Study of baseline calculation methods focuses on annual total energy by fuel and by facility. The lesson reviews baseline boundaries through definition of included buildings, meters, systems, tenants, and process loads. Coverage of baseline quality review explains how to check whether baseline reflects normal occupancy, weather, production, and operating schedules.
M2L8 – Baseline Period Selection and Adjustments
Key points in baseline period selection include choose a period long enough to capture seasonal operation and routine variability. Study of routine adjustments focuses on weather adjustment for heating and cooling energy. The lesson reviews non-routine adjustments by examining how major floor area changes, new equipment, tenant changes, or process changes. Coverage of baseline adjustment documentation includes clear description of what changed, when IT changed, and why adjustment is justified. Learners examine professional judgment by considering how to avoid over-adjusting until true savings are hidden.
M2L9 – Relevant Variables in Energy Analysis
Study of relevant variable definition addresses how factors that routinely and significantly affect energy consumption. The lesson reviews weather variables through outdoor air temperature, heating degree days, cooling degree days, humidity, and solar exposure. Coverage of operational variables includes occupancy counts, tenant density, operating hours, shift schedules, and event schedules. Learners examine static factors through floor area, building use type, envelope condition, installed equipment, and system configuration. The discussion of variable selection explains how to select variables with physical cause-and-effect relationship to energy use.
M2L10 – Regression Analysis Basics
The lesson reviews regression purpose by examining how to quantify the relationship between energy use and relevant variables. Coverage of simple linear regression includes model form such as energy = a + bx. Learners examine multiple regression through model form using more than one driver such as HDD, CDD, occupancy, and production. The discussion addresses regression quality checks by considering r² and adjusted r² as indicators of explained variation. Key points in audit applications include weather-normalized energy baselines.
M2L11 – Energy Performance Indicators
Coverage of EnPI purpose explains how metrics used to measure, compare, and manage energy performance. Learners examine whole-facility indicators through energy use intensity in kbtu/ft²-year, kWh/m²-year, or GJ/m²-year. The discussion addresses system and process indicators by considering kWh per ton of cooling, boiler fuel per pound of steam, and kW/ton chiller performance. Key points in normalized indicators include weather-normalized EUI for heating and cooling loads. Study of indicator selection and use addresses how choose indicators that are understandable, measurable, controllable, and tied to decisions.
M2L12 – Types of Energy Use Graphs
Learners examine monthly consumption graphs through monthly kWh, therms, MMBtu, water, or fuel use plotted across a year. The discussion addresses cost and demand graphs by considering monthly utility cost by fuel and total facility cost. Key points in base and seasonal load graphs include horizontal base-load line drawn at the lowest recurring monthly use. Study of rolling 12-month graphs focuses on rolling annual consumption or cost calculated by dropping the oldest month and adding the newest. The lesson reviews scatter and load profile graphs through energy versus HDD, CDD, production, or occupancy scatter plots.
M2L13 – Analyze Energy Trends and Outliers
The discussion addresses trend identification by considering upward, downward, flat, seasonal, and cyclical energy patterns. Key points in outlier detection include months with abnormal energy use, demand, cost, or unit price. Study of weather and seasonal interpretation addresses how heating-driven energy increase during high HDD months. The lesson reviews operational interpretation by examining how increased occupancy, added shifts, new equipment, process changes, or extended hours. Coverage of corrective audit actions explains how to confirm anomalies with operators, BAS logs, work orders, and interval data.
M2L14 – Facility Benchmarking
Key points in benchmarking purpose show how to compare facility energy performance against peers, portfolio buildings, or historical performance. Study of benchmarking data requirements focuses on accurate floor area, occupancy type, operating hours, and space-use details. The lesson reviews benchmarking metrics through site EUI, source EUI, weather-normalized EUI, energy cost index, and emissions intensity. Coverage of benchmarking interpretation includes high EUI as a flag for deeper analysis, not automatic proof of waste. Learners examine audit use of benchmarking by considering how to select facilities for level i, ii, or iii audits.
M2L15 – Energy Use Intensity, Energy Cost Index, and Energy Targets
Study of energy use intensity focuses on EUI as annual energy use divided by building floor area. The lesson reviews energy cost index through ECI as annual utility cost divided by building floor area. Coverage of source and site metrics includes site energy as energy consumed at the facility boundary. Learners examine energy target development through targets based on baseline performance, benchmarking, ECM savings potential, and owner goals. The discussion addresses target tracking by considering monthly dashboard tracking against baseline and target.
M2L16 – Load Factor and Savings Potential
The lesson reviews load factor definition through ratio of average demand to peak demand for the same period. Coverage of load factor interpretation includes high load factor indicating steady use and less demand-shifting potential. Learners examine demand savings potential through peak shaving through load scheduling, sequencing, and start-up control. The discussion addresses interval data analysis by considering 15-minute or hourly load profiles to identify when peaks occur. Key points in audit recommendations show how to prioritize demand measures when demand charges are a significant bill component.
M2L17 – Energy End-Use Categories
Coverage of building end-use categories includes space heating, space cooling, ventilation, pumps, fans, lighting, plug loads, and domestic hot water. Learners examine industrial end-use categories through process heating, process cooling, compressed air, motors, pumps, fans, steam, refrigeration, and material handling. The discussion addresses energy and cost categories by considering end-use shares by energy consumption and by utility cost. Key points in end-use drivers include weather-sensitive loads driven by outdoor conditions. Study of audit use of end-use categories addresses how to focus field investigation on the largest and most controllable loads.
M2L18 – Methods for Energy End-Use Breakdown
Learners examine utility-based disaggregation through separate annual energy into base load and seasonal load from monthly utility graphs. The discussion of equipment inventory method explains how to calculate connected load from nameplate power, capacity, and equipment counts. Key points in submetering and data logging show how to use existing submeters for tenant, system, floor, or process energy separation. Study of engineering calculation method addresses how to use heat balance, run-hour, degree-day, bin, and performance-curve calculations. The lesson reviews calibration and reconciliation by examining how to compare end-use estimates with total metered energy.
M2L19 – Balance Point Temperature Concept
The discussion addresses balance point definition by considering outdoor temperature at which building internal gains equal envelope and ventilation heat losses. Key points in internal and external drivers include internal gains from occupants, lighting, plug loads, process loads, and solar gains. Study of heating balance point addresses how to lower balance point in buildings with high internal gains. The lesson reviews cooling balance point by examining how cooling begins when internal and solar gains exceed heat losses and ventilation benefits. Coverage of audit interpretation explains how balance point helps distinguish base load from weather-sensitive load.
M2L20 – Using Balance Point Temperature in Energy Analysis
Key points in balance point selection include start with typical base temperatures and refine using actual facility data. Study of degree-day analysis addresses how to calculate HDD when outdoor temperature is below heating balance point. The lesson reviews regression application through plot heating fuel use against HDD to estimate base fuel and weather-sensitive fuel. Coverage of savings estimation use includes normalize baseline energy to typical weather conditions. Learners examine practical limitations by considering how monthly data may be too coarse for buildings with complex schedules.
M2L21 – Fleet Energy Data Collection
Study of fleet inventory data focuses on vehicle id, type, class, model year, fuel type, drivetrain, engine size, and assigned department. The lesson reviews fuel and charging data through gasoline, diesel, CNG, LPG, biodiesel, ethanol blends, hydrogen, and electricity use. Coverage of activity and utilization data includes miles traveled, trips, routes, stops, idle hours, payload, passenger counts, and ton-miles. Learners examine data quality controls through odometer validation, duplicate fuel transaction checks, and missing vehicle id correction. The discussion addresses fleet data tools by considering fuel management systems, fleet management software, EV charging platforms, and telematics dashboards.
M2L22 – Fleet Energy Use Analysis
The lesson reviews fleet energy indicators through fuel economy in miles per gallon, liters per 100 km, miles per gallon equivalent, or kWh per mile. Coverage of consumption pattern analysis includes monthly and seasonal fuel use by vehicle class, department, route, and fuel type. Learners examine efficiency opportunity screening through driver behavior improvement, idle reduction, route optimization, right-sizing, and preventive maintenance. The discussion addresses electrification and alternative fuel analysis by considering duty-cycle suitability for EVs based on range, charging time, payload, route predictability, and parking location. Key points in fleet savings and reporting include baseline fuel use, baseline cost, and baseline emissions by vehicle group.
The discussion addresses utility bill records by considering minimum 12 to 24 months of electricity and sewer bills. Key points in meter and account information show how utility account numbers, meter numbers, meter multipliers, rate schedules, and service classifications. Study of electric demand data focuses on monthly peak demand in kW and distinction between actual demand and billing demand. The lesson reviews fuel and energy conversion data through conversion of each fuel to common units such as Btu, kbtu, MMBtu, GJ, or kWh equivalent. Coverage of data organization and quality checks includes spreadsheet setup for monthly use, cost, demand, unit cost, load factor, EUI, and cost index calculations.
M2L2 – Required Facility and Operational Information
Key points in facility profile data include facility name, location, climate zone, building type, operating function, ownership, and occupancy category. Study of operating schedule data focuses on normal occupied hours, unoccupied hours, weekend schedules, holiday schedules, and seasonal operation. The lesson reviews building systems information through HVAC system types, central plant equipment, air distribution systems, terminal units, and controls. Coverage of control and monitoring information includes BAS schedules, trend logs, alarms, setpoints, overrides, and control sequences. Learners examine production and service variables through output units such as tons produced, meals served, rooms occupied, students enrolled, patient-days, or operating hours.
M2L3 – Utility Rate Classifications
Study of rate classification basics focuses on residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, irrigation, and outdoor lighting classifications. The lesson reviews electric rate structures through flat rates with one energy price for all kWh. Coverage of natural gas rate structures includes firm service for customers requiring uninterrupted gas supply. Learners examine audit review of rate classification by considering how to compare facility demand, usage, and service voltage with tariff eligibility rules. The discussion of rate optimization opportunities explains how to evaluate whether tariff switching could reduce cost without reducing energy.
M2L4 – Demand Charges and Tariff Components
The lesson reviews electric demand fundamentals through demand as the rate of electricity use measured in kW. Coverage of demand charge components includes monthly demand charges based on actual peak kW or billing kW. Learners examine power factor and reactive charges through real power in kW, reactive power in kVAR, apparent power in kVA, and power factor. The discussion addresses other tariff components by considering customer charges, service charges, meter charges, fuel adjustment charges, riders, taxes, and surcharges. Key points in audit use of tariff data include recalculate bills from tariff language to verify billing accuracy.
M2L5 – Establish Utility Cost Baseline
Coverage of baseline purpose includes reference point for comparing future energy cost performance. Learners examine baseline cost data through monthly utility cost by fuel, meter, account, and building. The discussion addresses baseline period structure by considering use of a representative 12-month period or multi-year average where operations are stable. Key points in cost baseline calculations include annual total cost by utility and whole facility. Study of baseline communication focuses on charts showing monthly cost by fuel and total annual cost distribution.
M2L6 – Validate and Normalize Cost Baseline
Learners examine cost data validation by considering how to check bills for missing months, duplicate entries, meter read errors, and estimated readings. The discussion of unit cost validation explains how to compare $/kWh, $/therm, $/MMBtu, and $/gallon across months. Key points in weather normalization show how to adjust weather-sensitive cost using heating degree days and cooling degree days. Study of operational normalization addresses how to adjust for production, occupancy, operating hours, patient-days, rooms occupied, or service volume. The lesson reviews normalized cost baseline review by examining how to compare actual cost baseline with normalized cost baseline.
M2L7 – Establish Utility Energy Usage Baseline
The discussion addresses energy baseline purpose by considering reference model for how much energy the facility normally uses. Key points in energy data assembly include monthly usage by electricity, gas, fuel oil, propane, steam, chilled water, water, and process utilities. Study of baseline calculation methods focuses on annual total energy by fuel and by facility. The lesson reviews baseline boundaries through definition of included buildings, meters, systems, tenants, and process loads. Coverage of baseline quality review explains how to check whether baseline reflects normal occupancy, weather, production, and operating schedules.
M2L8 – Baseline Period Selection and Adjustments
Key points in baseline period selection include choose a period long enough to capture seasonal operation and routine variability. Study of routine adjustments focuses on weather adjustment for heating and cooling energy. The lesson reviews non-routine adjustments by examining how major floor area changes, new equipment, tenant changes, or process changes. Coverage of baseline adjustment documentation includes clear description of what changed, when IT changed, and why adjustment is justified. Learners examine professional judgment by considering how to avoid over-adjusting until true savings are hidden.
M2L9 – Relevant Variables in Energy Analysis
Study of relevant variable definition addresses how factors that routinely and significantly affect energy consumption. The lesson reviews weather variables through outdoor air temperature, heating degree days, cooling degree days, humidity, and solar exposure. Coverage of operational variables includes occupancy counts, tenant density, operating hours, shift schedules, and event schedules. Learners examine static factors through floor area, building use type, envelope condition, installed equipment, and system configuration. The discussion of variable selection explains how to select variables with physical cause-and-effect relationship to energy use.
M2L10 – Regression Analysis Basics
The lesson reviews regression purpose by examining how to quantify the relationship between energy use and relevant variables. Coverage of simple linear regression includes model form such as energy = a + bx. Learners examine multiple regression through model form using more than one driver such as HDD, CDD, occupancy, and production. The discussion addresses regression quality checks by considering r² and adjusted r² as indicators of explained variation. Key points in audit applications include weather-normalized energy baselines.
M2L11 – Energy Performance Indicators
Coverage of EnPI purpose explains how metrics used to measure, compare, and manage energy performance. Learners examine whole-facility indicators through energy use intensity in kbtu/ft²-year, kWh/m²-year, or GJ/m²-year. The discussion addresses system and process indicators by considering kWh per ton of cooling, boiler fuel per pound of steam, and kW/ton chiller performance. Key points in normalized indicators include weather-normalized EUI for heating and cooling loads. Study of indicator selection and use addresses how choose indicators that are understandable, measurable, controllable, and tied to decisions.
M2L12 – Types of Energy Use Graphs
Learners examine monthly consumption graphs through monthly kWh, therms, MMBtu, water, or fuel use plotted across a year. The discussion addresses cost and demand graphs by considering monthly utility cost by fuel and total facility cost. Key points in base and seasonal load graphs include horizontal base-load line drawn at the lowest recurring monthly use. Study of rolling 12-month graphs focuses on rolling annual consumption or cost calculated by dropping the oldest month and adding the newest. The lesson reviews scatter and load profile graphs through energy versus HDD, CDD, production, or occupancy scatter plots.
M2L13 – Analyze Energy Trends and Outliers
The discussion addresses trend identification by considering upward, downward, flat, seasonal, and cyclical energy patterns. Key points in outlier detection include months with abnormal energy use, demand, cost, or unit price. Study of weather and seasonal interpretation addresses how heating-driven energy increase during high HDD months. The lesson reviews operational interpretation by examining how increased occupancy, added shifts, new equipment, process changes, or extended hours. Coverage of corrective audit actions explains how to confirm anomalies with operators, BAS logs, work orders, and interval data.
M2L14 – Facility Benchmarking
Key points in benchmarking purpose show how to compare facility energy performance against peers, portfolio buildings, or historical performance. Study of benchmarking data requirements focuses on accurate floor area, occupancy type, operating hours, and space-use details. The lesson reviews benchmarking metrics through site EUI, source EUI, weather-normalized EUI, energy cost index, and emissions intensity. Coverage of benchmarking interpretation includes high EUI as a flag for deeper analysis, not automatic proof of waste. Learners examine audit use of benchmarking by considering how to select facilities for level i, ii, or iii audits.
M2L15 – Energy Use Intensity, Energy Cost Index, and Energy Targets
Study of energy use intensity focuses on EUI as annual energy use divided by building floor area. The lesson reviews energy cost index through ECI as annual utility cost divided by building floor area. Coverage of source and site metrics includes site energy as energy consumed at the facility boundary. Learners examine energy target development through targets based on baseline performance, benchmarking, ECM savings potential, and owner goals. The discussion addresses target tracking by considering monthly dashboard tracking against baseline and target.
M2L16 – Load Factor and Savings Potential
The lesson reviews load factor definition through ratio of average demand to peak demand for the same period. Coverage of load factor interpretation includes high load factor indicating steady use and less demand-shifting potential. Learners examine demand savings potential through peak shaving through load scheduling, sequencing, and start-up control. The discussion addresses interval data analysis by considering 15-minute or hourly load profiles to identify when peaks occur. Key points in audit recommendations show how to prioritize demand measures when demand charges are a significant bill component.
M2L17 – Energy End-Use Categories
Coverage of building end-use categories includes space heating, space cooling, ventilation, pumps, fans, lighting, plug loads, and domestic hot water. Learners examine industrial end-use categories through process heating, process cooling, compressed air, motors, pumps, fans, steam, refrigeration, and material handling. The discussion addresses energy and cost categories by considering end-use shares by energy consumption and by utility cost. Key points in end-use drivers include weather-sensitive loads driven by outdoor conditions. Study of audit use of end-use categories addresses how to focus field investigation on the largest and most controllable loads.
M2L18 – Methods for Energy End-Use Breakdown
Learners examine utility-based disaggregation through separate annual energy into base load and seasonal load from monthly utility graphs. The discussion of equipment inventory method explains how to calculate connected load from nameplate power, capacity, and equipment counts. Key points in submetering and data logging show how to use existing submeters for tenant, system, floor, or process energy separation. Study of engineering calculation method addresses how to use heat balance, run-hour, degree-day, bin, and performance-curve calculations. The lesson reviews calibration and reconciliation by examining how to compare end-use estimates with total metered energy.
M2L19 – Balance Point Temperature Concept
The discussion addresses balance point definition by considering outdoor temperature at which building internal gains equal envelope and ventilation heat losses. Key points in internal and external drivers include internal gains from occupants, lighting, plug loads, process loads, and solar gains. Study of heating balance point addresses how to lower balance point in buildings with high internal gains. The lesson reviews cooling balance point by examining how cooling begins when internal and solar gains exceed heat losses and ventilation benefits. Coverage of audit interpretation explains how balance point helps distinguish base load from weather-sensitive load.
M2L20 – Using Balance Point Temperature in Energy Analysis
Key points in balance point selection include start with typical base temperatures and refine using actual facility data. Study of degree-day analysis addresses how to calculate HDD when outdoor temperature is below heating balance point. The lesson reviews regression application through plot heating fuel use against HDD to estimate base fuel and weather-sensitive fuel. Coverage of savings estimation use includes normalize baseline energy to typical weather conditions. Learners examine practical limitations by considering how monthly data may be too coarse for buildings with complex schedules.
M2L21 – Fleet Energy Data Collection
Study of fleet inventory data focuses on vehicle id, type, class, model year, fuel type, drivetrain, engine size, and assigned department. The lesson reviews fuel and charging data through gasoline, diesel, CNG, LPG, biodiesel, ethanol blends, hydrogen, and electricity use. Coverage of activity and utilization data includes miles traveled, trips, routes, stops, idle hours, payload, passenger counts, and ton-miles. Learners examine data quality controls through odometer validation, duplicate fuel transaction checks, and missing vehicle id correction. The discussion addresses fleet data tools by considering fuel management systems, fleet management software, EV charging platforms, and telematics dashboards.
M2L22 – Fleet Energy Use Analysis
The lesson reviews fleet energy indicators through fuel economy in miles per gallon, liters per 100 km, miles per gallon equivalent, or kWh per mile. Coverage of consumption pattern analysis includes monthly and seasonal fuel use by vehicle class, department, route, and fuel type. Learners examine efficiency opportunity screening through driver behavior improvement, idle reduction, route optimization, right-sizing, and preventive maintenance. The discussion addresses electrification and alternative fuel analysis by considering duty-cycle suitability for EVs based on range, charging time, payload, route predictability, and parking location. Key points in fleet savings and reporting include baseline fuel use, baseline cost, and baseline emissions by vehicle group.
Module 3 - Data Collection & Analysis
M3L1 – Define Pre-Site Data Collection
Coverage of pre-site data collection purpose explains how to establish the audit scope, facility boundaries, and expected level of audit detail. Learners examine required pre-site information through one to two years of utility bills for electricity, gas, fuel oil, steam, chilled water, water, and sewer. The discussion addresses energy use screening by considering monthly energy use, demand, and cost patterns by fuel type. Key points in pre-site audit outputs include preliminary facility profile and energy-use summary.
M3L2 – Prepare Pre-Site Data Collection Checklist
Learners examine checklist structure through facility identification, ownership, contact persons, and audit boundaries. The discussion addresses utility and metering checklist by considering monthly consumption, demand, cost, power factor, and interval data where available. Key points in facility document checklist include architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and controls drawings. Study of site preparation checklist focuses on interview questions for operators, managers, occupants, and maintenance staff.
M3L3 – Collect Utility and Facility Data
The discussion addresses utility bill collection by considering gather complete monthly bills for all fuels and services for at least 12 to 24 months. Key points in facility profile data include building use type, age, construction history, additions, and renovations. Study of energy performance data focuses on annual energy use by fuel converted to common units such as kbtu or MMBtu. The lesson reviews benchmarking data through comparable building type, climate zone, operating hours, and space-use characteristics.
M3L4 – Organize and Validate Pre-Site Data
Key points in data organization include sort bills by facility, meter, fuel type, and billing period. Study of data validation addresses how to check missing months, overlapping billing periods, estimated reads, and abnormal read dates. The lesson reviews analytical review through graph monthly energy use, demand, cost, and unit cost by fuel. Coverage of pre-site findings explains how to identify high-cost fuels, high-demand meters, and systems needing field verification.
M3L5 – Define On-Site Data Collection Requirements
Study of on-site data scope addresses how to confirm actual equipment, conditions, schedules, and control practices. The lesson reviews system data requirements through HVAC equipment type, capacity, efficiency, age, condition, and control method. Coverage of operational data requirements explains how occupancy schedules, shift patterns, seasonal operations, and shutdown periods. Learners examine evidence requirements through nameplate photos, equipment tags, floor plan notes, and system diagrams.
M3L6 – Plan On-Site Measurements and Observations
The lesson reviews measurement objectives by examining how to confirm major energy uses and operating schedules. Coverage of measurement planning explains how to select points to measure based on energy impact, uncertainty, and audit level. Learners examine audit instruments through light meter for illumination and lighting verification. The discussion addresses observation plan by considering walk through spaces in a logical sequence from utility entry to end-use systems.
M3L7 – Collect On-Site Equipment Data
Coverage of equipment identification includes equipment tag, location, service area, manufacturer, model, and serial number. Learners examine HVAC equipment data through boilers, chillers, heat pumps, packaged units, furnaces, cooling towers, pumps, and fans. The discussion addresses electrical and lighting data by considering lighting fixture counts, lamp types, wattages, ballast or driver types, and control zones. Key points in water and process equipment data include domestic hot water heaters, storage tanks, recirculation pumps, fixtures, and temperature settings.
M3L8 – Collect Operating Schedule and Control Data
Learners examine operating schedules through occupied, unoccupied, weekend, holiday, seasonal, and special-event schedules. The discussion addresses control sequences by considering thermostat, BAS, ddc, pneumatic, local, and manual control methods. Key points in BAS and trend data include trend logs for temperatures, valve positions, damper positions, fan status, kW, and runtime. Study of operational interviews focuses on operator explanations of actual control practices and manual interventions.
M3L9 – Identify Energy Efficiency Measures
The discussion of measure identification process explains how to use utility analysis, field observations, interviews, and equipment data to find savings opportunities. Key points in operational and maintenance measures show how to reduce unnecessary equipment runtime during unoccupied periods. Study of system retrofit measures focuses on lighting upgrades, occupancy controls, daylighting controls, and exterior lighting improvements. The lesson reviews measure documentation through existing condition, proposed improvement, affected equipment, and service area.
M3L10 – Screen and Prioritize Energy Efficiency Measures
Key points in screening criteria include energy savings, demand savings, utility cost savings, and emissions reduction. Study of technical screening addresses how to confirm that the measure matches actual equipment condition and operating need. The lesson reviews financial screening by examining how to estimate installed cost, annual savings, maintenance savings, and avoided replacement costs. Coverage of prioritization output explains how to rank measures by cost-effectiveness, confidence, urgency, and strategic value.
M3L11 – Understand Interactive Effects of Measures
Study of interactive effect basics addresses how one measure CAN change the energy use, demand, or operating conditions of another system. The lesson reviews lighting and HVAC interactions by examining how lighting power reductions lower internal heat gains. Coverage of HVAC and control interactions explains how ventilation reductions affect heating, cooling, fan energy, humidity, and indoor air quality. Learners examine project-level interactions by considering how envelope improvements reduce HVAC loads and may affect equipment sizing.
M3L12 – Account for Interactive Effects in Savings Calculations
The lesson reviews calculation boundaries by examining how to define which systems are directly is affected by each ECM. Coverage of calculation methods explains how to use engineering calculations for simple, direct interactions. Learners examine baseline adjustments by considering how to adjust baseline energy use for weather, occupancy, production, schedules, and facility changes. The discussion of savings documentation explains how to present individual measure savings and bundled savings clearly.
M3L13 – Introduction to Energy Modelling Methods
Coverage of energy model purposes explains how to estimate baseline energy use and compare IT with observed consumption. Learners examine modelling approaches through spreadsheet engineering models for equipment-level calculations. The discussion addresses model inputs by considering utility bills, interval meter data, demand data, and submeter readings. Key points in model selection show how to match model complexity to audit level, available data, and decision risk.
M3L14 – Ordinary Least Squares and Regression Modelling
Learners examine regression model role by considering how to explain energy use as a function of independent variables such as weather or production. The discussion of ordinary least squares basics explains how dependent variable commonly represents kWh, therms, demand, or total energy use. Key points in model development show how to use consistent billing periods, interval lengths, and time alignment between energy and drivers. Study of regression outputs focuses on equation form, coefficients, intercept, predicted values, and residuals.
M3L15 – Validate and Interpret Energy Models
The discussion of model validation checks explains how to compare predicted energy use against measured utility or interval data. Key points in baseline interpretation include interpret the intercept as base load only when IT is technically reasonable. Study of model limitations addresses how poor data quality CAN produce misleading savings estimates. The lesson reviews audit use of model results by examining how to use validated models to estimate normalized annual consumption and savings.
Coverage of pre-site data collection purpose explains how to establish the audit scope, facility boundaries, and expected level of audit detail. Learners examine required pre-site information through one to two years of utility bills for electricity, gas, fuel oil, steam, chilled water, water, and sewer. The discussion addresses energy use screening by considering monthly energy use, demand, and cost patterns by fuel type. Key points in pre-site audit outputs include preliminary facility profile and energy-use summary.
M3L2 – Prepare Pre-Site Data Collection Checklist
Learners examine checklist structure through facility identification, ownership, contact persons, and audit boundaries. The discussion addresses utility and metering checklist by considering monthly consumption, demand, cost, power factor, and interval data where available. Key points in facility document checklist include architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and controls drawings. Study of site preparation checklist focuses on interview questions for operators, managers, occupants, and maintenance staff.
M3L3 – Collect Utility and Facility Data
The discussion addresses utility bill collection by considering gather complete monthly bills for all fuels and services for at least 12 to 24 months. Key points in facility profile data include building use type, age, construction history, additions, and renovations. Study of energy performance data focuses on annual energy use by fuel converted to common units such as kbtu or MMBtu. The lesson reviews benchmarking data through comparable building type, climate zone, operating hours, and space-use characteristics.
M3L4 – Organize and Validate Pre-Site Data
Key points in data organization include sort bills by facility, meter, fuel type, and billing period. Study of data validation addresses how to check missing months, overlapping billing periods, estimated reads, and abnormal read dates. The lesson reviews analytical review through graph monthly energy use, demand, cost, and unit cost by fuel. Coverage of pre-site findings explains how to identify high-cost fuels, high-demand meters, and systems needing field verification.
M3L5 – Define On-Site Data Collection Requirements
Study of on-site data scope addresses how to confirm actual equipment, conditions, schedules, and control practices. The lesson reviews system data requirements through HVAC equipment type, capacity, efficiency, age, condition, and control method. Coverage of operational data requirements explains how occupancy schedules, shift patterns, seasonal operations, and shutdown periods. Learners examine evidence requirements through nameplate photos, equipment tags, floor plan notes, and system diagrams.
M3L6 – Plan On-Site Measurements and Observations
The lesson reviews measurement objectives by examining how to confirm major energy uses and operating schedules. Coverage of measurement planning explains how to select points to measure based on energy impact, uncertainty, and audit level. Learners examine audit instruments through light meter for illumination and lighting verification. The discussion addresses observation plan by considering walk through spaces in a logical sequence from utility entry to end-use systems.
M3L7 – Collect On-Site Equipment Data
Coverage of equipment identification includes equipment tag, location, service area, manufacturer, model, and serial number. Learners examine HVAC equipment data through boilers, chillers, heat pumps, packaged units, furnaces, cooling towers, pumps, and fans. The discussion addresses electrical and lighting data by considering lighting fixture counts, lamp types, wattages, ballast or driver types, and control zones. Key points in water and process equipment data include domestic hot water heaters, storage tanks, recirculation pumps, fixtures, and temperature settings.
M3L8 – Collect Operating Schedule and Control Data
Learners examine operating schedules through occupied, unoccupied, weekend, holiday, seasonal, and special-event schedules. The discussion addresses control sequences by considering thermostat, BAS, ddc, pneumatic, local, and manual control methods. Key points in BAS and trend data include trend logs for temperatures, valve positions, damper positions, fan status, kW, and runtime. Study of operational interviews focuses on operator explanations of actual control practices and manual interventions.
M3L9 – Identify Energy Efficiency Measures
The discussion of measure identification process explains how to use utility analysis, field observations, interviews, and equipment data to find savings opportunities. Key points in operational and maintenance measures show how to reduce unnecessary equipment runtime during unoccupied periods. Study of system retrofit measures focuses on lighting upgrades, occupancy controls, daylighting controls, and exterior lighting improvements. The lesson reviews measure documentation through existing condition, proposed improvement, affected equipment, and service area.
M3L10 – Screen and Prioritize Energy Efficiency Measures
Key points in screening criteria include energy savings, demand savings, utility cost savings, and emissions reduction. Study of technical screening addresses how to confirm that the measure matches actual equipment condition and operating need. The lesson reviews financial screening by examining how to estimate installed cost, annual savings, maintenance savings, and avoided replacement costs. Coverage of prioritization output explains how to rank measures by cost-effectiveness, confidence, urgency, and strategic value.
M3L11 – Understand Interactive Effects of Measures
Study of interactive effect basics addresses how one measure CAN change the energy use, demand, or operating conditions of another system. The lesson reviews lighting and HVAC interactions by examining how lighting power reductions lower internal heat gains. Coverage of HVAC and control interactions explains how ventilation reductions affect heating, cooling, fan energy, humidity, and indoor air quality. Learners examine project-level interactions by considering how envelope improvements reduce HVAC loads and may affect equipment sizing.
M3L12 – Account for Interactive Effects in Savings Calculations
The lesson reviews calculation boundaries by examining how to define which systems are directly is affected by each ECM. Coverage of calculation methods explains how to use engineering calculations for simple, direct interactions. Learners examine baseline adjustments by considering how to adjust baseline energy use for weather, occupancy, production, schedules, and facility changes. The discussion of savings documentation explains how to present individual measure savings and bundled savings clearly.
M3L13 – Introduction to Energy Modelling Methods
Coverage of energy model purposes explains how to estimate baseline energy use and compare IT with observed consumption. Learners examine modelling approaches through spreadsheet engineering models for equipment-level calculations. The discussion addresses model inputs by considering utility bills, interval meter data, demand data, and submeter readings. Key points in model selection show how to match model complexity to audit level, available data, and decision risk.
M3L14 – Ordinary Least Squares and Regression Modelling
Learners examine regression model role by considering how to explain energy use as a function of independent variables such as weather or production. The discussion of ordinary least squares basics explains how dependent variable commonly represents kWh, therms, demand, or total energy use. Key points in model development show how to use consistent billing periods, interval lengths, and time alignment between energy and drivers. Study of regression outputs focuses on equation form, coefficients, intercept, predicted values, and residuals.
M3L15 – Validate and Interpret Energy Models
The discussion of model validation checks explains how to compare predicted energy use against measured utility or interval data. Key points in baseline interpretation include interpret the intercept as base load only when IT is technically reasonable. Study of model limitations addresses how poor data quality CAN produce misleading savings estimates. The lesson reviews audit use of model results by examining how to use validated models to estimate normalized annual consumption and savings.
Module 4 - Economic Analysis
M4L1 – Client Financial Decision-Making Criteria
Key points in client investment priorities include energy cost reduction, demand-charge control, avoided maintenance, reliability, and compliance value. Study of financial hurdle criteria focuses on minimum acceptable rate of return or hurdle rate used to screen ECMs. The lesson reviews decision-maker perspectives through CFO focus on cash flow, capital preservation, and financial risk. Coverage of audit use of financial criteria includes defining financial screening rules before detailed ECM development.
M4L2 – Investment Projects and Capital Budgeting
Study of energy projects as capital investments focuses on ECMs competing with production, safety, expansion, and maintenance projects for funding. The lesson reviews capital budgeting process through project identification, preliminary screening, detailed analysis, approval, procurement, and implementation. Coverage of investment classification explains how independent projects that CAN be accepted or rejected separately. Learners examine audit inputs for budgeting through installed cost, annual savings, project life, residual value, and avoided costs.
M4L3 – Need for Life Cycle Cost Analysis
The lesson reviews limits of first-cost decisions by examining how low first cost CAN create high energy, maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. Coverage of total cost of ownership includes initial installed cost, energy cost, O&M cost, repair cost, replacement cost, and disposal cost. Learners examine LCC decision value through comparing alternatives with different first costs and future operating costs. The discussion addresses audit application by considering selecting LCC when project life exceeds the client’s payback threshold.
M4L4 – Costing O&M Energy Efficiency Measures
Coverage of O&M measure cost scope includes labor hours for inspection, adjustment, cleaning, tuning, scheduling, and troubleshooting. Learners examine low-cost and no-cost measures through schedule optimization for HVAC, lighting, process equipment, and plug loads. The discussion addresses O&M savings estimation by considering baseline operating hours, load profiles, utility rates, and affected equipment capacity. Key points in cost documentation include separate internal labor, contractor labor, parts, tools, and downtime costs.
M4L5 – Costing Capital Energy Efficiency Measures
Learners examine capital cost components through equipment purchase price, accessories, controls, meters, sensors, and software. The discussion addresses incremental cost basis by considering full project cost for discretionary retrofits with no required replacement. Key points in capital savings inputs include annual energy savings by fuel type, kWh, kW, therms, gallons, water, sewer, or process units. Study of estimate quality focuses on conceptual, budgetary, contractor quote, engineered estimate, and bid-level cost confidence.
M4L6 – Cost Data, Contingencies, and Escalation
The discussion addresses cost data sources by considering vendor quotations, contractor estimates, rsmeans-style cost references, and recent bid histories. Key points in cost estimate accuracy include screening estimates for early ECM comparison. Study of contingency allowances focuses on design contingency for incomplete scope definition. The lesson reviews escalation and inflation through energy price escalation, labor escalation, material escalation, and general inflation.
M4L7 – Simple Payback Period
Key points in payback definition include time required for annual cost savings to recover the first cost of an ECM. Study of payback inputs focuses on installed cost or incremental cost depending on project type. The lesson reviews payback limitations through ignores savings after the payback year. Coverage of audit use explains how to use as an initial screening metric, not the only decision rule.
M4L8 – Net Present Value
Study of NPV concept addresses how to present value of future benefits minus present value of project costs. The lesson reviews NPV calculation by examining how to identify initial cost, recurring savings, recurring costs, replacements, incentives, and salvage value. Coverage of discount rate selection includes client hurdle rate, weighted average cost of capital, real discount rate, or agency-required rate. Learners examine audit interpretation by considering how to rank independent projects by NPV when capital is not constrained.
M4L9 – Internal Rate of Return
The lesson reviews IRR concept through discount rate that makes project NPV equal to zero. Coverage of IRR calculation includes requires a defined initial investment and estimated future net cash flows. Learners examine IRR limitations by considering how CAN produce multiple results when cash flows change signs more than once. The discussion of audit use explains how to compare IRR with the client’s minimum acceptable return.
M4L10 – Free Cash Flow
Coverage of free cash flow basics includes net cash generated by an ECM after implementation costs and operating effects. Learners examine cash flow components through initial capital expenditure, incentives, grants, rebates, or tax credits. The discussion of free cash flow timing explains how construction-period outflows before savings begin. Key points in audit application include build annual cash-flow schedules for major ECMs and bundled projects.
M4L11 – Life Cycle Cost
Learners examine LCC definition through total present value cost of owning, operating, maintaining, replacing, and disposing of a system. The discussion addresses LCC cost categories by considering initial installed cost, design cost, commissioning cost, and implementation cost. Key points in LCC analysis period include study period based on equipment life, client planning horizon, or required standard. Study of audit use addresses how to apply to high-value or long-life ECMs where payback is incomplete.
M4L12 – Saving-to-Investment Ratio and Benefit-Cost Ratio
The discussion addresses SIR concept by considering ratio of present value savings to present value investment cost. Key points in BCR concept include ratio of present value benefits to present value costs. Study of calculation boundaries addresses how to define which savings count as benefits and which expenditures count as costs. The lesson reviews audit interpretation by examining how to use SIR/BCR with NPV because ratios do not show total dollar value.
M4L13 – Annual Value Method
Key points in annual value concept include converts project costs and savings into equivalent uniform annual amounts. Study of annual cost inputs focuses on first cost converted to annual capital recovery. The lesson reviews annual cost formula use through annual capital recovery based on investment, discount rate, and useful life. Coverage of audit application explains how to compare equipment options with different first costs but same function.
M4L14 – Replacement Chain Approach
Study of replacement chain concept focuses on repeats shorter-lived alternatives until they cover a common analysis period. The lesson reviews common study period through least common multiple of alternative lives when practical. Coverage of cost treatment includes include repeated capital costs for shorter-life alternatives. Learners examine audit application by considering how to compare LED lighting systems, motors, batteries, boilers, chillers, and fleet options.
M4L15 – Equivalent Annual Annuity
The lesson reviews EAA concept through converts NPV or present value into an equivalent annual amount over project life. Coverage of EAA calculation explains how to calculate NPV or present value for each alternative. Learners examine decision rules through choose the alternative with the highest positive EAA for benefit-generating projects. The discussion of audit application explains how to compare different HVAC replacement packages with unequal useful lives.
M4L16 – Cost Elements of Transport Options
Coverage of transport energy cost drivers includes fuel or electricity consumption by vehicles, forklifts, trucks, carts, and mobile equipment. Learners examine capital and infrastructure costs through vehicle purchase or lease cost, battery cost, chargers, fuel systems, and telematics. The discussion addresses operating cost elements by considering electricity, gasoline, diesel, CNG, LPG, hydrogen, or other fuel costs. Key points in audit data requirements include fleet inventory, hours of use, miles traveled, fuel records, charging records, and maintenance history.
M4L17 – Economic Analysis of Transport Options
Learners examine transport baseline through current fleet energy use, cost per mile, cost per hour, or cost per ton-mile. The discussion addresses alternative comparison by considering conventional replacement, right-sizing, electrification, route optimization, and idle reduction. Key points in financial metrics include simple payback for low-cost operational and idling measures. Study of implementation considerations focuses on pilot testing before full fleet conversion.
M4L18 – Break-Even Analysis
The discussion of break-even concept explains how point where project benefits equal project costs. Key points in break-even variables include initial investment, fixed costs, variable costs, annual savings, and unit savings. Study of energy audit applications focuses on minimum operating hours needed for efficient motors, VFDs, lighting controls, or heat recovery. The lesson reviews interpretation and communication through show the threshold condition clearly for decision-makers.
M4L19 – Sensitivity Analysis
Key points in sensitivity purpose include tests how financial results change when key assumptions change. Study of key variables focuses on installed cost, annual savings, operating hours, load factor, and equipment efficiency. The lesson reviews sensitivity methods through one-variable sensitivity testing for simple explanation. Coverage of audit use explains how to apply to high-cost, high-uncertainty, or client-critical measures.
M4L20 – Scenario Analysis
Study of scenario purpose addresses how evaluates combinations of assumptions that represent plausible future conditions. The lesson reviews scenario development through baseline, conservative, expected, and aggressive savings scenarios. Coverage of scenario modeling includes consistent cash-flow structure across all scenarios. Learners examine audit communication by considering how to explain which scenario reflects the recommended planning case.
M4L21 – Detailed Financial Analysis Workflow
The lesson reviews analysis setup by examining how to confirm client decision criteria, study period, discount rate, tax treatment, and required metrics. Coverage of data collection includes utility bills, interval data, tariffs, fuel records, and demand-charge history. Learners examine calculation sequence by considering how to estimate energy, demand, water, O&M, and avoided-cost savings. The discussion of quality review explains how to check units, tariffs, interactive effects, double counting, and baseline consistency.
M4L22 – Documenting Financial Assumptions and Risks
Coverage of assumption register includes baseline operating hours, loads, efficiencies, setpoints, tariffs, and escalation rates. Learners examine risk categories through technical performance risk from equipment selection, controls, integration, and commissioning. The discussion addresses risk treatment by considering contingency allowances matched to scope maturity and uncertainty. Key points in report documentation include state assumptions near financial results, not only in appendices.
M4L23 – Cash Flow Diagrams
Learners examine diagram purpose through visual representation of project costs and benefits over time. The discussion addresses diagram conventions by considering time axis divided into analysis periods such as years or months. Key points in energy project cash flows include initial installed cost at year zero. Study of audit application addresses how to use diagrams before spreadsheet modeling to verify structure.
M4L24 – Presenting Revenues, Costs, and Indirect Effects
The discussion addresses revenue and savings categories by considering energy cost savings by fuel type and electric demand reduction. Key points in cost categories include capital cost, engineering, installation, commissioning, M&V, and training. Study of indirect effects focuses on comfort, indoor air quality, safety, reliability, resilience, and productivity impacts. The lesson reviews presentation discipline through separate direct financial savings from qualitative or strategic benefits.
M4L25 – Presenting Financial Results to Clients
Key points in executive financial summary include ECM name, installed cost, annual savings, payback, NPV, IRR, LCC, and priority. Study of technical financial support focuses on calculation methods, utility rates, assumptions, formulas, and source data. The lesson reviews client-specific framing through CFO framing around cash flow, risk, capital requirements, and return metrics. Coverage of recommendation communication explains how to explain why top measures are recommended, not just which metrics are highest.
Key points in client investment priorities include energy cost reduction, demand-charge control, avoided maintenance, reliability, and compliance value. Study of financial hurdle criteria focuses on minimum acceptable rate of return or hurdle rate used to screen ECMs. The lesson reviews decision-maker perspectives through CFO focus on cash flow, capital preservation, and financial risk. Coverage of audit use of financial criteria includes defining financial screening rules before detailed ECM development.
M4L2 – Investment Projects and Capital Budgeting
Study of energy projects as capital investments focuses on ECMs competing with production, safety, expansion, and maintenance projects for funding. The lesson reviews capital budgeting process through project identification, preliminary screening, detailed analysis, approval, procurement, and implementation. Coverage of investment classification explains how independent projects that CAN be accepted or rejected separately. Learners examine audit inputs for budgeting through installed cost, annual savings, project life, residual value, and avoided costs.
M4L3 – Need for Life Cycle Cost Analysis
The lesson reviews limits of first-cost decisions by examining how low first cost CAN create high energy, maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. Coverage of total cost of ownership includes initial installed cost, energy cost, O&M cost, repair cost, replacement cost, and disposal cost. Learners examine LCC decision value through comparing alternatives with different first costs and future operating costs. The discussion addresses audit application by considering selecting LCC when project life exceeds the client’s payback threshold.
M4L4 – Costing O&M Energy Efficiency Measures
Coverage of O&M measure cost scope includes labor hours for inspection, adjustment, cleaning, tuning, scheduling, and troubleshooting. Learners examine low-cost and no-cost measures through schedule optimization for HVAC, lighting, process equipment, and plug loads. The discussion addresses O&M savings estimation by considering baseline operating hours, load profiles, utility rates, and affected equipment capacity. Key points in cost documentation include separate internal labor, contractor labor, parts, tools, and downtime costs.
M4L5 – Costing Capital Energy Efficiency Measures
Learners examine capital cost components through equipment purchase price, accessories, controls, meters, sensors, and software. The discussion addresses incremental cost basis by considering full project cost for discretionary retrofits with no required replacement. Key points in capital savings inputs include annual energy savings by fuel type, kWh, kW, therms, gallons, water, sewer, or process units. Study of estimate quality focuses on conceptual, budgetary, contractor quote, engineered estimate, and bid-level cost confidence.
M4L6 – Cost Data, Contingencies, and Escalation
The discussion addresses cost data sources by considering vendor quotations, contractor estimates, rsmeans-style cost references, and recent bid histories. Key points in cost estimate accuracy include screening estimates for early ECM comparison. Study of contingency allowances focuses on design contingency for incomplete scope definition. The lesson reviews escalation and inflation through energy price escalation, labor escalation, material escalation, and general inflation.
M4L7 – Simple Payback Period
Key points in payback definition include time required for annual cost savings to recover the first cost of an ECM. Study of payback inputs focuses on installed cost or incremental cost depending on project type. The lesson reviews payback limitations through ignores savings after the payback year. Coverage of audit use explains how to use as an initial screening metric, not the only decision rule.
M4L8 – Net Present Value
Study of NPV concept addresses how to present value of future benefits minus present value of project costs. The lesson reviews NPV calculation by examining how to identify initial cost, recurring savings, recurring costs, replacements, incentives, and salvage value. Coverage of discount rate selection includes client hurdle rate, weighted average cost of capital, real discount rate, or agency-required rate. Learners examine audit interpretation by considering how to rank independent projects by NPV when capital is not constrained.
M4L9 – Internal Rate of Return
The lesson reviews IRR concept through discount rate that makes project NPV equal to zero. Coverage of IRR calculation includes requires a defined initial investment and estimated future net cash flows. Learners examine IRR limitations by considering how CAN produce multiple results when cash flows change signs more than once. The discussion of audit use explains how to compare IRR with the client’s minimum acceptable return.
M4L10 – Free Cash Flow
Coverage of free cash flow basics includes net cash generated by an ECM after implementation costs and operating effects. Learners examine cash flow components through initial capital expenditure, incentives, grants, rebates, or tax credits. The discussion of free cash flow timing explains how construction-period outflows before savings begin. Key points in audit application include build annual cash-flow schedules for major ECMs and bundled projects.
M4L11 – Life Cycle Cost
Learners examine LCC definition through total present value cost of owning, operating, maintaining, replacing, and disposing of a system. The discussion addresses LCC cost categories by considering initial installed cost, design cost, commissioning cost, and implementation cost. Key points in LCC analysis period include study period based on equipment life, client planning horizon, or required standard. Study of audit use addresses how to apply to high-value or long-life ECMs where payback is incomplete.
M4L12 – Saving-to-Investment Ratio and Benefit-Cost Ratio
The discussion addresses SIR concept by considering ratio of present value savings to present value investment cost. Key points in BCR concept include ratio of present value benefits to present value costs. Study of calculation boundaries addresses how to define which savings count as benefits and which expenditures count as costs. The lesson reviews audit interpretation by examining how to use SIR/BCR with NPV because ratios do not show total dollar value.
M4L13 – Annual Value Method
Key points in annual value concept include converts project costs and savings into equivalent uniform annual amounts. Study of annual cost inputs focuses on first cost converted to annual capital recovery. The lesson reviews annual cost formula use through annual capital recovery based on investment, discount rate, and useful life. Coverage of audit application explains how to compare equipment options with different first costs but same function.
M4L14 – Replacement Chain Approach
Study of replacement chain concept focuses on repeats shorter-lived alternatives until they cover a common analysis period. The lesson reviews common study period through least common multiple of alternative lives when practical. Coverage of cost treatment includes include repeated capital costs for shorter-life alternatives. Learners examine audit application by considering how to compare LED lighting systems, motors, batteries, boilers, chillers, and fleet options.
M4L15 – Equivalent Annual Annuity
The lesson reviews EAA concept through converts NPV or present value into an equivalent annual amount over project life. Coverage of EAA calculation explains how to calculate NPV or present value for each alternative. Learners examine decision rules through choose the alternative with the highest positive EAA for benefit-generating projects. The discussion of audit application explains how to compare different HVAC replacement packages with unequal useful lives.
M4L16 – Cost Elements of Transport Options
Coverage of transport energy cost drivers includes fuel or electricity consumption by vehicles, forklifts, trucks, carts, and mobile equipment. Learners examine capital and infrastructure costs through vehicle purchase or lease cost, battery cost, chargers, fuel systems, and telematics. The discussion addresses operating cost elements by considering electricity, gasoline, diesel, CNG, LPG, hydrogen, or other fuel costs. Key points in audit data requirements include fleet inventory, hours of use, miles traveled, fuel records, charging records, and maintenance history.
M4L17 – Economic Analysis of Transport Options
Learners examine transport baseline through current fleet energy use, cost per mile, cost per hour, or cost per ton-mile. The discussion addresses alternative comparison by considering conventional replacement, right-sizing, electrification, route optimization, and idle reduction. Key points in financial metrics include simple payback for low-cost operational and idling measures. Study of implementation considerations focuses on pilot testing before full fleet conversion.
M4L18 – Break-Even Analysis
The discussion of break-even concept explains how point where project benefits equal project costs. Key points in break-even variables include initial investment, fixed costs, variable costs, annual savings, and unit savings. Study of energy audit applications focuses on minimum operating hours needed for efficient motors, VFDs, lighting controls, or heat recovery. The lesson reviews interpretation and communication through show the threshold condition clearly for decision-makers.
M4L19 – Sensitivity Analysis
Key points in sensitivity purpose include tests how financial results change when key assumptions change. Study of key variables focuses on installed cost, annual savings, operating hours, load factor, and equipment efficiency. The lesson reviews sensitivity methods through one-variable sensitivity testing for simple explanation. Coverage of audit use explains how to apply to high-cost, high-uncertainty, or client-critical measures.
M4L20 – Scenario Analysis
Study of scenario purpose addresses how evaluates combinations of assumptions that represent plausible future conditions. The lesson reviews scenario development through baseline, conservative, expected, and aggressive savings scenarios. Coverage of scenario modeling includes consistent cash-flow structure across all scenarios. Learners examine audit communication by considering how to explain which scenario reflects the recommended planning case.
M4L21 – Detailed Financial Analysis Workflow
The lesson reviews analysis setup by examining how to confirm client decision criteria, study period, discount rate, tax treatment, and required metrics. Coverage of data collection includes utility bills, interval data, tariffs, fuel records, and demand-charge history. Learners examine calculation sequence by considering how to estimate energy, demand, water, O&M, and avoided-cost savings. The discussion of quality review explains how to check units, tariffs, interactive effects, double counting, and baseline consistency.
M4L22 – Documenting Financial Assumptions and Risks
Coverage of assumption register includes baseline operating hours, loads, efficiencies, setpoints, tariffs, and escalation rates. Learners examine risk categories through technical performance risk from equipment selection, controls, integration, and commissioning. The discussion addresses risk treatment by considering contingency allowances matched to scope maturity and uncertainty. Key points in report documentation include state assumptions near financial results, not only in appendices.
M4L23 – Cash Flow Diagrams
Learners examine diagram purpose through visual representation of project costs and benefits over time. The discussion addresses diagram conventions by considering time axis divided into analysis periods such as years or months. Key points in energy project cash flows include initial installed cost at year zero. Study of audit application addresses how to use diagrams before spreadsheet modeling to verify structure.
M4L24 – Presenting Revenues, Costs, and Indirect Effects
The discussion addresses revenue and savings categories by considering energy cost savings by fuel type and electric demand reduction. Key points in cost categories include capital cost, engineering, installation, commissioning, M&V, and training. Study of indirect effects focuses on comfort, indoor air quality, safety, reliability, resilience, and productivity impacts. The lesson reviews presentation discipline through separate direct financial savings from qualitative or strategic benefits.
M4L25 – Presenting Financial Results to Clients
Key points in executive financial summary include ECM name, installed cost, annual savings, payback, NPV, IRR, LCC, and priority. Study of technical financial support focuses on calculation methods, utility rates, assumptions, formulas, and source data. The lesson reviews client-specific framing through CFO framing around cash flow, risk, capital requirements, and return metrics. Coverage of recommendation communication explains how to explain why top measures are recommended, not just which metrics are highest.
Module 5 - Lighting Systems
M5L1 – Efficiency and Efficacy of Light Sources
Study of luminous efficacy focuses on efficacy as visible light output per electrical input: lumens per watt. The lesson reviews source efficiency comparison through LED, fluorescent, HID, induction, halogen, and legacy incandescent performance ranges. Coverage of lighting quality factors includes color temperature and visual appearance of warm, neutral, and cool light. Learners examine audit use of efficacy through calculating efficacy as lumens divided by watts.
M5L2 – Lighting Units and Performance Terms
The lesson reviews lighting measurement units through lumen as light output from a source. Coverage of illuminance and luminance includes illuminance measured at the work plane for the task. Learners examine performance terms through efficacy, lamp life, rated life, useful life, and lumen maintenance. The discussion of audit interpretation explains how using manufacturer data to avoid inaccurate wattage or lumen assumptions.
M5L3 – Lamp Lumen Depreciation
Coverage of lumen depreciation concept includes decline in light output as lamps age. Learners examine depreciation by lamp type through LED lumen maintenance expressed through useful-life ratings. The discussion addresses light loss factors by considering lamp lumen depreciation factor. Key points in audit implications include measuring lighting levels before assuming under-lighting.
M5L4 – Calculate Replacement Period for Lamps
Learners examine replacement criteria through minimum maintained illuminance required for the task. The discussion addresses replacement period calculation by considering maintained lumens = initial lumens × lumen maintenance factor. Key points in economic replacement timing include lamp cost, labor cost, lift rental, disruption cost, and disposal cost. Study of audit documentation focuses on recording lamp type, rated life, annual hours, and failure history.
M5L5 – Lamp Types and Characteristics
The discussion addresses incandescent and halogen lamps by considering low efficacy and high heat output. Key points in fluorescent and CFL lamps include linear fluorescent types such as t12, t8, and t5. Study of HID and induction lamps focuses on mercury vapor, metal halide, high-pressure sodium, and low-pressure sodium characteristics. The lesson reviews LED lamps and modules through high efficacy, long useful life, low-temperature performance, and controllability.
M5L6 – Fixture Types and Characteristics
Key points in fixture distribution include direct, indirect, semi-direct, semi-indirect, and diffuse distribution. Study of fixture efficiency focuses on luminaire efficacy as delivered lumens per fixture watt. The lesson reviews fixture application fit through troffers and panels for offices and classrooms. Coverage of retrofit compatibility includes lamp-only retrofit, ballast bypass, ballast-compatible LED tube, and full luminaire replacement.
M5L7 – Evaluate Lamp Replacement Options
Study of existing lamp assessment focuses on lamp type, wattage, lumen output, color temperature, and CRI. The lesson reviews replacement option screening through LED retrofit lamps, LED tubes, LED panels, integrated luminaires, and fixture kits. Coverage of performance comparison includes existing versus proposed watts, lumens, distribution, and maintained light output. Learners examine economic evaluation through energy savings, demand savings, maintenance savings, and incentive eligibility.
M5L8 – Select Lighting Retrofit Options
The lesson reviews retrofit strategy selection through lamp replacement for simple low-disruption projects. Coverage of technical suitability includes lighting level adequacy after retrofit. Learners examine implementation constraints through occupancy schedule and installation phasing. The discussion addresses selection decision by considering ranking options by kWh savings, kW savings, cost, payback, and reliability.
M5L9 – Lighting Control System Types
Coverage of manual controls includes local switches, zone switches, task switches, and multi-level switching. Learners examine occupancy-based controls through passive infrared, ultrasonic, dual-technology, and microphonic sensing. The discussion addresses time and schedule controls by considering time clocks, digital schedulers, astronomical clocks, and relay panels. Key points in daylight and dimming controls include photosensors and daylight-responsive dimming.
M5L10 – Audit Lighting Control Systems
Learners examine control inventory by considering how to control device type, location, circuit served, and controlled wattage. The discussion addresses functional testing by considering confirming lights turn off, dim, or reset as intended. Key points in data collection include runtime logging for lighting circuits or representative spaces. Study of control deficiency diagnosis focuses on sensors blocked, mis-aimed, over-sensitive, or under-sensitive.
M5L11 – Lighting Power Density Concept
The discussion addresses LPD definition by considering lighting power density as installed lighting watts per unit floor area. Key points in LPD purpose include benchmarking lighting intensity across buildings and spaces. Study of LPD boundaries focuses on inclusion of general lighting, task lighting, display lighting, and specialty lighting. The lesson reviews audit interpretation through low LPD does not automatically mean adequate lighting.
M5L12 – Calculate Lighting Power Density
Key points in required inputs include number of fixtures by type and space. Study of LPD formula focuses on total connected lighting watts = fixture quantity × watts per fixture. The lesson reviews calculation procedure by examining how to group similar fixtures by room, zone, or area type. Coverage of common calculation errors includes using lamp watts instead of system watts.
M5L13 – Measure Illumination Levels
Study of measurement instruments focuses on calibrated light meter for lux or foot-candle readings. The lesson reviews measurement locations through work plane height for desks, counters, benches, and process tasks. Coverage of field method explains how to record electric lighting state, daylight condition, blinds, occupancy, and time. Learners examine result interpretation through average illuminance, minimum illuminance, and uniformity ratio.
M5L14 – Evaluate Lighting Quality and Adequacy
The lesson reviews task adequacy through required visual performance for reading, inspection, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and circulation. Coverage of visual comfort includes direct glare from fixtures and reflected glare from screens or glossy surfaces. Learners examine color and appearance through color temperature suited to function and occupant expectations. The discussion addresses adequacy decision by considering combining measured illuminance, user feedback, and task analysis.
M5L15 – Daylight Harvesting Concepts
Coverage of daylight availability includes site orientation, window area, skylights, clerestories, and atria. Learners examine daylight-responsive control through photosensors measuring available daylight. The discussion addresses design and audit variables by considering window transmittance, visible light transmission, and interior reflectance. Key points in energy and comfort balance include electric lighting reduction during daylight hours.
M5L16 – Evaluate Daylight Harvesting Opportunities
Learners examine space screening through perimeter offices, classrooms, lobbies, warehouses with skylights, and atria. The discussion of field assessment explains how to measure illuminance with daylight and electric lighting conditions noted. Key points in control feasibility include photosensor placement and calibration requirements. Study of savings evaluation addresses how to estimate lighting runtime reduction or dimming fraction.
M5L17 – Identify Lighting Energy Efficiency Measures
The discussion of load reduction measures explains how to replace inefficient lamps and luminaires with high-efficacy alternatives. Key points in runtime reduction measures include occupancy sensors for intermittent-use spaces. Study of distribution and quality measures focuses on improve fixture optics, reflectors, lenses, and layout. The lesson reviews system integration measures through networked lighting controls with zone-level monitoring.
M5L18 – Prioritize Lighting Energy Efficiency Measures
Key points in savings potential include existing connected load and annual operating hours. Study of implementation cost focuses on material, labor, design, controls, commissioning, and disposal costs. The lesson reviews risk and quality through visual task risk, safety impact, and occupant acceptance. Coverage of ranking method includes simple payback for quick screening.
M5L19 – Lighting O&M Characteristics
Study of lamp and driver condition focuses on failed lamps, color mismatch, dim output, flicker, and cycling. The lesson reviews fixture and surface condition through dirty lenses, reflectors, louvers, and diffusers. Coverage of control system condition includes disabled sensors, incorrect schedules, and permanent overrides. Learners examine maintenance practices through spot relamping versus group relamping.
M5L20 – Lighting Maintenance Opportunities
The lesson reviews cleaning measures by examining how to clean lenses, reflectors, louvers, and diffusers. Coverage of relamping measures explains how to group relamping based on operating hours and lumen depreciation. Learners examine control maintenance through recalibrate occupancy sensors, photocells, and dimming setpoints. The discussion of O&M documentation explains how to record lamp types, driver types, replacement dates, and failure trends.
M5L21 – Lighting Energy Savings Formulas
Coverage of connected load savings includes existing kW = existing total fixture watts ÷ 1000. Learners examine annual energy savings through kWh savings = (existing kW × existing hours) − (proposed kW × proposed hours). The discussion addresses cost savings by considering energy cost savings = kWh savings × blended or marginal $/kWh. Key points in interaction and verification show how cooling savings may increase total benefit where lighting heat is reduced.
M5L22 – Lighting Energy and Demand Savings Examples
Learners examine lamp retrofit example through existing load from fixture count multiplied by existing watts per fixture. The discussion addresses control retrofit example by considering existing connected lighting load for the controlled zone. Key points in demand savings example include demand reduction based on connected kW reduction during peak billing interval. Study of reporting results addresses how to present existing condition, proposed measure, assumptions, and formulas.
Study of luminous efficacy focuses on efficacy as visible light output per electrical input: lumens per watt. The lesson reviews source efficiency comparison through LED, fluorescent, HID, induction, halogen, and legacy incandescent performance ranges. Coverage of lighting quality factors includes color temperature and visual appearance of warm, neutral, and cool light. Learners examine audit use of efficacy through calculating efficacy as lumens divided by watts.
M5L2 – Lighting Units and Performance Terms
The lesson reviews lighting measurement units through lumen as light output from a source. Coverage of illuminance and luminance includes illuminance measured at the work plane for the task. Learners examine performance terms through efficacy, lamp life, rated life, useful life, and lumen maintenance. The discussion of audit interpretation explains how using manufacturer data to avoid inaccurate wattage or lumen assumptions.
M5L3 – Lamp Lumen Depreciation
Coverage of lumen depreciation concept includes decline in light output as lamps age. Learners examine depreciation by lamp type through LED lumen maintenance expressed through useful-life ratings. The discussion addresses light loss factors by considering lamp lumen depreciation factor. Key points in audit implications include measuring lighting levels before assuming under-lighting.
M5L4 – Calculate Replacement Period for Lamps
Learners examine replacement criteria through minimum maintained illuminance required for the task. The discussion addresses replacement period calculation by considering maintained lumens = initial lumens × lumen maintenance factor. Key points in economic replacement timing include lamp cost, labor cost, lift rental, disruption cost, and disposal cost. Study of audit documentation focuses on recording lamp type, rated life, annual hours, and failure history.
M5L5 – Lamp Types and Characteristics
The discussion addresses incandescent and halogen lamps by considering low efficacy and high heat output. Key points in fluorescent and CFL lamps include linear fluorescent types such as t12, t8, and t5. Study of HID and induction lamps focuses on mercury vapor, metal halide, high-pressure sodium, and low-pressure sodium characteristics. The lesson reviews LED lamps and modules through high efficacy, long useful life, low-temperature performance, and controllability.
M5L6 – Fixture Types and Characteristics
Key points in fixture distribution include direct, indirect, semi-direct, semi-indirect, and diffuse distribution. Study of fixture efficiency focuses on luminaire efficacy as delivered lumens per fixture watt. The lesson reviews fixture application fit through troffers and panels for offices and classrooms. Coverage of retrofit compatibility includes lamp-only retrofit, ballast bypass, ballast-compatible LED tube, and full luminaire replacement.
M5L7 – Evaluate Lamp Replacement Options
Study of existing lamp assessment focuses on lamp type, wattage, lumen output, color temperature, and CRI. The lesson reviews replacement option screening through LED retrofit lamps, LED tubes, LED panels, integrated luminaires, and fixture kits. Coverage of performance comparison includes existing versus proposed watts, lumens, distribution, and maintained light output. Learners examine economic evaluation through energy savings, demand savings, maintenance savings, and incentive eligibility.
M5L8 – Select Lighting Retrofit Options
The lesson reviews retrofit strategy selection through lamp replacement for simple low-disruption projects. Coverage of technical suitability includes lighting level adequacy after retrofit. Learners examine implementation constraints through occupancy schedule and installation phasing. The discussion addresses selection decision by considering ranking options by kWh savings, kW savings, cost, payback, and reliability.
M5L9 – Lighting Control System Types
Coverage of manual controls includes local switches, zone switches, task switches, and multi-level switching. Learners examine occupancy-based controls through passive infrared, ultrasonic, dual-technology, and microphonic sensing. The discussion addresses time and schedule controls by considering time clocks, digital schedulers, astronomical clocks, and relay panels. Key points in daylight and dimming controls include photosensors and daylight-responsive dimming.
M5L10 – Audit Lighting Control Systems
Learners examine control inventory by considering how to control device type, location, circuit served, and controlled wattage. The discussion addresses functional testing by considering confirming lights turn off, dim, or reset as intended. Key points in data collection include runtime logging for lighting circuits or representative spaces. Study of control deficiency diagnosis focuses on sensors blocked, mis-aimed, over-sensitive, or under-sensitive.
M5L11 – Lighting Power Density Concept
The discussion addresses LPD definition by considering lighting power density as installed lighting watts per unit floor area. Key points in LPD purpose include benchmarking lighting intensity across buildings and spaces. Study of LPD boundaries focuses on inclusion of general lighting, task lighting, display lighting, and specialty lighting. The lesson reviews audit interpretation through low LPD does not automatically mean adequate lighting.
M5L12 – Calculate Lighting Power Density
Key points in required inputs include number of fixtures by type and space. Study of LPD formula focuses on total connected lighting watts = fixture quantity × watts per fixture. The lesson reviews calculation procedure by examining how to group similar fixtures by room, zone, or area type. Coverage of common calculation errors includes using lamp watts instead of system watts.
M5L13 – Measure Illumination Levels
Study of measurement instruments focuses on calibrated light meter for lux or foot-candle readings. The lesson reviews measurement locations through work plane height for desks, counters, benches, and process tasks. Coverage of field method explains how to record electric lighting state, daylight condition, blinds, occupancy, and time. Learners examine result interpretation through average illuminance, minimum illuminance, and uniformity ratio.
M5L14 – Evaluate Lighting Quality and Adequacy
The lesson reviews task adequacy through required visual performance for reading, inspection, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and circulation. Coverage of visual comfort includes direct glare from fixtures and reflected glare from screens or glossy surfaces. Learners examine color and appearance through color temperature suited to function and occupant expectations. The discussion addresses adequacy decision by considering combining measured illuminance, user feedback, and task analysis.
M5L15 – Daylight Harvesting Concepts
Coverage of daylight availability includes site orientation, window area, skylights, clerestories, and atria. Learners examine daylight-responsive control through photosensors measuring available daylight. The discussion addresses design and audit variables by considering window transmittance, visible light transmission, and interior reflectance. Key points in energy and comfort balance include electric lighting reduction during daylight hours.
M5L16 – Evaluate Daylight Harvesting Opportunities
Learners examine space screening through perimeter offices, classrooms, lobbies, warehouses with skylights, and atria. The discussion of field assessment explains how to measure illuminance with daylight and electric lighting conditions noted. Key points in control feasibility include photosensor placement and calibration requirements. Study of savings evaluation addresses how to estimate lighting runtime reduction or dimming fraction.
M5L17 – Identify Lighting Energy Efficiency Measures
The discussion of load reduction measures explains how to replace inefficient lamps and luminaires with high-efficacy alternatives. Key points in runtime reduction measures include occupancy sensors for intermittent-use spaces. Study of distribution and quality measures focuses on improve fixture optics, reflectors, lenses, and layout. The lesson reviews system integration measures through networked lighting controls with zone-level monitoring.
M5L18 – Prioritize Lighting Energy Efficiency Measures
Key points in savings potential include existing connected load and annual operating hours. Study of implementation cost focuses on material, labor, design, controls, commissioning, and disposal costs. The lesson reviews risk and quality through visual task risk, safety impact, and occupant acceptance. Coverage of ranking method includes simple payback for quick screening.
M5L19 – Lighting O&M Characteristics
Study of lamp and driver condition focuses on failed lamps, color mismatch, dim output, flicker, and cycling. The lesson reviews fixture and surface condition through dirty lenses, reflectors, louvers, and diffusers. Coverage of control system condition includes disabled sensors, incorrect schedules, and permanent overrides. Learners examine maintenance practices through spot relamping versus group relamping.
M5L20 – Lighting Maintenance Opportunities
The lesson reviews cleaning measures by examining how to clean lenses, reflectors, louvers, and diffusers. Coverage of relamping measures explains how to group relamping based on operating hours and lumen depreciation. Learners examine control maintenance through recalibrate occupancy sensors, photocells, and dimming setpoints. The discussion of O&M documentation explains how to record lamp types, driver types, replacement dates, and failure trends.
M5L21 – Lighting Energy Savings Formulas
Coverage of connected load savings includes existing kW = existing total fixture watts ÷ 1000. Learners examine annual energy savings through kWh savings = (existing kW × existing hours) − (proposed kW × proposed hours). The discussion addresses cost savings by considering energy cost savings = kWh savings × blended or marginal $/kWh. Key points in interaction and verification show how cooling savings may increase total benefit where lighting heat is reduced.
M5L22 – Lighting Energy and Demand Savings Examples
Learners examine lamp retrofit example through existing load from fixture count multiplied by existing watts per fixture. The discussion addresses control retrofit example by considering existing connected lighting load for the controlled zone. Key points in demand savings example include demand reduction based on connected kW reduction during peak billing interval. Study of reporting results addresses how to present existing condition, proposed measure, assumptions, and formulas.
Module 6 - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems
M6L1 – HVAC Terminal Unit Types
The discussion addresses terminal unit functions by considering deliver conditioned air, hot water, chilled water, steam, or refrigerant-side capacity to occupied zones. Key points in air terminal units include variable air volume boxes with damper modulation for zone airflow control. Study of hydronic terminal units focuses on fan coil units with heating coils, cooling coils, filters, drains, and local fans. The lesson reviews direct expansion and packaged terminal units through ptac and vtac units serving individual rooms or small zones. Coverage of audit relevance of terminal units explains how terminal units are a core HVAC identification topic in the cea HVAC body of knowledge.
M6L2 – Identify HVAC Terminal Units During Audit
Key points in terminal unit field identification include locate terminal units above ceilings, in perimeter enclosures, mechanical closets, classrooms, hotel rooms, and tenant spaces. Study of nameplate and schedule data addresses how to record manufacturer, model, serial number, capacity, airflow range, voltage, phase, motor size, and coil data. The lesson reviews terminal unit operating checks by examining how to verify damper movement, fan operation, valve actuation, reheat response, and thermostat feedback. Coverage of comfort and energy symptoms explains how to identify overcooling followed by reheat, short cycling, hunting controls, and excessive minimum airflow. Learners examine documentation for recommendations by considering how to create a terminal unit inventory by zone, type, capacity, control sequence, and observed condition.
M6L3 – Types of HVAC Systems
Study of HVAC system classification focuses on all-air systems using conditioned air as the primary heating, cooling, and ventilation medium. The lesson reviews air distribution system types through constant air volume systems with fixed airflow and variable supply temperature. Coverage of equipment arrangement types includes packaged rooftop units combining fan, coil, compressor or heating section, filters, and controls. Learners examine ventilation and outdoor air systems through mixed-air systems combining return air and outdoor air at the air-handling unit. The discussion of audit selection factors explains how system type determines measurement points, saving calculations, control opportunities, and risk constraints.
M6L4 – Audit HVAC System Types
The lesson reviews HVAC system mapping through trace energy flow from utility meter to plant equipment, distribution systems, terminals, and occupied zones. Coverage of pre-site HVAC review explains how to review mechanical drawings, equipment schedules, control diagrams, TAB reports, commissioning records, and O&M logs. Learners examine on-site HVAC verification by considering how to inspect equipment condition, accessibility, control panels, dampers, valves, coils, belts, filters, sensors, and insulation. The discussion of system-type audit risks explains how to avoid treating a hybrid system as a single simple packaged or central system. Key points in audit standard alignment show how ASHRAE standard 211 establishes consistent practices for commercial building energy audits and reporting.
M6L5 – HVAC Efficiency Metrics
Coverage of cooling efficiency metrics includes chiller efficiency expressed as kW/ton, COP, EER, IPLV, or NPLV. Learners examine heating efficiency metrics through combustion efficiency based on flue gas temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and excess air. The discussion addresses air and water distribution metrics by considering fan energy expressed as kW, w/cfm, brake horsepower, static pressure, and fan system efficiency. Key points in ventilation and comfort metrics show how outdoor air rate, air changes, zone ventilation effectiveness, and CO₂ trends. Study of audit use of metrics addresses how to compare existing performance against nameplate, code minimums, design documents, and industry benchmarks.
M6L6 – Determine Existing HVAC Efficiencies
Learners examine existing data sources through equipment nameplates, submittals, O&M manuals, test reports, and manufacturer performance curves. The discussion of field measurement methods explains how to measure airflow, temperature, humidity, static pressure, water flow, water temperature, power, and run time. Key points in cooling efficiency determination show how to calculate cooling output from chilled-water flow and temperature difference. Study of heating efficiency determination addresses how to use fuel input, useful heat output, stack temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and excess air. The lesson reviews data quality and uncertainty by examining how to confirm sensor calibration, measurement timing, steady-state operation, and load conditions.
M6L7 – Thermostat Locations and Zoning
The discussion addresses thermostat placement by considering locate thermostats in representative occupied zones away from direct sun, supply air, exterior doors, and heat sources. Key points in zone definition show how to group spaces with similar orientation, loads, occupancy, schedule, and comfort requirements. Study of control conflicts focuses on simultaneous heating and cooling caused by poor zoning, overlapping control loops, or narrow deadbands. The lesson reviews comfort and energy balance by examining how setpoint decisions must preserve acceptable thermal comfort while reducing unnecessary conditioning. Coverage of audit documentation includes mark thermostat and sensor locations on floor plans.
M6L8 – Load and Occupancy Scheduling
Key points in HVAC load drivers include outdoor temperature, solar gains, envelope conduction, infiltration, ventilation, lighting, plug loads, and process loads. Study of occupancy schedule review addresses how to compare BAS schedules with actual working hours, cleaning schedules, tenant use, events, and holidays. The lesson reviews start-stop optimization through morning warm-up and cool-down periods based on actual building response. Coverage of scheduling constraints includes critical zones such as hospitals, labs, data rooms, animal areas, and process spaces. Learners examine audit opportunities through align HVAC schedules with actual occupancy before recommending major equipment replacement.
M6L9 – HVAC Control Strategy Opportunities
Study of setpoint and deadband controls focuses on heating and cooling setpoint optimization by space type and occupancy schedule. The lesson reviews air-side control strategies through economizer repair, high-limit control, damper calibration, and mixed-air temperature control. Coverage of water-side control strategies includes chilled-water temperature reset based on load, humidity, and coil valve positions. Learners examine equipment staging and sequencing through chiller, boiler, pump, tower, and fan staging based on load and equipment efficiency. The discussion addresses control verification by considering advanced rooftop controls and optimized RTU operation CAN address economizer, fan, and ventilation inefficiencies.
M6L10 – Air-Side HVAC Components
The lesson reviews air-handling equipment through air-handling units, rooftop units, make-up air units, fan coil units, and unit ventilators. Coverage of air distribution components includes supply ducts, return ducts, outside air ducts, relief ducts, and exhaust ducts. Learners examine outdoor air and economizer components through outdoor air dampers, return air dampers, relief dampers, actuators, linkages, and seals. The discussion addresses air-side measurement points by considering airflow, static pressure, velocity pressure, temperature, humidity, CO₂, and fan power. Key points in energy audit focus include fan energy reduction through pressure reset, VFDs, belt correction, and duct pressure improvements.
M6L11 – Water-Side and Refrigerant-Side HVAC Components
Coverage of water-side components includes chillers, boilers, heat exchangers, cooling towers, pumps, expansion tanks, air separators, and strainers. Learners examine pumping and flow components through constant-speed pumps, variable-speed pumps, primary pumps, secondary pumps, and condenser-water pumps. The discussion addresses refrigerant-side components by considering compressors, evaporators, condensers, expansion devices, reversing valves, accumulators, and receivers. Key points in heat transfer components include evaporator and condenser heat exchange in chillers and dx equipment. Study of audit relevance focuses on the textbook treats HVAC distribution systems as air and lose thermal energy during transport.
M6L12 – Electric Chillers
Learners examine electric chiller types through centrifugal chillers for large water-cooled applications and high-capacity central plants. The discussion addresses chiller heat transfer cycle by considering evaporator absorbs heat from chilled water and produces cooling. Key points in chiller efficiency metrics include full-load performance expressed as kW/ton, COP, or EER. Study of electric chiller audit checks addresses how to record chiller type, refrigerant, capacity, age, compressor type, controls, and design conditions. The lesson reviews optimization opportunities by examining how variable-speed drives on compressors, pumps, and tower fans where application conditions support them.
M6L13 – Gas-Driven and Absorption Chillers
The discussion addresses gas-driven chiller types by considering engine-driven vapor-compression chillers using natural gas engines to drive compressors. Key points in absorption chiller types include single-effect absorption chillers driven by low-pressure steam, hot water, or waste heat. Study of efficiency and performance metrics focuses on absorption chiller COP compared with electric chiller kW/ton. The lesson reviews audit data requirements by examining how to record fuel input, steam pressure, hot-water temperature, chilled-water flow, and temperature difference. Coverage of application considerations includes applications where electricity demand charges are high or waste heat is available.
M6L14 – Chiller Audit Data Collection
Key points in chiller identification data include manufacturer, model, serial number, refrigerant, compressor type, capacity, voltage, and installation year. Study of operating data focuses on chilled-water supply and return temperature. The lesson reviews field measurements by examining how to use simultaneous measurements for kW/ton and cooling load calculations. Coverage of performance calculations includes cooling load from water side using flow rate and chilled-water temperature difference. Learners examine data interpretation by considering how to identify low delta-t, excessive condenser-water temperature, fouling, short cycling, and poor staging.
M6L15 – Chilled Water Piping Arrangements
Study of constant primary flow focuses on chillers and pumps operate with constant evaporator flow. The lesson reviews primary-secondary flow by examining how primary pumps maintain constant chiller flow while secondary pumps vary building loop flow. Coverage of variable primary flow includes chilled-water flow through chillers varies with load within manufacturer limits. Learners examine distribution and valve arrangements by considering how two-way valves support variable flow and lower pumping energy. The discussion addresses audit issues in chilled water loops by considering low delta-t syndrome from excess flow, leaking valves, fouled coils, or improper controls.
M6L16 – Refrigerant Piping Arrangements
The lesson reviews refrigerant circuit basics by examining how the suction line carries low-pressure vapor from evaporator to compressor. Coverage of split system piping includes line set length, elevation difference, and manufacturer limits affect capacity and reliability. Learners examine VRF and multi-split piping through branch selectors, headers, and multiple indoor units create complex refrigerant distribution. The discussion addresses refrigerant performance indicators by considering superheat, subcooling, suction pressure, discharge pressure, and compressor amperage. Key points in audit and safety considerations show how to check insulation, line support, vibration, oil staining, corrosion, and physical damage.
M6L17 – Heat Pumps and Split Systems
Coverage of heat pump types includes air-source heat pumps for packaged, split, and rooftop applications. Learners examine split system components through outdoor unit with compressor, condenser coil, fan, reversing valve, and controls. The discussion addresses heat pump performance by considering cooling performance using SEER2, EER, IEER, or COP. Key points in audit checks show how to verify equipment sizing, refrigerant charge indicators, airflow, coil cleanliness, and filter condition. Study of efficiency opportunities addresses how to correct airflow and refrigerant faults before assuming equipment replacement is necessary.
M6L18 – Chillers and Packaged Cooling Units
Learners examine central chiller systems through serve multiple air handlers or zones through chilled-water distribution. The discussion addresses packaged cooling units by considering rooftop units, packaged air conditioners, packaged heat pumps, ptacs, and self-contained units. Key points in selection and audit comparison show how chillers are evaluated by plant efficiency, load profile, distribution losses, and central control. Study of common performance problems focuses on chillers: low delta-t, fouled tubes, high condenser-water temperature, poor sequencing, and excessive pumping. The lesson reviews retrofit considerations by examining how to compare lifecycle cost, maintenance capacity, redundancy, tenant disruption, and utility demand impact.
M6L19 – Filter Performance
The discussion of filter functions explains how remove particles to protect occupants, coils, ducts, fans, and equipment. Key points in filter ratings show how MERV rating used to compare filter particle removal performance. Study of pressure drop and fan energy addresses how dirty filters increase static pressure and CAN reduce airflow or increase fan power. The lesson reviews filter bypass and installation quality by examining how air bypass around filters reduces actual filtration effectiveness. Coverage of audit evaluation explains how to record filter type, size, MERV rating, pressure drop, change interval, and observed condition.
M6L20 – Filter Maintenance and Energy Impact
Key points in filter maintenance practices show how to establish change intervals based on differential pressure, operating hours, and space conditions. Study of differential pressure monitoring addresses how to install gauges or BAS sensors across filter banks where practical. The lesson reviews energy impact mechanisms by examining how higher filter resistance increases fan energy in systems maintaining airflow. Coverage of IAQ and ventilation balance explains how filter selection should support IAQ without exceeding fan static pressure capability. Learners examine audit recommendations by considering how to replace loaded or incorrect filters as a low-cost O&M measure.
M6L21 – Low-Cost HVAC Energy Efficiency Measures
Study of scheduling measures addresses how to correct occupied and unoccupied schedules in BAS or programmable thermostats. The lesson reviews setpoint measures by examining how to adjust heating and cooling setpoints within comfort and humidity limits. Coverage of air-side measures explains how to repair economizer dampers, actuators, sensors, and high-limit settings. Learners examine water-side measures through reset chilled-water, heating-water, and condenser-water temperatures. The discussion addresses control and O&M measures by considering calibrate sensors, thermostats, humidity sensors, and pressure sensors.
M6L22 – Capital HVAC Energy Efficiency Measures
The lesson reviews equipment replacement measures by examining how to replace inefficient chillers, boilers, packaged rooftop units, heat pumps, or split systems. Coverage of variable-speed measures includes add VFDs to fans, pumps, cooling tower fans, and applicable compressors. Learners examine heat recovery and energy recovery through energy recovery ventilators for high outdoor air or exhaust air applications. The discussion addresses control system upgrades by considering upgrade pneumatic or standalone controls to ddc/BAS where justified. Key points in capital project evaluation include include first cost, energy savings, demand savings, maintenance savings, incentives, and useful life.
M6L23 – HVAC O&M Characteristics
Coverage of preventive maintenance structure includes scheduled inspection, cleaning, lubrication, calibration, testing, and replacement tasks. Learners examine equipment condition indicators through coil cleanliness, filter condition, belt tension, bearing condition, vibration, and abnormal noise. The discussion addresses control system characteristics by considering BAS schedules, setpoints, control loops, alarms, overrides, and trend histories. Key points in water and air distribution maintenance include duct leakage, blocked diffusers, dirty coils, failed dampers, and poor balancing. Study of audit interpretation addresses how O&M condition explains why measured performance differs from nameplate performance.
M6L24 – HVAC O&M Opportunities
Learners examine air-side O&M opportunities by considering how to clean coils, replace filters, repair air leaks, and remove airflow obstructions. The discussion of water-side O&M opportunities explains how to clean tubes, strainers, and heat exchangers to reduce approach temperatures and pressure drop. Key points in refrigerant-side O&M opportunities show how to correct refrigerant charge through qualified service procedures. Study of controls O&M opportunities focuses on calibrate thermostats, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and CO₂ sensors. The lesson reviews recommissioning and verification by examining how verification of system performance identifies installation, operating, and design problems that affect energy and comfort.
M6L25 – HVAC Energy Savings: Operating Hours and Load Assumptions
The discussion of operating hour baselines explains how to establish existing fan, pump, compressor, boiler, chiller, and terminal operating hours. Key points in load assumption methods show how to estimate load from measured airflow, water flow, temperature difference, or metered energy. Study of part-load operation addresses how to use part-load performance rather than full-load efficiency where possible. The lesson reviews schedule-based savings by examining how savings depend on avoided equipment operation during hours that CAN be safely reduced. Coverage of assumption documentation explains how to record source of hours, load factors, weather data, occupancy data, and control status.
M6L26 – HVAC Energy Savings: Efficiency Improvement Calculations
Key points in cooling efficiency savings show how existing annual cooling energy equals cooling load multiplied by existing kW/ton and operating hours. Study of heating efficiency savings addresses how useful heating load is held constant when comparing existing and proposed heating efficiency. The lesson reviews fan and pump savings through fan and pump affinity laws relate flow, pressure, and power for variable-speed opportunities. Coverage of heat transfer calculations includes air-side sensible cooling or heating uses airflow and dry-bulb temperature difference. Learners examine cost and demand conversion through convert kWh, therms, fuel units, and demand reductions using actual utility rate structures.
M6L27 – HVAC Energy Savings: Controls and Ventilation Calculations
Study of ventilation load calculations focuses on sensible ventilation load estimated from outdoor airflow and indoor-outdoor temperature difference. The lesson reviews demand-controlled ventilation savings through baseline outdoor air based on design occupancy, fixed damper position, or measured airflow. Coverage of economizer savings explains how to compare mechanical cooling energy with and without air-side or water-side economizer operation. Learners examine scheduling and setback savings by considering how to calculate avoided fan, pump, heating, cooling, and ventilation energy during reduced operating hours. The discussion addresses control sequence verification by considering trend commands, temperatures, flows, damper positions, valve positions, fan speeds, and equipment status.
M6L28 – Boiler Types: Fire Tube, Water Tube, and Cast Iron
The lesson reviews boiler type identification through fire-tube boilers with hot combustion gases passing through tubes surrounded by water. Coverage of fire-tube boilers includes common use in small to medium commercial and institutional heating plants. Learners examine water-tube boilers through common use in larger facilities, campuses, hospitals, and industrial steam plants. The discussion addresses cast iron boilers by considering sectional construction, modular replacement, and common hydronic heating use.
M6L29 – Burner Types: Atmospheric, Power, and Modulating
Coverage of burner function includes mixing fuel and combustion air in correct proportions. Learners examine atmospheric burners through natural draft combustion air supplied by buoyancy and burner design. The discussion addresses power burners by considering forced-draft fans supplying combustion air under controlled pressure. Key points in modulating burners include continuous or staged adjustment of firing rate to match heating load.
M6L30 – Boiler Audit Data Collection
Learners examine boiler nameplate data through manufacturer, model, serial number, year, rated input, and rated output. The discussion addresses operating data by considering fuel consumption from utility bills, submetering, fuel meters, or tank records. Key points in combustion data include stack temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, draft, and excess air. Study of field inspection data focuses on insulation condition on boiler shell, piping, valves, and fittings.
M6L31 – Furnace Types: Electric and Gas
The discussion addresses furnace classification by considering central forced-air furnaces serving zones through duct systems. Key points in gas furnaces include heat exchanger, burner, ignition system, blower, gas valve, and vent system. Study of electric furnaces focuses on resistance heating elements, sequencers, relays, contactors, and air handler blower. The lesson reviews furnace audit concerns through thermostat settings, night setback, occupancy schedules, and zoning.
M6L32 – Pulse and Condensing Furnaces
Key points in pulse furnace operation include combustion pulses creating repeated pressure waves for heat transfer. Study of condensing furnace operation focuses on recovery of sensible and latent heat from flue gases. The lesson reviews efficiency and controls through AFUE rating, part-load performance, cycling losses, and blower energy. Coverage of audit and maintenance issues includes condensate trap blockage, drain slope, freezing risk, and neutralizer condition.
M6L33 – Boiler Efficiency Concepts
Study of boiler efficiency definition focuses on ratio of useful heat output to fuel energy input. The lesson reviews combustion efficiency through complete combustion with adequate but not excessive air. Coverage of heat loss mechanisms includes dry flue gas loss from high stack temperature and excess air. Learners examine efficiency improvement levers through burner tuning, oxygen trim, and proper air-fuel ratio control.
M6L34 – Determine Existing Boiler Efficiency
The lesson reviews efficiency test preparation by examining how to confirm boiler operating mode, fuel type, load, and steady-state conditions. Coverage of combustion analyzer method explains how to measure oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, stack temperature, and ambient temperature. Learners examine input-output method by considering how to determine fuel input from gas meter, oil flow, or fuel consumption records. The discussion of result interpretation explains how to identify high stack temperature, high excess air, co formation, and unstable draft.
M6L35 – Ductwork and Piping Insulation
Coverage of heat transfer losses includes conduction losses through uninsulated ducts, pipes, valves, fittings, and tanks. Learners examine insulation audit by considering how to identify pipe size, fluid temperature, insulation type, thickness, and condition. The discussion addresses ductwork insulation by considering supply and return duct insulation requirements based on location and air temperature. Key points in savings evaluation show how to estimate heat loss reduction from surface area, temperature difference, operating hours, and insulation performance.
M6L36 – Pressure Drop, Leaks, and Steam Traps
Learners examine distribution pressure drop through friction losses in undersized piping, corroded piping, fittings, valves, and strainers. The discussion addresses air and water leaks by considering duct leakage reducing delivered airflow and increasing fan and heating energy. Key points in steam trap function include removing condensate and non-condensable gases while preventing live steam loss. Study of steam trap testing focuses on temperature testing, ultrasonic testing, visual discharge checks, and test stations.
M6L37 – Identify Heating System Terminal Units
The discussion addresses terminal unit types by considering radiators, convectors, baseboard heaters, unit heaters, cabinet heaters, and fan coils. Key points in field identification include locate terminal units on floor plans and assign zone or room identifiers. Study of control components focuses on thermostats, pneumatic actuators, control valves, dampers, relays, and local switches. The lesson reviews performance issues through blocked airflow, dirty coils, stuck valves, failed actuators, and missing covers.
M6L38 – Heating System Energy Efficiency Measures
Key points in boiler and burner measures include boiler tune-up, combustion optimization, and excess-air reduction. Study of furnace measures focuses on high-efficiency condensing furnace replacement where venting and condensate handling are feasible. The lesson reviews distribution measures through pipe, valve, fitting, and duct insulation upgrades. Coverage of control measures includes outdoor air temperature reset for hot-water supply temperature.
M6L39 – Prioritize Heating System Measures
Study of screening criteria focuses on annual fuel savings, demand impacts, operating cost savings, and maintenance savings. The lesson reviews technical priority by examining how to correct safety hazards before energy-only improvements. Coverage of financial priority includes simple payback, life-cycle cost, net present value, internal rate of return, and avoided maintenance. Learners examine implementation priority through quick-win no-cost and low-cost measures for immediate savings.
M6L40 – Heating System O&M Characteristics
The lesson reviews O&M program structure through preventive maintenance schedules by daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual tasks. Coverage of boiler O&M characteristics includes water treatment, blowdown control, feedwater quality, and condensate return monitoring. Learners examine furnace O&M characteristics through filter replacement, blower inspection, belt tension, motor lubrication, and airflow checks. The discussion addresses distribution O&M characteristics by considering steam trap surveys, leak repair, condensate pump maintenance, and strainer cleaning.
M6L41 – Heating System O&M Opportunities
Coverage of combustion O&M opportunities explains how tune burners to reduce excess air while maintaining safe carbon monoxide levels. Learners examine steam system O&M opportunities by considering how to repair steam leaks and failed-open steam traps. The discussion addresses hot-water system O&M opportunities by considering reset hot-water supply temperature based on outdoor temperature and load. Key points in control O&M opportunities include calibrate thermostats, sensors, controllers, and BAS points.
M6L42 – Heating Energy Savings: Boiler and Furnace Efficiency
Learners examine baseline fuel use by considering how to establish annual heating fuel consumption from utility bills, submeters, and seasonal load analysis. The discussion of efficiency savings formula explains how fuel savings equals useful heating load multiplied by the difference between baseline and improved fuel input. Key points in boiler efficiency measures include savings from combustion tune-up based on measured change in efficiency. Study of furnace efficiency measures focuses on savings from replacing standard-efficiency furnaces with condensing or modulating units.
M6L43 – Heating Energy Savings: Distribution and O&M Improvements
The discussion of distribution loss savings explains how to calculate pipe and duct insulation savings from reduced heat loss over operating hours. Key points in steam leak and trap savings show how to estimate steam leak losses from orifice size, pressure, operating hours, and steam properties. Study of control and scheduling savings addresses how to estimate night setback savings from reduced temperature difference and occupied hours. The lesson reviews O&M savings documentation by examining how to record baseline defects, corrective action, dates, costs, and responsible staff.
M6L44 – Types of Ventilation Systems
Key points in ventilation system purpose include outdoor air supply for acceptable indoor air quality and contaminant dilution. Study of natural ventilation systems focuses on operable windows, doors, louvers, vents, atria, shafts, and stack-effect pathways. The lesson reviews mechanical ventilation systems through supply-only systems that introduce outdoor air and may pressurize the building. Coverage of HVAC-integrated ventilation systems includes packaged rooftop units, air handling units, fan coil systems, VAV systems, and terminal units with outdoor air connections. Learners examine specialized ventilation applications through kitchen hoods, laboratory fume hoods, parking garage ventilation, toilet exhaust, laundry exhaust, and industrial process exhaust.
M6L45 – Audit Ventilation Systems
Study of ventilation audit scope addresses how to identify all outdoor air intakes, exhaust points, relief dampers, return paths, transfer air paths, and spaces served. The lesson reviews pre-site data review through mechanical drawings, air balance reports, control sequences, BAS graphics, schedules, and equipment submittals. Coverage of field inspection methods explains how to inspect outdoor air dampers, actuators, linkages, mixed-air plenums, filters, coils, fans, belts, VFDs, sensors, and access panels. Learners examine measurement and testing through outdoor airflow measurement using test-and-balance reports, flow hood readings, duct traverse, BAS trends, or calibrated airflow stations. The discussion of audit findings and documentation explains how to identify overventilation, underventilation, simultaneous heating and cooling, stuck dampers, excessive exhaust, and poor scheduling.
M6L46 – Filter Types and Classifications
The lesson reviews filter function through particle removal from outdoor air, return air, recirculated air, or process air. Coverage of common filter types includes panel filters used for basic equipment protection and low-pressure-drop applications. Learners examine MERV classification through minimum efficiency reporting value as the common ASHRAE filter rating approach for general ventilation air-cleaning devices. The discussion addresses filter selection criteria by considering required IAQ performance, contaminant sources, outdoor air quality, occupancy sensitivity, and equipment protection needs. Key points in filter installation quality show how to correct filter orientation, gasket sealing, rack integrity, and bypass prevention.
M6L47 – Filter Energy Impacts
Coverage of filter pressure drop explains how initial resistance when filters are clean and final resistance when filters are loaded. Learners examine fan energy relationship by considering how fan power increases with airflow and total static pressure. The discussion of filter upgrade impacts explains how higher-efficiency filters CAN improve air quality but must be checked against fan capacity and airflow requirements. Key points in audit evaluation methods show how to measure pressure drop across filters at current airflow and compare with manufacturer data. Study of optimization opportunities addresses how to select filters with lower life-cycle cost rather than lowest first cost.
M6L48 – Ventilation Code Requirements
Learners examine ventilation standards framework through ASHRAE 62.1 for nonresidential ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality. The discussion addresses minimum outdoor air requirements by considering occupancy-based outdoor airflow for people-related contaminants. Key points in exhaust and pressure requirements include required exhaust for toilet rooms, janitor closets, kitchens, laboratories, parking garages, laundry rooms, and contaminant-producing spaces. Study of energy code interactions focuses on ASHRAE 90.1 as a major commercial building energy standard for minimum energy-efficient design requirements. The lesson reviews compliance audit checks by examining how to compare design documents, measured airflow, and BAS settings with applicable code requirements.
M6L49 – Ventilation Rate Calculations
The discussion addresses ventilation calculation inputs by considering space type, floor area, design population, actual occupancy, operating schedule, and contaminant sources. Key points in breathing-zone outdoor airflow include people component based on occupant density and per-person ventilation rate. Study of zone and system outdoor airflow focuses on zone outdoor airflow adjusted for zone air distribution effectiveness. The lesson reviews exhaust airflow calculations through required exhaust rates by space type, contaminant source, fixture count, or area. Coverage of field verification of calculations explains how to compare calculated outdoor airflow to measured intake airflow or calibrated airflow station readings.
M6L50 – Ventilation Control Options
Key points in fixed ventilation control include manual dampers, fixed minimum outdoor air positions, and constant-volume outdoor air systems. Study of scheduled ventilation control focuses on time-of-day schedules aligned with occupied, standby, and unoccupied periods. The lesson reviews modulating outdoor air control through outdoor air dampers controlled by airflow stations, mixed-air temperature, CO₂, occupancy, or pressure. Coverage of pressure-based control includes building pressure control using relief dampers, exhaust fans, return fans, and supply fan tracking. Learners examine integrated control strategies through coordination of ventilation with VAV boxes, terminal reheat, economizers, energy recovery, and demand response.
M6L51 – Demand-Controlled Ventilation
Study of DCV purpose addresses how to reduce outdoor air when actual occupancy is below design occupancy. The lesson reviews DCV control inputs through CO₂ concentration as an occupancy-related indicator. Coverage of CO₂-based control includes indoor CO₂ sensor placement away from supply diffusers, doors, windows, and localized breathing zones. Learners examine DCV energy impacts through reduced outdoor air load during low occupancy. The discussion of DCV audit checks explains how to confirm spaces are eligible and occupancy varies enough to justify DCV.
M6L52 – Ventilation Energy Efficiency Measures
The lesson reviews outdoor air optimization by examining how to correct excessive minimum outdoor air settings verified by actual airflow measurement. Coverage of fan and air distribution measures explains how to right-size fan airflow where systems are overventilating or overexhausting. Learners examine heat and energy recovery through heat recovery ventilators for sensible heat transfer in ventilation systems. The discussion addresses control-based measures by considering demand-controlled ventilation for variable-occupancy spaces. Key points in IAQ-protective efficiency measures show how to use source control and local exhaust to reduce unnecessary whole-building ventilation.
M6L53 – Evaluate Ventilation Measures
Coverage of measure feasibility explains how to verify that the measure maintains minimum ventilation, exhaust, pressure, humidity, comfort, and safety requirements. Learners examine baseline definition through current airflow, outdoor air fraction, exhaust airflow, fan power, schedules, and control sequence. The discussion addresses savings estimation by considering outdoor air load reduction using airflow, enthalpy difference, operating hours, and HVAC system efficiency. Key points in economic evaluation include installed cost, controls cost, testing and balancing cost, maintenance cost, and commissioning cost. Study of risk and verification focuses on risk of underventilation, humidity problems, odor complaints, pressure imbalance, or sensor failure.
M6L54 – Ventilation O&M Characteristics
Learners examine outdoor air intake condition through intake location, louver condition, bird screens, debris, snow/rain protection, and water intrusion. The discussion addresses fan and drive condition by considering fan wheel cleanliness, blade erosion, bearing condition, vibration, alignment, and noise. Key points in filter and coil condition include filter loading, bypass, rack gaps, damaged media, incorrect size, and replacement records. Study of control system condition focuses on sensor calibration for CO₂, temperature, humidity, pressure, airflow, and damper position. The lesson reviews O&M documentation through preventive maintenance tasks, inspection intervals, filter change criteria, and sensor calibration schedule.
M6L55 – Ventilation O&M Opportunities
The discussion addresses low-cost airflow corrections by considering reset excessive minimum outdoor air only after verifying required ventilation rates. Key points in filter and coil maintenance show how to install correct filters with proper sealing and documented efficiency rating. Study of fan system maintenance addresses how to adjust belts, sheaves, bearings, and alignment to restore fan efficiency. The lesson reviews control and sensor improvements through calibrate CO₂, airflow, pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors. Coverage of operator practices explains how to maintain seasonal checklists for economizers, heat recovery, dampers, and freeze protection.
M6L56 – Ventilation Energy Savings: Airflow and Fan Energy
Key points in fan energy fundamentals show how fan power depends on airflow, pressure rise, fan efficiency, motor efficiency, and drive efficiency. Study of fan affinity laws focuses on airflow varies approximately with fan speed. The lesson reviews airflow savings methods by examining how to reduce unnecessary outdoor air and exhaust air while maintaining code and pressure requirements. Coverage of fan power calculation inputs includes measured or estimated airflow in cfm or L/s. Learners examine savings verification by considering how to measure fan kW before and after airflow or pressure changes.
M6L57 – Ventilation Energy Savings: Heat Recovery and Controls
Study of heat recovery principles addresses how to recover sensible heat, latent heat, or both from exhaust air to precondition outdoor air. The lesson reviews heat recovery technologies through plate heat exchangers for fixed-plate sensible heat transfer. Coverage of heat recovery savings calculations includes savings based on airflow, air density, specific heat, temperature difference, effectiveness, and operating hours. Learners examine control savings strategies through economizer control with outdoor air dampers, return dampers, relief dampers, high-limit logic, and integrated mechanical cooling. The discussion of implementation and verification explains how to verify exhaust and supply airflows are balanced enough for effective recovery.
The discussion addresses terminal unit functions by considering deliver conditioned air, hot water, chilled water, steam, or refrigerant-side capacity to occupied zones. Key points in air terminal units include variable air volume boxes with damper modulation for zone airflow control. Study of hydronic terminal units focuses on fan coil units with heating coils, cooling coils, filters, drains, and local fans. The lesson reviews direct expansion and packaged terminal units through ptac and vtac units serving individual rooms or small zones. Coverage of audit relevance of terminal units explains how terminal units are a core HVAC identification topic in the cea HVAC body of knowledge.
M6L2 – Identify HVAC Terminal Units During Audit
Key points in terminal unit field identification include locate terminal units above ceilings, in perimeter enclosures, mechanical closets, classrooms, hotel rooms, and tenant spaces. Study of nameplate and schedule data addresses how to record manufacturer, model, serial number, capacity, airflow range, voltage, phase, motor size, and coil data. The lesson reviews terminal unit operating checks by examining how to verify damper movement, fan operation, valve actuation, reheat response, and thermostat feedback. Coverage of comfort and energy symptoms explains how to identify overcooling followed by reheat, short cycling, hunting controls, and excessive minimum airflow. Learners examine documentation for recommendations by considering how to create a terminal unit inventory by zone, type, capacity, control sequence, and observed condition.
M6L3 – Types of HVAC Systems
Study of HVAC system classification focuses on all-air systems using conditioned air as the primary heating, cooling, and ventilation medium. The lesson reviews air distribution system types through constant air volume systems with fixed airflow and variable supply temperature. Coverage of equipment arrangement types includes packaged rooftop units combining fan, coil, compressor or heating section, filters, and controls. Learners examine ventilation and outdoor air systems through mixed-air systems combining return air and outdoor air at the air-handling unit. The discussion of audit selection factors explains how system type determines measurement points, saving calculations, control opportunities, and risk constraints.
M6L4 – Audit HVAC System Types
The lesson reviews HVAC system mapping through trace energy flow from utility meter to plant equipment, distribution systems, terminals, and occupied zones. Coverage of pre-site HVAC review explains how to review mechanical drawings, equipment schedules, control diagrams, TAB reports, commissioning records, and O&M logs. Learners examine on-site HVAC verification by considering how to inspect equipment condition, accessibility, control panels, dampers, valves, coils, belts, filters, sensors, and insulation. The discussion of system-type audit risks explains how to avoid treating a hybrid system as a single simple packaged or central system. Key points in audit standard alignment show how ASHRAE standard 211 establishes consistent practices for commercial building energy audits and reporting.
M6L5 – HVAC Efficiency Metrics
Coverage of cooling efficiency metrics includes chiller efficiency expressed as kW/ton, COP, EER, IPLV, or NPLV. Learners examine heating efficiency metrics through combustion efficiency based on flue gas temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and excess air. The discussion addresses air and water distribution metrics by considering fan energy expressed as kW, w/cfm, brake horsepower, static pressure, and fan system efficiency. Key points in ventilation and comfort metrics show how outdoor air rate, air changes, zone ventilation effectiveness, and CO₂ trends. Study of audit use of metrics addresses how to compare existing performance against nameplate, code minimums, design documents, and industry benchmarks.
M6L6 – Determine Existing HVAC Efficiencies
Learners examine existing data sources through equipment nameplates, submittals, O&M manuals, test reports, and manufacturer performance curves. The discussion of field measurement methods explains how to measure airflow, temperature, humidity, static pressure, water flow, water temperature, power, and run time. Key points in cooling efficiency determination show how to calculate cooling output from chilled-water flow and temperature difference. Study of heating efficiency determination addresses how to use fuel input, useful heat output, stack temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and excess air. The lesson reviews data quality and uncertainty by examining how to confirm sensor calibration, measurement timing, steady-state operation, and load conditions.
M6L7 – Thermostat Locations and Zoning
The discussion addresses thermostat placement by considering locate thermostats in representative occupied zones away from direct sun, supply air, exterior doors, and heat sources. Key points in zone definition show how to group spaces with similar orientation, loads, occupancy, schedule, and comfort requirements. Study of control conflicts focuses on simultaneous heating and cooling caused by poor zoning, overlapping control loops, or narrow deadbands. The lesson reviews comfort and energy balance by examining how setpoint decisions must preserve acceptable thermal comfort while reducing unnecessary conditioning. Coverage of audit documentation includes mark thermostat and sensor locations on floor plans.
M6L8 – Load and Occupancy Scheduling
Key points in HVAC load drivers include outdoor temperature, solar gains, envelope conduction, infiltration, ventilation, lighting, plug loads, and process loads. Study of occupancy schedule review addresses how to compare BAS schedules with actual working hours, cleaning schedules, tenant use, events, and holidays. The lesson reviews start-stop optimization through morning warm-up and cool-down periods based on actual building response. Coverage of scheduling constraints includes critical zones such as hospitals, labs, data rooms, animal areas, and process spaces. Learners examine audit opportunities through align HVAC schedules with actual occupancy before recommending major equipment replacement.
M6L9 – HVAC Control Strategy Opportunities
Study of setpoint and deadband controls focuses on heating and cooling setpoint optimization by space type and occupancy schedule. The lesson reviews air-side control strategies through economizer repair, high-limit control, damper calibration, and mixed-air temperature control. Coverage of water-side control strategies includes chilled-water temperature reset based on load, humidity, and coil valve positions. Learners examine equipment staging and sequencing through chiller, boiler, pump, tower, and fan staging based on load and equipment efficiency. The discussion addresses control verification by considering advanced rooftop controls and optimized RTU operation CAN address economizer, fan, and ventilation inefficiencies.
M6L10 – Air-Side HVAC Components
The lesson reviews air-handling equipment through air-handling units, rooftop units, make-up air units, fan coil units, and unit ventilators. Coverage of air distribution components includes supply ducts, return ducts, outside air ducts, relief ducts, and exhaust ducts. Learners examine outdoor air and economizer components through outdoor air dampers, return air dampers, relief dampers, actuators, linkages, and seals. The discussion addresses air-side measurement points by considering airflow, static pressure, velocity pressure, temperature, humidity, CO₂, and fan power. Key points in energy audit focus include fan energy reduction through pressure reset, VFDs, belt correction, and duct pressure improvements.
M6L11 – Water-Side and Refrigerant-Side HVAC Components
Coverage of water-side components includes chillers, boilers, heat exchangers, cooling towers, pumps, expansion tanks, air separators, and strainers. Learners examine pumping and flow components through constant-speed pumps, variable-speed pumps, primary pumps, secondary pumps, and condenser-water pumps. The discussion addresses refrigerant-side components by considering compressors, evaporators, condensers, expansion devices, reversing valves, accumulators, and receivers. Key points in heat transfer components include evaporator and condenser heat exchange in chillers and dx equipment. Study of audit relevance focuses on the textbook treats HVAC distribution systems as air and lose thermal energy during transport.
M6L12 – Electric Chillers
Learners examine electric chiller types through centrifugal chillers for large water-cooled applications and high-capacity central plants. The discussion addresses chiller heat transfer cycle by considering evaporator absorbs heat from chilled water and produces cooling. Key points in chiller efficiency metrics include full-load performance expressed as kW/ton, COP, or EER. Study of electric chiller audit checks addresses how to record chiller type, refrigerant, capacity, age, compressor type, controls, and design conditions. The lesson reviews optimization opportunities by examining how variable-speed drives on compressors, pumps, and tower fans where application conditions support them.
M6L13 – Gas-Driven and Absorption Chillers
The discussion addresses gas-driven chiller types by considering engine-driven vapor-compression chillers using natural gas engines to drive compressors. Key points in absorption chiller types include single-effect absorption chillers driven by low-pressure steam, hot water, or waste heat. Study of efficiency and performance metrics focuses on absorption chiller COP compared with electric chiller kW/ton. The lesson reviews audit data requirements by examining how to record fuel input, steam pressure, hot-water temperature, chilled-water flow, and temperature difference. Coverage of application considerations includes applications where electricity demand charges are high or waste heat is available.
M6L14 – Chiller Audit Data Collection
Key points in chiller identification data include manufacturer, model, serial number, refrigerant, compressor type, capacity, voltage, and installation year. Study of operating data focuses on chilled-water supply and return temperature. The lesson reviews field measurements by examining how to use simultaneous measurements for kW/ton and cooling load calculations. Coverage of performance calculations includes cooling load from water side using flow rate and chilled-water temperature difference. Learners examine data interpretation by considering how to identify low delta-t, excessive condenser-water temperature, fouling, short cycling, and poor staging.
M6L15 – Chilled Water Piping Arrangements
Study of constant primary flow focuses on chillers and pumps operate with constant evaporator flow. The lesson reviews primary-secondary flow by examining how primary pumps maintain constant chiller flow while secondary pumps vary building loop flow. Coverage of variable primary flow includes chilled-water flow through chillers varies with load within manufacturer limits. Learners examine distribution and valve arrangements by considering how two-way valves support variable flow and lower pumping energy. The discussion addresses audit issues in chilled water loops by considering low delta-t syndrome from excess flow, leaking valves, fouled coils, or improper controls.
M6L16 – Refrigerant Piping Arrangements
The lesson reviews refrigerant circuit basics by examining how the suction line carries low-pressure vapor from evaporator to compressor. Coverage of split system piping includes line set length, elevation difference, and manufacturer limits affect capacity and reliability. Learners examine VRF and multi-split piping through branch selectors, headers, and multiple indoor units create complex refrigerant distribution. The discussion addresses refrigerant performance indicators by considering superheat, subcooling, suction pressure, discharge pressure, and compressor amperage. Key points in audit and safety considerations show how to check insulation, line support, vibration, oil staining, corrosion, and physical damage.
M6L17 – Heat Pumps and Split Systems
Coverage of heat pump types includes air-source heat pumps for packaged, split, and rooftop applications. Learners examine split system components through outdoor unit with compressor, condenser coil, fan, reversing valve, and controls. The discussion addresses heat pump performance by considering cooling performance using SEER2, EER, IEER, or COP. Key points in audit checks show how to verify equipment sizing, refrigerant charge indicators, airflow, coil cleanliness, and filter condition. Study of efficiency opportunities addresses how to correct airflow and refrigerant faults before assuming equipment replacement is necessary.
M6L18 – Chillers and Packaged Cooling Units
Learners examine central chiller systems through serve multiple air handlers or zones through chilled-water distribution. The discussion addresses packaged cooling units by considering rooftop units, packaged air conditioners, packaged heat pumps, ptacs, and self-contained units. Key points in selection and audit comparison show how chillers are evaluated by plant efficiency, load profile, distribution losses, and central control. Study of common performance problems focuses on chillers: low delta-t, fouled tubes, high condenser-water temperature, poor sequencing, and excessive pumping. The lesson reviews retrofit considerations by examining how to compare lifecycle cost, maintenance capacity, redundancy, tenant disruption, and utility demand impact.
M6L19 – Filter Performance
The discussion of filter functions explains how remove particles to protect occupants, coils, ducts, fans, and equipment. Key points in filter ratings show how MERV rating used to compare filter particle removal performance. Study of pressure drop and fan energy addresses how dirty filters increase static pressure and CAN reduce airflow or increase fan power. The lesson reviews filter bypass and installation quality by examining how air bypass around filters reduces actual filtration effectiveness. Coverage of audit evaluation explains how to record filter type, size, MERV rating, pressure drop, change interval, and observed condition.
M6L20 – Filter Maintenance and Energy Impact
Key points in filter maintenance practices show how to establish change intervals based on differential pressure, operating hours, and space conditions. Study of differential pressure monitoring addresses how to install gauges or BAS sensors across filter banks where practical. The lesson reviews energy impact mechanisms by examining how higher filter resistance increases fan energy in systems maintaining airflow. Coverage of IAQ and ventilation balance explains how filter selection should support IAQ without exceeding fan static pressure capability. Learners examine audit recommendations by considering how to replace loaded or incorrect filters as a low-cost O&M measure.
M6L21 – Low-Cost HVAC Energy Efficiency Measures
Study of scheduling measures addresses how to correct occupied and unoccupied schedules in BAS or programmable thermostats. The lesson reviews setpoint measures by examining how to adjust heating and cooling setpoints within comfort and humidity limits. Coverage of air-side measures explains how to repair economizer dampers, actuators, sensors, and high-limit settings. Learners examine water-side measures through reset chilled-water, heating-water, and condenser-water temperatures. The discussion addresses control and O&M measures by considering calibrate sensors, thermostats, humidity sensors, and pressure sensors.
M6L22 – Capital HVAC Energy Efficiency Measures
The lesson reviews equipment replacement measures by examining how to replace inefficient chillers, boilers, packaged rooftop units, heat pumps, or split systems. Coverage of variable-speed measures includes add VFDs to fans, pumps, cooling tower fans, and applicable compressors. Learners examine heat recovery and energy recovery through energy recovery ventilators for high outdoor air or exhaust air applications. The discussion addresses control system upgrades by considering upgrade pneumatic or standalone controls to ddc/BAS where justified. Key points in capital project evaluation include include first cost, energy savings, demand savings, maintenance savings, incentives, and useful life.
M6L23 – HVAC O&M Characteristics
Coverage of preventive maintenance structure includes scheduled inspection, cleaning, lubrication, calibration, testing, and replacement tasks. Learners examine equipment condition indicators through coil cleanliness, filter condition, belt tension, bearing condition, vibration, and abnormal noise. The discussion addresses control system characteristics by considering BAS schedules, setpoints, control loops, alarms, overrides, and trend histories. Key points in water and air distribution maintenance include duct leakage, blocked diffusers, dirty coils, failed dampers, and poor balancing. Study of audit interpretation addresses how O&M condition explains why measured performance differs from nameplate performance.
M6L24 – HVAC O&M Opportunities
Learners examine air-side O&M opportunities by considering how to clean coils, replace filters, repair air leaks, and remove airflow obstructions. The discussion of water-side O&M opportunities explains how to clean tubes, strainers, and heat exchangers to reduce approach temperatures and pressure drop. Key points in refrigerant-side O&M opportunities show how to correct refrigerant charge through qualified service procedures. Study of controls O&M opportunities focuses on calibrate thermostats, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and CO₂ sensors. The lesson reviews recommissioning and verification by examining how verification of system performance identifies installation, operating, and design problems that affect energy and comfort.
M6L25 – HVAC Energy Savings: Operating Hours and Load Assumptions
The discussion of operating hour baselines explains how to establish existing fan, pump, compressor, boiler, chiller, and terminal operating hours. Key points in load assumption methods show how to estimate load from measured airflow, water flow, temperature difference, or metered energy. Study of part-load operation addresses how to use part-load performance rather than full-load efficiency where possible. The lesson reviews schedule-based savings by examining how savings depend on avoided equipment operation during hours that CAN be safely reduced. Coverage of assumption documentation explains how to record source of hours, load factors, weather data, occupancy data, and control status.
M6L26 – HVAC Energy Savings: Efficiency Improvement Calculations
Key points in cooling efficiency savings show how existing annual cooling energy equals cooling load multiplied by existing kW/ton and operating hours. Study of heating efficiency savings addresses how useful heating load is held constant when comparing existing and proposed heating efficiency. The lesson reviews fan and pump savings through fan and pump affinity laws relate flow, pressure, and power for variable-speed opportunities. Coverage of heat transfer calculations includes air-side sensible cooling or heating uses airflow and dry-bulb temperature difference. Learners examine cost and demand conversion through convert kWh, therms, fuel units, and demand reductions using actual utility rate structures.
M6L27 – HVAC Energy Savings: Controls and Ventilation Calculations
Study of ventilation load calculations focuses on sensible ventilation load estimated from outdoor airflow and indoor-outdoor temperature difference. The lesson reviews demand-controlled ventilation savings through baseline outdoor air based on design occupancy, fixed damper position, or measured airflow. Coverage of economizer savings explains how to compare mechanical cooling energy with and without air-side or water-side economizer operation. Learners examine scheduling and setback savings by considering how to calculate avoided fan, pump, heating, cooling, and ventilation energy during reduced operating hours. The discussion addresses control sequence verification by considering trend commands, temperatures, flows, damper positions, valve positions, fan speeds, and equipment status.
M6L28 – Boiler Types: Fire Tube, Water Tube, and Cast Iron
The lesson reviews boiler type identification through fire-tube boilers with hot combustion gases passing through tubes surrounded by water. Coverage of fire-tube boilers includes common use in small to medium commercial and institutional heating plants. Learners examine water-tube boilers through common use in larger facilities, campuses, hospitals, and industrial steam plants. The discussion addresses cast iron boilers by considering sectional construction, modular replacement, and common hydronic heating use.
M6L29 – Burner Types: Atmospheric, Power, and Modulating
Coverage of burner function includes mixing fuel and combustion air in correct proportions. Learners examine atmospheric burners through natural draft combustion air supplied by buoyancy and burner design. The discussion addresses power burners by considering forced-draft fans supplying combustion air under controlled pressure. Key points in modulating burners include continuous or staged adjustment of firing rate to match heating load.
M6L30 – Boiler Audit Data Collection
Learners examine boiler nameplate data through manufacturer, model, serial number, year, rated input, and rated output. The discussion addresses operating data by considering fuel consumption from utility bills, submetering, fuel meters, or tank records. Key points in combustion data include stack temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, draft, and excess air. Study of field inspection data focuses on insulation condition on boiler shell, piping, valves, and fittings.
M6L31 – Furnace Types: Electric and Gas
The discussion addresses furnace classification by considering central forced-air furnaces serving zones through duct systems. Key points in gas furnaces include heat exchanger, burner, ignition system, blower, gas valve, and vent system. Study of electric furnaces focuses on resistance heating elements, sequencers, relays, contactors, and air handler blower. The lesson reviews furnace audit concerns through thermostat settings, night setback, occupancy schedules, and zoning.
M6L32 – Pulse and Condensing Furnaces
Key points in pulse furnace operation include combustion pulses creating repeated pressure waves for heat transfer. Study of condensing furnace operation focuses on recovery of sensible and latent heat from flue gases. The lesson reviews efficiency and controls through AFUE rating, part-load performance, cycling losses, and blower energy. Coverage of audit and maintenance issues includes condensate trap blockage, drain slope, freezing risk, and neutralizer condition.
M6L33 – Boiler Efficiency Concepts
Study of boiler efficiency definition focuses on ratio of useful heat output to fuel energy input. The lesson reviews combustion efficiency through complete combustion with adequate but not excessive air. Coverage of heat loss mechanisms includes dry flue gas loss from high stack temperature and excess air. Learners examine efficiency improvement levers through burner tuning, oxygen trim, and proper air-fuel ratio control.
M6L34 – Determine Existing Boiler Efficiency
The lesson reviews efficiency test preparation by examining how to confirm boiler operating mode, fuel type, load, and steady-state conditions. Coverage of combustion analyzer method explains how to measure oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, stack temperature, and ambient temperature. Learners examine input-output method by considering how to determine fuel input from gas meter, oil flow, or fuel consumption records. The discussion of result interpretation explains how to identify high stack temperature, high excess air, co formation, and unstable draft.
M6L35 – Ductwork and Piping Insulation
Coverage of heat transfer losses includes conduction losses through uninsulated ducts, pipes, valves, fittings, and tanks. Learners examine insulation audit by considering how to identify pipe size, fluid temperature, insulation type, thickness, and condition. The discussion addresses ductwork insulation by considering supply and return duct insulation requirements based on location and air temperature. Key points in savings evaluation show how to estimate heat loss reduction from surface area, temperature difference, operating hours, and insulation performance.
M6L36 – Pressure Drop, Leaks, and Steam Traps
Learners examine distribution pressure drop through friction losses in undersized piping, corroded piping, fittings, valves, and strainers. The discussion addresses air and water leaks by considering duct leakage reducing delivered airflow and increasing fan and heating energy. Key points in steam trap function include removing condensate and non-condensable gases while preventing live steam loss. Study of steam trap testing focuses on temperature testing, ultrasonic testing, visual discharge checks, and test stations.
M6L37 – Identify Heating System Terminal Units
The discussion addresses terminal unit types by considering radiators, convectors, baseboard heaters, unit heaters, cabinet heaters, and fan coils. Key points in field identification include locate terminal units on floor plans and assign zone or room identifiers. Study of control components focuses on thermostats, pneumatic actuators, control valves, dampers, relays, and local switches. The lesson reviews performance issues through blocked airflow, dirty coils, stuck valves, failed actuators, and missing covers.
M6L38 – Heating System Energy Efficiency Measures
Key points in boiler and burner measures include boiler tune-up, combustion optimization, and excess-air reduction. Study of furnace measures focuses on high-efficiency condensing furnace replacement where venting and condensate handling are feasible. The lesson reviews distribution measures through pipe, valve, fitting, and duct insulation upgrades. Coverage of control measures includes outdoor air temperature reset for hot-water supply temperature.
M6L39 – Prioritize Heating System Measures
Study of screening criteria focuses on annual fuel savings, demand impacts, operating cost savings, and maintenance savings. The lesson reviews technical priority by examining how to correct safety hazards before energy-only improvements. Coverage of financial priority includes simple payback, life-cycle cost, net present value, internal rate of return, and avoided maintenance. Learners examine implementation priority through quick-win no-cost and low-cost measures for immediate savings.
M6L40 – Heating System O&M Characteristics
The lesson reviews O&M program structure through preventive maintenance schedules by daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual tasks. Coverage of boiler O&M characteristics includes water treatment, blowdown control, feedwater quality, and condensate return monitoring. Learners examine furnace O&M characteristics through filter replacement, blower inspection, belt tension, motor lubrication, and airflow checks. The discussion addresses distribution O&M characteristics by considering steam trap surveys, leak repair, condensate pump maintenance, and strainer cleaning.
M6L41 – Heating System O&M Opportunities
Coverage of combustion O&M opportunities explains how tune burners to reduce excess air while maintaining safe carbon monoxide levels. Learners examine steam system O&M opportunities by considering how to repair steam leaks and failed-open steam traps. The discussion addresses hot-water system O&M opportunities by considering reset hot-water supply temperature based on outdoor temperature and load. Key points in control O&M opportunities include calibrate thermostats, sensors, controllers, and BAS points.
M6L42 – Heating Energy Savings: Boiler and Furnace Efficiency
Learners examine baseline fuel use by considering how to establish annual heating fuel consumption from utility bills, submeters, and seasonal load analysis. The discussion of efficiency savings formula explains how fuel savings equals useful heating load multiplied by the difference between baseline and improved fuel input. Key points in boiler efficiency measures include savings from combustion tune-up based on measured change in efficiency. Study of furnace efficiency measures focuses on savings from replacing standard-efficiency furnaces with condensing or modulating units.
M6L43 – Heating Energy Savings: Distribution and O&M Improvements
The discussion of distribution loss savings explains how to calculate pipe and duct insulation savings from reduced heat loss over operating hours. Key points in steam leak and trap savings show how to estimate steam leak losses from orifice size, pressure, operating hours, and steam properties. Study of control and scheduling savings addresses how to estimate night setback savings from reduced temperature difference and occupied hours. The lesson reviews O&M savings documentation by examining how to record baseline defects, corrective action, dates, costs, and responsible staff.
M6L44 – Types of Ventilation Systems
Key points in ventilation system purpose include outdoor air supply for acceptable indoor air quality and contaminant dilution. Study of natural ventilation systems focuses on operable windows, doors, louvers, vents, atria, shafts, and stack-effect pathways. The lesson reviews mechanical ventilation systems through supply-only systems that introduce outdoor air and may pressurize the building. Coverage of HVAC-integrated ventilation systems includes packaged rooftop units, air handling units, fan coil systems, VAV systems, and terminal units with outdoor air connections. Learners examine specialized ventilation applications through kitchen hoods, laboratory fume hoods, parking garage ventilation, toilet exhaust, laundry exhaust, and industrial process exhaust.
M6L45 – Audit Ventilation Systems
Study of ventilation audit scope addresses how to identify all outdoor air intakes, exhaust points, relief dampers, return paths, transfer air paths, and spaces served. The lesson reviews pre-site data review through mechanical drawings, air balance reports, control sequences, BAS graphics, schedules, and equipment submittals. Coverage of field inspection methods explains how to inspect outdoor air dampers, actuators, linkages, mixed-air plenums, filters, coils, fans, belts, VFDs, sensors, and access panels. Learners examine measurement and testing through outdoor airflow measurement using test-and-balance reports, flow hood readings, duct traverse, BAS trends, or calibrated airflow stations. The discussion of audit findings and documentation explains how to identify overventilation, underventilation, simultaneous heating and cooling, stuck dampers, excessive exhaust, and poor scheduling.
M6L46 – Filter Types and Classifications
The lesson reviews filter function through particle removal from outdoor air, return air, recirculated air, or process air. Coverage of common filter types includes panel filters used for basic equipment protection and low-pressure-drop applications. Learners examine MERV classification through minimum efficiency reporting value as the common ASHRAE filter rating approach for general ventilation air-cleaning devices. The discussion addresses filter selection criteria by considering required IAQ performance, contaminant sources, outdoor air quality, occupancy sensitivity, and equipment protection needs. Key points in filter installation quality show how to correct filter orientation, gasket sealing, rack integrity, and bypass prevention.
M6L47 – Filter Energy Impacts
Coverage of filter pressure drop explains how initial resistance when filters are clean and final resistance when filters are loaded. Learners examine fan energy relationship by considering how fan power increases with airflow and total static pressure. The discussion of filter upgrade impacts explains how higher-efficiency filters CAN improve air quality but must be checked against fan capacity and airflow requirements. Key points in audit evaluation methods show how to measure pressure drop across filters at current airflow and compare with manufacturer data. Study of optimization opportunities addresses how to select filters with lower life-cycle cost rather than lowest first cost.
M6L48 – Ventilation Code Requirements
Learners examine ventilation standards framework through ASHRAE 62.1 for nonresidential ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality. The discussion addresses minimum outdoor air requirements by considering occupancy-based outdoor airflow for people-related contaminants. Key points in exhaust and pressure requirements include required exhaust for toilet rooms, janitor closets, kitchens, laboratories, parking garages, laundry rooms, and contaminant-producing spaces. Study of energy code interactions focuses on ASHRAE 90.1 as a major commercial building energy standard for minimum energy-efficient design requirements. The lesson reviews compliance audit checks by examining how to compare design documents, measured airflow, and BAS settings with applicable code requirements.
M6L49 – Ventilation Rate Calculations
The discussion addresses ventilation calculation inputs by considering space type, floor area, design population, actual occupancy, operating schedule, and contaminant sources. Key points in breathing-zone outdoor airflow include people component based on occupant density and per-person ventilation rate. Study of zone and system outdoor airflow focuses on zone outdoor airflow adjusted for zone air distribution effectiveness. The lesson reviews exhaust airflow calculations through required exhaust rates by space type, contaminant source, fixture count, or area. Coverage of field verification of calculations explains how to compare calculated outdoor airflow to measured intake airflow or calibrated airflow station readings.
M6L50 – Ventilation Control Options
Key points in fixed ventilation control include manual dampers, fixed minimum outdoor air positions, and constant-volume outdoor air systems. Study of scheduled ventilation control focuses on time-of-day schedules aligned with occupied, standby, and unoccupied periods. The lesson reviews modulating outdoor air control through outdoor air dampers controlled by airflow stations, mixed-air temperature, CO₂, occupancy, or pressure. Coverage of pressure-based control includes building pressure control using relief dampers, exhaust fans, return fans, and supply fan tracking. Learners examine integrated control strategies through coordination of ventilation with VAV boxes, terminal reheat, economizers, energy recovery, and demand response.
M6L51 – Demand-Controlled Ventilation
Study of DCV purpose addresses how to reduce outdoor air when actual occupancy is below design occupancy. The lesson reviews DCV control inputs through CO₂ concentration as an occupancy-related indicator. Coverage of CO₂-based control includes indoor CO₂ sensor placement away from supply diffusers, doors, windows, and localized breathing zones. Learners examine DCV energy impacts through reduced outdoor air load during low occupancy. The discussion of DCV audit checks explains how to confirm spaces are eligible and occupancy varies enough to justify DCV.
M6L52 – Ventilation Energy Efficiency Measures
The lesson reviews outdoor air optimization by examining how to correct excessive minimum outdoor air settings verified by actual airflow measurement. Coverage of fan and air distribution measures explains how to right-size fan airflow where systems are overventilating or overexhausting. Learners examine heat and energy recovery through heat recovery ventilators for sensible heat transfer in ventilation systems. The discussion addresses control-based measures by considering demand-controlled ventilation for variable-occupancy spaces. Key points in IAQ-protective efficiency measures show how to use source control and local exhaust to reduce unnecessary whole-building ventilation.
M6L53 – Evaluate Ventilation Measures
Coverage of measure feasibility explains how to verify that the measure maintains minimum ventilation, exhaust, pressure, humidity, comfort, and safety requirements. Learners examine baseline definition through current airflow, outdoor air fraction, exhaust airflow, fan power, schedules, and control sequence. The discussion addresses savings estimation by considering outdoor air load reduction using airflow, enthalpy difference, operating hours, and HVAC system efficiency. Key points in economic evaluation include installed cost, controls cost, testing and balancing cost, maintenance cost, and commissioning cost. Study of risk and verification focuses on risk of underventilation, humidity problems, odor complaints, pressure imbalance, or sensor failure.
M6L54 – Ventilation O&M Characteristics
Learners examine outdoor air intake condition through intake location, louver condition, bird screens, debris, snow/rain protection, and water intrusion. The discussion addresses fan and drive condition by considering fan wheel cleanliness, blade erosion, bearing condition, vibration, alignment, and noise. Key points in filter and coil condition include filter loading, bypass, rack gaps, damaged media, incorrect size, and replacement records. Study of control system condition focuses on sensor calibration for CO₂, temperature, humidity, pressure, airflow, and damper position. The lesson reviews O&M documentation through preventive maintenance tasks, inspection intervals, filter change criteria, and sensor calibration schedule.
M6L55 – Ventilation O&M Opportunities
The discussion addresses low-cost airflow corrections by considering reset excessive minimum outdoor air only after verifying required ventilation rates. Key points in filter and coil maintenance show how to install correct filters with proper sealing and documented efficiency rating. Study of fan system maintenance addresses how to adjust belts, sheaves, bearings, and alignment to restore fan efficiency. The lesson reviews control and sensor improvements through calibrate CO₂, airflow, pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors. Coverage of operator practices explains how to maintain seasonal checklists for economizers, heat recovery, dampers, and freeze protection.
M6L56 – Ventilation Energy Savings: Airflow and Fan Energy
Key points in fan energy fundamentals show how fan power depends on airflow, pressure rise, fan efficiency, motor efficiency, and drive efficiency. Study of fan affinity laws focuses on airflow varies approximately with fan speed. The lesson reviews airflow savings methods by examining how to reduce unnecessary outdoor air and exhaust air while maintaining code and pressure requirements. Coverage of fan power calculation inputs includes measured or estimated airflow in cfm or L/s. Learners examine savings verification by considering how to measure fan kW before and after airflow or pressure changes.
M6L57 – Ventilation Energy Savings: Heat Recovery and Controls
Study of heat recovery principles addresses how to recover sensible heat, latent heat, or both from exhaust air to precondition outdoor air. The lesson reviews heat recovery technologies through plate heat exchangers for fixed-plate sensible heat transfer. Coverage of heat recovery savings calculations includes savings based on airflow, air density, specific heat, temperature difference, effectiveness, and operating hours. Learners examine control savings strategies through economizer control with outdoor air dampers, return dampers, relief dampers, high-limit logic, and integrated mechanical cooling. The discussion of implementation and verification explains how to verify exhaust and supply airflows are balanced enough for effective recovery.
Module 7 - Domestic Hot Water Systems
M7L1 – Types of Domestic Hot Water Systems
The lesson reviews domestic hot water system scope through service hot water loads for restrooms, kitchens, laundries, showers, laboratories, health care, and process support. Coverage of water heating equipment types includes storage water heaters using gas, oil, electricity, steam, or boiler hot-water heat exchangers. Learners examine distribution system types through centralized systems serving multiple fixtures through mains, branches, risers, and recirculation loops. The discussion addresses system selection factors by considering fuel availability, utility rate structure, demand charges, and decarbonization objectives.
M7L2 – Audit Domestic Hot Water Systems
Coverage of DHW audit scope explains how to define audited boundaries from incoming water supply to final point of use. Learners examine pre-site DHW data through utility bills for electricity, gas, steam, water, sewer, and delivered fuels. The discussion of field inspection methods explains how to record water heater nameplate data, age, rated input, storage volume, recovery rate, and efficiency rating. Key points in audit documentation show how to develop DHW system sketch showing heaters, tanks, pumps, meters, fixtures, and recirculation loops.
M7L3 – Domestic Hot Water Efficiency Metrics
Learners examine water heater efficiency metrics through thermal efficiency as useful heat delivered to water divided by fuel energy input. The discussion addresses load and delivery metrics by considering gallons and per production unit. Key points in distribution efficiency metrics include recirculation loop temperature drop between supply and return. Study of performance indicators focuses on DHW energy use per floor area, occupant, guest-night, meal, laundry pound, or fixture.
M7L4 – Calculate Hot Water System Efficiency
The discussion addresses useful heat calculation by considering useful heat = water mass × specific heat × temperature rise. Key points in fuel input calculation include gas input from therms, ccf, mcf, or metered Btu content. Study of efficiency formula focuses on system efficiency = useful hot-water energy delivered ÷ total energy input. The lesson reviews calculation checks by examining how to compare calculated load with fixture flow estimates, occupancy data, and measured meter readings.
M7L5 – Temperature Set Points
Key points in set point locations include storage tank temperature set point at heater or aquastat. Study of set point requirements focuses on occupant comfort requirements for handwashing, bathing, cleaning, and kitchen operation. The lesson reviews set point controls through aquastats, digital controllers, BAS points, thermostatic mixing valves, and point-of-use mixing valves. Coverage of audit interpretation includes excessive set points increasing standby loss, distribution loss, and scald risk.
M7L6 – Energy, Safety, and Comfort Impacts of Temperature Set Points
Study of energy impacts addresses how higher storage temperature increases tank standby losses and piping heat losses. The lesson reviews safety impacts through legionella growth risk in warm, stagnant, low-temperature water systems. Coverage of comfort impacts includes hot-water wait time at remote fixtures and user complaints. Learners examine audit decision balance through balance energy savings against health, safety, comfort, and process requirements.
M7L7 – Hot Water Circulating Systems
The lesson reviews recirculation system purpose by examining how to maintain hot water near fixtures to reduce waiting time and water waste. Coverage of recirculation components includes supply mains, return piping, branch connections, risers, balancing valves, and check valves. Learners examine circulation performance through temperature drop between heater outlet and loop return. The discussion of field audit checks explains how to confirm whether the pump runs continuously, by timer, aquastat, BAS schedule, or demand signal.
M7L8 – Recirculation Control Opportunities
Coverage of control strategies includes timer control based on occupancy, operating schedule, and peak-use periods. Learners examine pump energy reduction through high-efficiency circulator pumps and properly sized pump motors. The discussion addresses distribution heat loss reduction by considering insulating hot-water supply and return piping to code or better. Key points in implementation risks show how increased wait time if controls are poorly located or schedules are inaccurate.
M7L9 – Domestic Hot Water Energy Efficiency Measures
Learners examine load reduction measures through low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, spray valves, and efficient fixtures. The discussion addresses equipment efficiency measures by considering condensing gas water heaters for suitable return-water and load conditions. Key points in distribution measures include pipe insulation on hot-water supply, return, and near-tank piping. Study of heat recovery and renewable measures focuses on drain-water heat recovery for showers, laundries, and high-flow fixtures.
M7L10 – Evaluate Domestic Hot Water Measures
The discussion addresses technical feasibility by considering existing equipment age, condition, remaining life, capacity, and service reliability. Key points in savings evaluation include baseline hot-water load, equipment efficiency, standby loss, and distribution loss. Study of risk evaluation focuses on legionella control, scald protection, sanitation, process temperature, and comfort impacts. The lesson reviews economic evaluation through installed cost, design cost, commissioning cost, maintenance cost, and avoided replacement cost.
M7L11 – Domestic Hot Water O&M Characteristics
Key points in equipment operating characteristics include burner cycling, electric element staging, compressor operation, recovery rate, and tank stratification. Study of distribution O&M characteristics focuses on recirculation pump runtime, pump noise, vibration, and bearing condition. The lesson reviews water quality characteristics through scale buildup on heat exchangers, tanks, elements, strainers, and fixture outlets. Coverage of control characteristics includes aquastat calibration, sensor location, deadband, and set point drift.
M7L12 – Domestic Hot Water O&M Opportunities
Study of low-cost operational improvements addresses how to adjust schedules for heaters, pumps, and boosters to match occupancy where safe. The lesson reviews maintenance improvements by examining how to repair leaking faucets, showers, valves, relief valves, and pump seals. Coverage of recirculation improvements explains how balance loops to maintain adequate temperatures without excessive flow. Learners examine program improvements through add DHW tasks to preventive maintenance schedules and computerized maintenance systems.
M7L13 – Domestic Hot Water Energy Savings
The lesson reviews load reduction savings through hot-water energy savings = gallons saved × 8.34 × temperature rise ÷ heater efficiency. Coverage of efficiency upgrade savings includes existing fuel input minus proposed fuel input for the same useful hot-water load. Learners examine distribution savings through pipe insulation savings from reduced heat loss per foot, temperature difference, and operating hours. The discussion addresses verification methods by considering before-and-after fuel use normalized for occupancy, production, inlet temperature, and weather where relevant.
M7L14 – Domestic Hot Water Cost Savings
Coverage of utility cost components includes gas, electricity, oil, propane, steam, district energy, water, and sewer charges. Learners examine cost savings calculations through annual energy cost savings = energy saved × applicable marginal utility rate. The discussion addresses financial analysis by considering simple payback = installed cost ÷ annual cost savings. Key points in reporting cost savings include separate energy, demand, water, sewer, maintenance, and avoided-capital savings.
M7L15 – Irrigation and Landscaping Water Use
Learners examine landscape water demand through evapotranspiration, plant species, turf area, microclimate, soil type, and root depth. The discussion addresses irrigation system types by considering spray sprinkler systems for turf and high-coverage areas. Key points in water use drivers include controller schedule, zone runtime, frequency, precipitation rate, and application efficiency. Study of audit relevance addresses how irrigation CAN dominate seasonal outdoor water use in campuses, parks, hotels, offices, and housing complexes.
M7L16 – Irrigation Efficiency Opportunities
The discussion addresses scheduling improvements by considering weather-based scheduling using evapotranspiration, rainfall, and seasonal adjustment. Key points in equipment improvements include watersense labeled irrigation controllers and spray sprinkler bodies where applicable. Study of distribution improvements addresses how to repair broken heads, clogged emitters, leaking valves, and damaged lateral lines. The lesson reviews landscape improvements by examining how native and climate-adapted plants with lower water needs.
M7L17 – Water Audit Data Collection
Key points in utility and billing data include at least 12 to 24 months of water, sewer, irrigation, and process water bills. Study of meter and submeter data focuses on main meters, irrigation submeters, cooling tower meters, process meters, and tenant meters. The lesson reviews fixture and equipment inventory through toilets, urinals, faucets, showerheads, pre-rinse spray valves, hose bibbs, and eyewash stations. Coverage of field measurement data includes bucket-and-stopwatch flow tests for faucets, showers, and hose bibbs.
M7L18 – Water Use Analysis
Study of water baseline focuses on annual and monthly water use baseline by meter, building, end use, or campus area. The lesson reviews end-use disaggregation through indoor domestic use from restrooms, showers, kitchens, laundries, and cleaning. Coverage of analytical methods includes monthly trend graphs, rolling 12-month totals, and seasonal comparison. Learners examine opportunity screening through high seasonal use indicating irrigation, cooling tower, or outdoor leakage opportunities.
M7L19 – Water Efficiency Measures
The lesson reviews fixture measures through high-efficiency toilets, urinals, flushometer valves, faucet aerators, and showerheads. Coverage of kitchen and laundry measures includes efficient pre-rinse spray valves, dishwashers, steam cookers, dipper wells, and food-waste practices. Learners examine mechanical and process measures through cooling tower cycles-of-concentration optimization, conductivity controls, and makeup/blowdown metering. The discussion addresses outdoor and site measures by considering irrigation scheduling, efficient nozzles, drip conversion, and weather-based controls.
M7L20 – Fixture and Process Water Conservation Options
Coverage of restroom fixture options includes toilet replacements, flush valve retrofits, dual-flush applications, and leak-resistant components. Learners examine food service options through DOE-compliant pre-rinse spray valves with appropriate spray force and flow category. The discussion addresses laundry and cleaning options by considering high-efficiency washers, washer-extractors, and optimized load controls. Key points in process water options include closed-loop cooling instead of once-through cooling.
M7L21 – Water System O&M Characteristics
Learners examine plumbing system characteristics through static and dynamic pressure, pressure zones, pressure-reducing valves, and booster pump operation. The discussion addresses fixture O&M characteristics by considering flush valve wear, flapper leakage, sensor misalignment, and continuous running toilets. Key points in mechanical water characteristics include cooling tower makeup, blowdown, drift, overflow, treatment control, and cycles of concentration. Study of irrigation O&M characteristics focuses on broken heads, clogged nozzles, leaking valves, overspray, runoff, and misting.
M7L22 – Water System O&M Opportunities
The discussion addresses leak management by considering routine leak inspections for toilets, faucets, valves, hose bibbs, underground piping, and irrigation systems. Key points in pressure and flow management show how to adjust pressure-reducing valves to prevent excessive fixture flow and leakage. Study of controls and scheduling addresses how to correct irrigation controller schedules, rain sensor operation, and seasonal adjustments. The lesson reviews water management practices through preventive maintenance tasks for fixtures, irrigation, cooling towers, boilers, and treatment systems.
M7L23 – Water Savings Calculations
Key points in fixture savings calculations include flow savings = existing flow rate − proposed flow rate. Study of process savings calculations focuses on cycle savings = existing gallons per cycle − proposed gallons per cycle × cycles per year. The lesson reviews irrigation savings calculations through irrigation requirement based on landscape area, evapotranspiration, crop coefficient, rainfall, and irrigation efficiency. Coverage of calculation quality explains how to use metered data where available and engineering estimates where metering is unavailable.
M7L24 – Water Cost Savings and Reporting
Study of cost savings components focuses on water volumetric charges, sewer charges, stormwater fees, and fixed monthly charges. The lesson reviews financial calculations through annual water cost savings = volume saved × marginal water rate. Coverage of report structure includes existing water use baseline, end-use breakdown, and major water cost drivers. Learners examine verification and communication through M&V plan using utility bills, submeters, smart meter data, trend logs, and inspection records.
The lesson reviews domestic hot water system scope through service hot water loads for restrooms, kitchens, laundries, showers, laboratories, health care, and process support. Coverage of water heating equipment types includes storage water heaters using gas, oil, electricity, steam, or boiler hot-water heat exchangers. Learners examine distribution system types through centralized systems serving multiple fixtures through mains, branches, risers, and recirculation loops. The discussion addresses system selection factors by considering fuel availability, utility rate structure, demand charges, and decarbonization objectives.
M7L2 – Audit Domestic Hot Water Systems
Coverage of DHW audit scope explains how to define audited boundaries from incoming water supply to final point of use. Learners examine pre-site DHW data through utility bills for electricity, gas, steam, water, sewer, and delivered fuels. The discussion of field inspection methods explains how to record water heater nameplate data, age, rated input, storage volume, recovery rate, and efficiency rating. Key points in audit documentation show how to develop DHW system sketch showing heaters, tanks, pumps, meters, fixtures, and recirculation loops.
M7L3 – Domestic Hot Water Efficiency Metrics
Learners examine water heater efficiency metrics through thermal efficiency as useful heat delivered to water divided by fuel energy input. The discussion addresses load and delivery metrics by considering gallons and per production unit. Key points in distribution efficiency metrics include recirculation loop temperature drop between supply and return. Study of performance indicators focuses on DHW energy use per floor area, occupant, guest-night, meal, laundry pound, or fixture.
M7L4 – Calculate Hot Water System Efficiency
The discussion addresses useful heat calculation by considering useful heat = water mass × specific heat × temperature rise. Key points in fuel input calculation include gas input from therms, ccf, mcf, or metered Btu content. Study of efficiency formula focuses on system efficiency = useful hot-water energy delivered ÷ total energy input. The lesson reviews calculation checks by examining how to compare calculated load with fixture flow estimates, occupancy data, and measured meter readings.
M7L5 – Temperature Set Points
Key points in set point locations include storage tank temperature set point at heater or aquastat. Study of set point requirements focuses on occupant comfort requirements for handwashing, bathing, cleaning, and kitchen operation. The lesson reviews set point controls through aquastats, digital controllers, BAS points, thermostatic mixing valves, and point-of-use mixing valves. Coverage of audit interpretation includes excessive set points increasing standby loss, distribution loss, and scald risk.
M7L6 – Energy, Safety, and Comfort Impacts of Temperature Set Points
Study of energy impacts addresses how higher storage temperature increases tank standby losses and piping heat losses. The lesson reviews safety impacts through legionella growth risk in warm, stagnant, low-temperature water systems. Coverage of comfort impacts includes hot-water wait time at remote fixtures and user complaints. Learners examine audit decision balance through balance energy savings against health, safety, comfort, and process requirements.
M7L7 – Hot Water Circulating Systems
The lesson reviews recirculation system purpose by examining how to maintain hot water near fixtures to reduce waiting time and water waste. Coverage of recirculation components includes supply mains, return piping, branch connections, risers, balancing valves, and check valves. Learners examine circulation performance through temperature drop between heater outlet and loop return. The discussion of field audit checks explains how to confirm whether the pump runs continuously, by timer, aquastat, BAS schedule, or demand signal.
M7L8 – Recirculation Control Opportunities
Coverage of control strategies includes timer control based on occupancy, operating schedule, and peak-use periods. Learners examine pump energy reduction through high-efficiency circulator pumps and properly sized pump motors. The discussion addresses distribution heat loss reduction by considering insulating hot-water supply and return piping to code or better. Key points in implementation risks show how increased wait time if controls are poorly located or schedules are inaccurate.
M7L9 – Domestic Hot Water Energy Efficiency Measures
Learners examine load reduction measures through low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, spray valves, and efficient fixtures. The discussion addresses equipment efficiency measures by considering condensing gas water heaters for suitable return-water and load conditions. Key points in distribution measures include pipe insulation on hot-water supply, return, and near-tank piping. Study of heat recovery and renewable measures focuses on drain-water heat recovery for showers, laundries, and high-flow fixtures.
M7L10 – Evaluate Domestic Hot Water Measures
The discussion addresses technical feasibility by considering existing equipment age, condition, remaining life, capacity, and service reliability. Key points in savings evaluation include baseline hot-water load, equipment efficiency, standby loss, and distribution loss. Study of risk evaluation focuses on legionella control, scald protection, sanitation, process temperature, and comfort impacts. The lesson reviews economic evaluation through installed cost, design cost, commissioning cost, maintenance cost, and avoided replacement cost.
M7L11 – Domestic Hot Water O&M Characteristics
Key points in equipment operating characteristics include burner cycling, electric element staging, compressor operation, recovery rate, and tank stratification. Study of distribution O&M characteristics focuses on recirculation pump runtime, pump noise, vibration, and bearing condition. The lesson reviews water quality characteristics through scale buildup on heat exchangers, tanks, elements, strainers, and fixture outlets. Coverage of control characteristics includes aquastat calibration, sensor location, deadband, and set point drift.
M7L12 – Domestic Hot Water O&M Opportunities
Study of low-cost operational improvements addresses how to adjust schedules for heaters, pumps, and boosters to match occupancy where safe. The lesson reviews maintenance improvements by examining how to repair leaking faucets, showers, valves, relief valves, and pump seals. Coverage of recirculation improvements explains how balance loops to maintain adequate temperatures without excessive flow. Learners examine program improvements through add DHW tasks to preventive maintenance schedules and computerized maintenance systems.
M7L13 – Domestic Hot Water Energy Savings
The lesson reviews load reduction savings through hot-water energy savings = gallons saved × 8.34 × temperature rise ÷ heater efficiency. Coverage of efficiency upgrade savings includes existing fuel input minus proposed fuel input for the same useful hot-water load. Learners examine distribution savings through pipe insulation savings from reduced heat loss per foot, temperature difference, and operating hours. The discussion addresses verification methods by considering before-and-after fuel use normalized for occupancy, production, inlet temperature, and weather where relevant.
M7L14 – Domestic Hot Water Cost Savings
Coverage of utility cost components includes gas, electricity, oil, propane, steam, district energy, water, and sewer charges. Learners examine cost savings calculations through annual energy cost savings = energy saved × applicable marginal utility rate. The discussion addresses financial analysis by considering simple payback = installed cost ÷ annual cost savings. Key points in reporting cost savings include separate energy, demand, water, sewer, maintenance, and avoided-capital savings.
M7L15 – Irrigation and Landscaping Water Use
Learners examine landscape water demand through evapotranspiration, plant species, turf area, microclimate, soil type, and root depth. The discussion addresses irrigation system types by considering spray sprinkler systems for turf and high-coverage areas. Key points in water use drivers include controller schedule, zone runtime, frequency, precipitation rate, and application efficiency. Study of audit relevance addresses how irrigation CAN dominate seasonal outdoor water use in campuses, parks, hotels, offices, and housing complexes.
M7L16 – Irrigation Efficiency Opportunities
The discussion addresses scheduling improvements by considering weather-based scheduling using evapotranspiration, rainfall, and seasonal adjustment. Key points in equipment improvements include watersense labeled irrigation controllers and spray sprinkler bodies where applicable. Study of distribution improvements addresses how to repair broken heads, clogged emitters, leaking valves, and damaged lateral lines. The lesson reviews landscape improvements by examining how native and climate-adapted plants with lower water needs.
M7L17 – Water Audit Data Collection
Key points in utility and billing data include at least 12 to 24 months of water, sewer, irrigation, and process water bills. Study of meter and submeter data focuses on main meters, irrigation submeters, cooling tower meters, process meters, and tenant meters. The lesson reviews fixture and equipment inventory through toilets, urinals, faucets, showerheads, pre-rinse spray valves, hose bibbs, and eyewash stations. Coverage of field measurement data includes bucket-and-stopwatch flow tests for faucets, showers, and hose bibbs.
M7L18 – Water Use Analysis
Study of water baseline focuses on annual and monthly water use baseline by meter, building, end use, or campus area. The lesson reviews end-use disaggregation through indoor domestic use from restrooms, showers, kitchens, laundries, and cleaning. Coverage of analytical methods includes monthly trend graphs, rolling 12-month totals, and seasonal comparison. Learners examine opportunity screening through high seasonal use indicating irrigation, cooling tower, or outdoor leakage opportunities.
M7L19 – Water Efficiency Measures
The lesson reviews fixture measures through high-efficiency toilets, urinals, flushometer valves, faucet aerators, and showerheads. Coverage of kitchen and laundry measures includes efficient pre-rinse spray valves, dishwashers, steam cookers, dipper wells, and food-waste practices. Learners examine mechanical and process measures through cooling tower cycles-of-concentration optimization, conductivity controls, and makeup/blowdown metering. The discussion addresses outdoor and site measures by considering irrigation scheduling, efficient nozzles, drip conversion, and weather-based controls.
M7L20 – Fixture and Process Water Conservation Options
Coverage of restroom fixture options includes toilet replacements, flush valve retrofits, dual-flush applications, and leak-resistant components. Learners examine food service options through DOE-compliant pre-rinse spray valves with appropriate spray force and flow category. The discussion addresses laundry and cleaning options by considering high-efficiency washers, washer-extractors, and optimized load controls. Key points in process water options include closed-loop cooling instead of once-through cooling.
M7L21 – Water System O&M Characteristics
Learners examine plumbing system characteristics through static and dynamic pressure, pressure zones, pressure-reducing valves, and booster pump operation. The discussion addresses fixture O&M characteristics by considering flush valve wear, flapper leakage, sensor misalignment, and continuous running toilets. Key points in mechanical water characteristics include cooling tower makeup, blowdown, drift, overflow, treatment control, and cycles of concentration. Study of irrigation O&M characteristics focuses on broken heads, clogged nozzles, leaking valves, overspray, runoff, and misting.
M7L22 – Water System O&M Opportunities
The discussion addresses leak management by considering routine leak inspections for toilets, faucets, valves, hose bibbs, underground piping, and irrigation systems. Key points in pressure and flow management show how to adjust pressure-reducing valves to prevent excessive fixture flow and leakage. Study of controls and scheduling addresses how to correct irrigation controller schedules, rain sensor operation, and seasonal adjustments. The lesson reviews water management practices through preventive maintenance tasks for fixtures, irrigation, cooling towers, boilers, and treatment systems.
M7L23 – Water Savings Calculations
Key points in fixture savings calculations include flow savings = existing flow rate − proposed flow rate. Study of process savings calculations focuses on cycle savings = existing gallons per cycle − proposed gallons per cycle × cycles per year. The lesson reviews irrigation savings calculations through irrigation requirement based on landscape area, evapotranspiration, crop coefficient, rainfall, and irrigation efficiency. Coverage of calculation quality explains how to use metered data where available and engineering estimates where metering is unavailable.
M7L24 – Water Cost Savings and Reporting
Study of cost savings components focuses on water volumetric charges, sewer charges, stormwater fees, and fixed monthly charges. The lesson reviews financial calculations through annual water cost savings = volume saved × marginal water rate. Coverage of report structure includes existing water use baseline, end-use breakdown, and major water cost drivers. Learners examine verification and communication through M&V plan using utility bills, submeters, smart meter data, trend logs, and inspection records.
Module 8 - Motors, Drives & Compressed Air Systems
M8L1 – Electrical Fundamentals: Voltage, Current, and Power
The lesson reviews electrical quantities by examining how voltage as electrical pressure that drives current through a circuit. Coverage of power and energy units includes watt, kilowatt, horsepower, kilowatt-hour, and their audit meanings. Learners examine single-phase and three-phase power through single-phase power applications in small equipment and light commercial loads. The discussion addresses audit measurement practices by considering measuring voltage, current, demand, and operating hours during field surveys.
M8L2 – Inductive and Resistive Loads
Coverage of resistive loads explains how loads where current and voltage are nearly in phase. Learners examine inductive loads through loads requiring magnetic fields to operate. The discussion addresses real, reactive, and apparent power by considering real power in kW as useful work or heat-producing power. Key points in audit implications of load type include separating motor loads from heating and lighting loads during electrical surveys.
M8L3 – Power Factor
Learners examine power factor meaning through ratio of real power in kW to apparent power in kVA. The discussion addresses power factor causes by considering lightly loaded induction motors with poor magnetizing-current utilization. Key points in power factor audit data include utility bills showing kVAR, kVA demand, power factor penalties, or adjusted billing demand. Study of power factor improvement measures focuses on capacitor banks installed at service entrance, distribution panels, or motor loads.
M8L4 – Motor Types
The discussion addresses ac induction motors by considering three-phase squirrel-cage induction motors as the dominant commercial and industrial motor type. Key points in single-phase motors include common use in fractional-horsepower equipment, small pumps, fans, and appliances. Study of synchronous and DC motors focuses on synchronous motors used where constant speed or power factor correction is valuable. The lesson reviews special-purpose motors through electronically commutated motors for small fans and variable-speed HVAC applications.
M8L5 – Motor Sizes and Nameplate Data
Key points in motor size ratings include horsepower or kilowatt output rating at rated operating conditions. Study of nameplate electrical data focuses on rated voltage, full-load current, phase, frequency, and connection requirements. The lesson reviews audit nameplate collection through recording motors 5 hp and larger as a priority, with smaller motors added when numerous or high-hour. Coverage of sizing interpretation includes identifying oversized motors from low measured load, low amperage, or low slip.
M8L6 – Appropriate Motor Types
Study of load-motor matching focuses on constant-torque loads such as conveyors, positive-displacement pumps, and compressors. The lesson reviews application-specific motor choice through induction motors for general-purpose pumps, fans, compressors, and process equipment. Coverage of environmental suitability includes open drip-proof motors for clean, dry indoor locations. Learners examine audit decision factors through existing motor age, repair history, failure risk, and replacement availability.
M8L7 – Motor Selection Criteria
The lesson reviews load requirements through required torque-speed curve for the driven equipment. Coverage of efficiency requirements includes full-load efficiency, part-load efficiency, and expected operating load range. Learners examine electrical compatibility through voltage, frequency, phase, service factor, insulation class, and enclosure suitability. The discussion addresses mechanical and operational fit by considering frame size, shaft height, coupling type, belt drive compatibility, and mounting.
M8L8 – Motor Operating Characteristics
Coverage of motor speed and slip includes synchronous speed determined by frequency and number of poles. Learners examine torque and starting behavior through starting torque needed to accelerate the load from rest. The discussion addresses load factor and part-load operation by considering load factor as actual load divided by nameplate-rated load. Key points in field operating indicators include running amperage, voltage balance, temperature, vibration, and sound.
M8L9 – Drive Operating Characteristics
Learners examine drive function through drive as the electronic controller between power supply and motor. The discussion addresses drive losses and efficiency by considering rectifier, DC bus, inverter, cooling fan, and control circuit losses. Key points in drive power quality include harmonic distortion caused by rectifier input stages. Study of drive control features focuses on PID control from pressure, flow, temperature, or process signals.
M8L10 – Motor Efficiency Calculations
The discussion addresses motor efficiency basics by considering efficiency as mechanical output power divided by electrical input power. Key points in motor input power include three-phase input power calculated from voltage, current, power factor, and √3. Study of motor load estimation focuses on load factor calculated from actual load horsepower divided by nameplate horsepower. The lesson reviews annual energy use through motor kW calculated from horsepower, 0.746 conversion factor, load factor, and efficiency.
M8L11 – Drive Efficiency Calculations
Key points in drive input and output power include input kW measured upstream of the drive for utility-side energy use. Study of drive loss components focuses on converter losses in rectifier, DC bus, inverter, and internal controls. The lesson reviews part-load drive performance through drive efficiency variation with speed, torque, and load. Coverage of calculation documentation includes baseline operating speed, flow, pressure, and hours before drive installation.
M8L12 – Variable Frequency Drive Operation
Study of VFD operating principle focuses on ac power converted to DC and then inverted back to variable-frequency ac. The lesson reviews VFD control modes through manual speed control for simple operating adjustment. Coverage of motor and installation requirements includes inverter-duty motor consideration for long cable runs, high switching frequency, or low-speed operation. Learners examine commissioning checks by considering how to correct motor data entered into VFD parameters.
M8L13 – Energy Savings Potential of VFDs
The lesson reviews best-fit applications through variable-flow centrifugal fans, pumps, and cooling tower fans. Coverage of affinity law savings includes flow approximately proportional to speed for centrifugal equipment. Learners examine limited-savings applications by considering how constant-torque loads where power reduction is closer to speed reduction. The discussion addresses savings verification by considering baseline and post-installation kW profiles compared at similar operating conditions.
M8L14 – Motor and Drive Energy Efficiency Measures
Coverage of motor replacement measures explains how to replace failed standard-efficiency motors with premium-efficiency motors. Learners examine drive and control measures by considering how to install VFDs on suitable variable-torque fan and pump systems. The discussion addresses mechanical system measures by considering improve belt tension, pulley sizing, coupling alignment, and bearing condition. Key points in electrical system measures show how to correct low power factor where tariffs or capacity constraints justify action.
M8L15 – Prioritize Motor and Drive Measures
Learners examine screening criteria through motor horsepower, annual operating hours, load factor, and measured kW. The discussion addresses savings magnitude by considering highest priority for large, high-hour, inefficient, or oversized motors. Key points in financial evaluation include simple payback for quick screening. Study of implementation risk focuses on motor-drive compatibility and inverter-duty requirements.
M8L16 – Motor and Drive O&M Characteristics
The discussion addresses motor O&M characteristics by considering bearings, lubrication, winding insulation, cooling paths, and enclosure condition. Key points in drive O&M characteristics include cooling fans, heat sinks, filters, capacitors, terminals, and control boards. Study of preventive maintenance data focuses on motor inventory with nameplate data, service history, and operating hours. The lesson reviews energy-relevant O&M links through poor lubrication, misalignment, and worn bearings increasing motor load.
M8L17 – Motor and Drive O&M Opportunities
Key points in motor maintenance opportunities show how to correct misalignment, soft foot, loose mounts, and excessive vibration. Study of drive maintenance opportunities addresses how to clean drive filters, cabinets, and heat sinks to prevent overheating. The lesson reviews control optimization opportunities by examining how to reduce unnecessary motor run hours through scheduling and shutdown rules. Coverage of reliability and savings persistence explains how to train operators on VFD bypass, alarms, manual override, and normal speed ranges.
M8L18 – Motor Energy Savings Formulas
Study of motor power formula focuses on input kW = hp × 0.746 × load factor ÷ motor efficiency. The lesson reviews motor replacement savings through existing motor kW compared with proposed motor kW at the same load. Coverage of load estimation formulas includes load factor = actual load hp × 100 ÷ nameplate hp. Learners examine economic formulas through simple payback = installed cost ÷ annual cost savings.
M8L19 – Motor and VFD Savings Examples
The lesson reviews premium-efficiency motor example by examining how to define existing motor horsepower, efficiency, load factor, hours, energy rate, and demand rate. Coverage of right-sizing motor example explains how to identify an oversized motor from measured load factor and operating amperage. Learners examine VFD fan or pump example by considering how to establish baseline power under damper, valve, bypass, or constant-speed control. The discussion of combined motor and VFD example explains how to compare existing constant-speed standard motor with premium motor plus VFD control.
M8L20 – Existing Conditions in Compressed Air Systems
Coverage of system boundary includes compressor room, air treatment equipment, storage, distribution piping, and end-use points. Learners examine existing equipment inventory through compressor make, model, type, rated hp, rated capacity, discharge pressure, and operating hours. The discussion addresses operating condition review by considering normal operating pressure, minimum required pressure, pressure band, and pressure drop. Key points in field data collection include power measurements using kW logging, current logging, or utility interval data. Study of condition documentation focuses on compressor room photos, piping sketches, equipment schedules, and control setpoint records.
M8L21 – Identify Compressed Air Improvement Opportunities
Learners examine opportunity screening through supply-side opportunities involving compressor controls, sequencing, sizing, and part-load efficiency. The discussion addresses demand reduction by considering leak repair and permanent leak management programs. Key points in pressure optimization include identifying the true minimum pressure required by critical users. Study of control and storage opportunities focuses on matching compressor control strategy to demand profile and compressor type. The lesson reviews opportunity verification through estimating savings with measured kW, cfm, hours, pressure, and utility cost data.
M8L22 – Compressor Types
The discussion addresses positive-displacement compressors by considering reciprocating compressors for intermittent loads, higher pressures, and smaller or special-duty applications. Key points in dynamic compressors include centrifugal compressors for large flow, steady demand, and multi-stage industrial systems. Study of lubricated and oil-free designs focuses on lubricant-injected compressors for cooling, sealing, lubrication, and common plant-air service. The lesson reviews compressor selection factors through required cfm, pressure, duty cycle, air quality, redundancy, and load profile.
M8L23 – Compressor Operation and Controls
Key points in compressor load profile show how air demand variation by shift, process step, product type, and non-production period. Study of individual compressor controls focuses on start/stop control for smaller compressors and low-duty-cycle applications. The lesson reviews multiple-compressor sequencing through lead-lag operation, base-trim sequencing, and automatic rotation. Coverage of control setpoints includes cut-in, cut-out, load, unload, modulation, and VFD target pressure settings. Learners examine control verification through trend review showing loaded hours, unloaded hours, starts, stops, kW, pressure, and flow.
M8L24 – Compressor Applications and Heat Recovery
Study of compressed air applications focuses on pneumatic tools, actuators, cylinders, valves, controls, packaging, conveying, and process equipment. The lesson reviews application suitability by examining how appropriate uses where compressed air provides safety, speed, cleanliness, or process reliability. Coverage of compressor waste heat includes electrical input converted largely into heat through compression, motor losses, and cooling. Learners examine heat recovery systems through ducted hot air recovery from air-cooled rotary screw compressors. The discussion addresses heat recovery economics by considering recoverable heat compared with the displaced fuel or electric heating source.
M8L25 – Condensate, Drying, and Filtering
The lesson reviews moisture formation through water vapor intake from ambient air and condensation during compression and cooling. Coverage of condensate management includes moisture separators, automatic drains, receiver drains, filter drains, and dryer drains. Learners examine dryer types through refrigerated dryers for common plant air with moderate dew point requirements. The discussion addresses filtration requirements by considering particulate filters, coalescing filters, activated carbon filters, and sterile filters. Key points in energy impacts include dryer purge air, refrigerant compressor power, heater power, and blower power.
M8L26 – Storage and Distribution Systems
Coverage of air storage functions includes primary receiver storage near compressors for control stability. Learners examine distribution layout through main headers, looped piping, branch lines, drops, hoses, regulators, valves, and drains. The discussion addresses pressure drop control by considering pressure losses through dryers, filters, separators, valves, piping, hoses, and point-of-use equipment. Key points in receiver and piping safety include pressure vessel ratings, relief valves, inspections, drains, and isolation valves. Study of distribution documentation focuses on piping sketches showing compressor room, receivers, headers, drops, and critical users.
M8L27 – Compressed Air Leaks
Learners examine leak sources through couplings, hoses, tubes, fittings, pipe joints, quick disconnects, valves, flanges, and seals. The discussion addresses leak impacts by considering wasted compressor power and avoidable electricity cost. Key points in leak detection methods include ultrasonic leak detection during production and non-production periods. Study of leak quantification focuses on leak flow estimated from orifice size, pressure, and leak tables. The lesson reviews leak management program through tagging, logging, photographing, assigning responsibility, and tracking repair status.
M8L28 – Inappropriate Use of Compressed Air
The discussion of inappropriate use criteria explains how tasks that CAN be done more efficiently by another energy source or mechanical method. Key points in common inappropriate uses include open blowing for cleaning, drying, cooling, or clearing jams. Study of alternative technologies focuses on low-pressure blowers for cooling, drying, aeration, and air knives. The lesson reviews field identification through walkdown of end uses during production, idle periods, cleanup, and shift changes. Coverage of retrofit evaluation includes energy savings from reduced cfm and reduced compressor power.
M8L29 – Artificial Demand
Key points in artificial demand concept show how excess air consumed because pressure is supplied above what end uses require. Study of causes of artificial demand focuses on header pressure raised to overcome pressure drop in filters, dryers, hoses, or undersized piping. The lesson reviews measurement methods through pressure logging at compressor discharge, main header, remote users, and critical equipment. Coverage of control strategies includes repairing pressure drops before lowering compressor discharge pressure. Learners examine savings interpretation by considering how energy savings from lower compressor discharge pressure.
M8L30 – Compressed Air Energy Efficiency Measures
Study of demand-side measures addresses how to repair leaks and establish leak prevention procedures. The lesson reviews pressure and distribution measures by examining how to lower system pressure after correcting leaks and restrictions. Coverage of compressor control measures explains how to optimize load/unload, modulation, VFD, and sequencing setpoints. Learners examine equipment and air treatment measures by considering how to right-size compressor capacity after demand has been reduced. The discussion of heat recovery and monitoring measures explains how to recover compressor heat for space heating, process water, makeup air, or boiler feedwater.
M8L31 – Prioritize Compressed Air Measures
The lesson reviews prioritization criteria through annual energy savings, demand savings, cost savings, and implementation cost. Coverage of low-cost priority measures explains how to repair large leaks and continuously blowing drains. Learners examine operational priority measures by considering how to optimize compressor sequencing and reduce unloaded run time. The discussion addresses capital measure priority by considering add receivers or pressure/flow controls where demand events cause instability. Key points in implementation roadmap include separate immediate, short-term, planned-outage, and capital-budget measures.
M8L32 – Compressed Air O&M Characteristics
Coverage of compressor O&M characteristics includes lubricant level, lubricant condition, oil filter condition, and oil analysis results. Learners examine air treatment O&M characteristics through dryer dew point, cycling operation, purge rate, heater operation, and refrigerant condition. The discussion addresses distribution O&M characteristics by considering leak frequency, leak repair backlog, valve condition, hose condition, and quick-coupler wear. Key points in maintenance management include written standard operating procedures for startup, shutdown, pressure changes, and emergency operation. Study of performance indicators focuses on kW per 100 cfm, compressor specific power, leak percentage, and unloaded power percentage.
M8L33 – Compressed Air O&M Opportunities
Learners examine compressor maintenance opportunities by considering how to clean or replace inlet filters before capacity and efficiency decline. The discussion of air treatment opportunities explains how to repair failed automatic drains instead of leaving bypass valves open. Key points in distribution maintenance opportunities show how to repair leaks at fittings, hoses, quick disconnects, valves, regulators, and end-use devices. Study of operating procedure opportunities addresses how to shut down compressors or isolate zones during non-production periods. The lesson reviews sustained performance opportunities through monthly review of kW, pressure, flow, dew point, and leak repair status.
M8L34 – Compressed Air Savings from Leaks and Pressure Reduction
The discussion addresses leak savings data by considering number of leaks by size, pressure, location, and operating schedule. Key points in leak savings calculation include leak savings based on leak cfm multiplied by compressor kW per cfm, hours, and electricity cost. Study of leak repair verification focuses on retesting repaired leaks using ultrasonic detection or soapy-water confirmation. The lesson reviews pressure reduction savings through baseline pressure at compressor discharge, header, remote users, and critical equipment. Coverage of pressure reduction verification includes gradual pressure setpoint reduction with production monitoring.
M8L35 – Compressed Air Savings from Controls and Heat Recovery
Key points in control savings baseline include compressor kW, loaded hours, unloaded hours, modulating hours, starts, stops, and pressure band. Study of control savings measures focuses on reducing unloaded run time through load/unload tuning and adequate storage. The lesson reviews control savings calculation through annual kWh savings from reduced power at each operating state multiplied by annual hours. Coverage of heat recovery savings data includes compressor input power, operating hours, compressor cooling method, and recoverable heat fraction. Learners examine heat recovery savings calculation through recoverable heat estimated from compressor kW input and usable recovery percentage. The discussion of savings verification explains how to control project verification using logged kW, pressure, flow, and compressor status.
The lesson reviews electrical quantities by examining how voltage as electrical pressure that drives current through a circuit. Coverage of power and energy units includes watt, kilowatt, horsepower, kilowatt-hour, and their audit meanings. Learners examine single-phase and three-phase power through single-phase power applications in small equipment and light commercial loads. The discussion addresses audit measurement practices by considering measuring voltage, current, demand, and operating hours during field surveys.
M8L2 – Inductive and Resistive Loads
Coverage of resistive loads explains how loads where current and voltage are nearly in phase. Learners examine inductive loads through loads requiring magnetic fields to operate. The discussion addresses real, reactive, and apparent power by considering real power in kW as useful work or heat-producing power. Key points in audit implications of load type include separating motor loads from heating and lighting loads during electrical surveys.
M8L3 – Power Factor
Learners examine power factor meaning through ratio of real power in kW to apparent power in kVA. The discussion addresses power factor causes by considering lightly loaded induction motors with poor magnetizing-current utilization. Key points in power factor audit data include utility bills showing kVAR, kVA demand, power factor penalties, or adjusted billing demand. Study of power factor improvement measures focuses on capacitor banks installed at service entrance, distribution panels, or motor loads.
M8L4 – Motor Types
The discussion addresses ac induction motors by considering three-phase squirrel-cage induction motors as the dominant commercial and industrial motor type. Key points in single-phase motors include common use in fractional-horsepower equipment, small pumps, fans, and appliances. Study of synchronous and DC motors focuses on synchronous motors used where constant speed or power factor correction is valuable. The lesson reviews special-purpose motors through electronically commutated motors for small fans and variable-speed HVAC applications.
M8L5 – Motor Sizes and Nameplate Data
Key points in motor size ratings include horsepower or kilowatt output rating at rated operating conditions. Study of nameplate electrical data focuses on rated voltage, full-load current, phase, frequency, and connection requirements. The lesson reviews audit nameplate collection through recording motors 5 hp and larger as a priority, with smaller motors added when numerous or high-hour. Coverage of sizing interpretation includes identifying oversized motors from low measured load, low amperage, or low slip.
M8L6 – Appropriate Motor Types
Study of load-motor matching focuses on constant-torque loads such as conveyors, positive-displacement pumps, and compressors. The lesson reviews application-specific motor choice through induction motors for general-purpose pumps, fans, compressors, and process equipment. Coverage of environmental suitability includes open drip-proof motors for clean, dry indoor locations. Learners examine audit decision factors through existing motor age, repair history, failure risk, and replacement availability.
M8L7 – Motor Selection Criteria
The lesson reviews load requirements through required torque-speed curve for the driven equipment. Coverage of efficiency requirements includes full-load efficiency, part-load efficiency, and expected operating load range. Learners examine electrical compatibility through voltage, frequency, phase, service factor, insulation class, and enclosure suitability. The discussion addresses mechanical and operational fit by considering frame size, shaft height, coupling type, belt drive compatibility, and mounting.
M8L8 – Motor Operating Characteristics
Coverage of motor speed and slip includes synchronous speed determined by frequency and number of poles. Learners examine torque and starting behavior through starting torque needed to accelerate the load from rest. The discussion addresses load factor and part-load operation by considering load factor as actual load divided by nameplate-rated load. Key points in field operating indicators include running amperage, voltage balance, temperature, vibration, and sound.
M8L9 – Drive Operating Characteristics
Learners examine drive function through drive as the electronic controller between power supply and motor. The discussion addresses drive losses and efficiency by considering rectifier, DC bus, inverter, cooling fan, and control circuit losses. Key points in drive power quality include harmonic distortion caused by rectifier input stages. Study of drive control features focuses on PID control from pressure, flow, temperature, or process signals.
M8L10 – Motor Efficiency Calculations
The discussion addresses motor efficiency basics by considering efficiency as mechanical output power divided by electrical input power. Key points in motor input power include three-phase input power calculated from voltage, current, power factor, and √3. Study of motor load estimation focuses on load factor calculated from actual load horsepower divided by nameplate horsepower. The lesson reviews annual energy use through motor kW calculated from horsepower, 0.746 conversion factor, load factor, and efficiency.
M8L11 – Drive Efficiency Calculations
Key points in drive input and output power include input kW measured upstream of the drive for utility-side energy use. Study of drive loss components focuses on converter losses in rectifier, DC bus, inverter, and internal controls. The lesson reviews part-load drive performance through drive efficiency variation with speed, torque, and load. Coverage of calculation documentation includes baseline operating speed, flow, pressure, and hours before drive installation.
M8L12 – Variable Frequency Drive Operation
Study of VFD operating principle focuses on ac power converted to DC and then inverted back to variable-frequency ac. The lesson reviews VFD control modes through manual speed control for simple operating adjustment. Coverage of motor and installation requirements includes inverter-duty motor consideration for long cable runs, high switching frequency, or low-speed operation. Learners examine commissioning checks by considering how to correct motor data entered into VFD parameters.
M8L13 – Energy Savings Potential of VFDs
The lesson reviews best-fit applications through variable-flow centrifugal fans, pumps, and cooling tower fans. Coverage of affinity law savings includes flow approximately proportional to speed for centrifugal equipment. Learners examine limited-savings applications by considering how constant-torque loads where power reduction is closer to speed reduction. The discussion addresses savings verification by considering baseline and post-installation kW profiles compared at similar operating conditions.
M8L14 – Motor and Drive Energy Efficiency Measures
Coverage of motor replacement measures explains how to replace failed standard-efficiency motors with premium-efficiency motors. Learners examine drive and control measures by considering how to install VFDs on suitable variable-torque fan and pump systems. The discussion addresses mechanical system measures by considering improve belt tension, pulley sizing, coupling alignment, and bearing condition. Key points in electrical system measures show how to correct low power factor where tariffs or capacity constraints justify action.
M8L15 – Prioritize Motor and Drive Measures
Learners examine screening criteria through motor horsepower, annual operating hours, load factor, and measured kW. The discussion addresses savings magnitude by considering highest priority for large, high-hour, inefficient, or oversized motors. Key points in financial evaluation include simple payback for quick screening. Study of implementation risk focuses on motor-drive compatibility and inverter-duty requirements.
M8L16 – Motor and Drive O&M Characteristics
The discussion addresses motor O&M characteristics by considering bearings, lubrication, winding insulation, cooling paths, and enclosure condition. Key points in drive O&M characteristics include cooling fans, heat sinks, filters, capacitors, terminals, and control boards. Study of preventive maintenance data focuses on motor inventory with nameplate data, service history, and operating hours. The lesson reviews energy-relevant O&M links through poor lubrication, misalignment, and worn bearings increasing motor load.
M8L17 – Motor and Drive O&M Opportunities
Key points in motor maintenance opportunities show how to correct misalignment, soft foot, loose mounts, and excessive vibration. Study of drive maintenance opportunities addresses how to clean drive filters, cabinets, and heat sinks to prevent overheating. The lesson reviews control optimization opportunities by examining how to reduce unnecessary motor run hours through scheduling and shutdown rules. Coverage of reliability and savings persistence explains how to train operators on VFD bypass, alarms, manual override, and normal speed ranges.
M8L18 – Motor Energy Savings Formulas
Study of motor power formula focuses on input kW = hp × 0.746 × load factor ÷ motor efficiency. The lesson reviews motor replacement savings through existing motor kW compared with proposed motor kW at the same load. Coverage of load estimation formulas includes load factor = actual load hp × 100 ÷ nameplate hp. Learners examine economic formulas through simple payback = installed cost ÷ annual cost savings.
M8L19 – Motor and VFD Savings Examples
The lesson reviews premium-efficiency motor example by examining how to define existing motor horsepower, efficiency, load factor, hours, energy rate, and demand rate. Coverage of right-sizing motor example explains how to identify an oversized motor from measured load factor and operating amperage. Learners examine VFD fan or pump example by considering how to establish baseline power under damper, valve, bypass, or constant-speed control. The discussion of combined motor and VFD example explains how to compare existing constant-speed standard motor with premium motor plus VFD control.
M8L20 – Existing Conditions in Compressed Air Systems
Coverage of system boundary includes compressor room, air treatment equipment, storage, distribution piping, and end-use points. Learners examine existing equipment inventory through compressor make, model, type, rated hp, rated capacity, discharge pressure, and operating hours. The discussion addresses operating condition review by considering normal operating pressure, minimum required pressure, pressure band, and pressure drop. Key points in field data collection include power measurements using kW logging, current logging, or utility interval data. Study of condition documentation focuses on compressor room photos, piping sketches, equipment schedules, and control setpoint records.
M8L21 – Identify Compressed Air Improvement Opportunities
Learners examine opportunity screening through supply-side opportunities involving compressor controls, sequencing, sizing, and part-load efficiency. The discussion addresses demand reduction by considering leak repair and permanent leak management programs. Key points in pressure optimization include identifying the true minimum pressure required by critical users. Study of control and storage opportunities focuses on matching compressor control strategy to demand profile and compressor type. The lesson reviews opportunity verification through estimating savings with measured kW, cfm, hours, pressure, and utility cost data.
M8L22 – Compressor Types
The discussion addresses positive-displacement compressors by considering reciprocating compressors for intermittent loads, higher pressures, and smaller or special-duty applications. Key points in dynamic compressors include centrifugal compressors for large flow, steady demand, and multi-stage industrial systems. Study of lubricated and oil-free designs focuses on lubricant-injected compressors for cooling, sealing, lubrication, and common plant-air service. The lesson reviews compressor selection factors through required cfm, pressure, duty cycle, air quality, redundancy, and load profile.
M8L23 – Compressor Operation and Controls
Key points in compressor load profile show how air demand variation by shift, process step, product type, and non-production period. Study of individual compressor controls focuses on start/stop control for smaller compressors and low-duty-cycle applications. The lesson reviews multiple-compressor sequencing through lead-lag operation, base-trim sequencing, and automatic rotation. Coverage of control setpoints includes cut-in, cut-out, load, unload, modulation, and VFD target pressure settings. Learners examine control verification through trend review showing loaded hours, unloaded hours, starts, stops, kW, pressure, and flow.
M8L24 – Compressor Applications and Heat Recovery
Study of compressed air applications focuses on pneumatic tools, actuators, cylinders, valves, controls, packaging, conveying, and process equipment. The lesson reviews application suitability by examining how appropriate uses where compressed air provides safety, speed, cleanliness, or process reliability. Coverage of compressor waste heat includes electrical input converted largely into heat through compression, motor losses, and cooling. Learners examine heat recovery systems through ducted hot air recovery from air-cooled rotary screw compressors. The discussion addresses heat recovery economics by considering recoverable heat compared with the displaced fuel or electric heating source.
M8L25 – Condensate, Drying, and Filtering
The lesson reviews moisture formation through water vapor intake from ambient air and condensation during compression and cooling. Coverage of condensate management includes moisture separators, automatic drains, receiver drains, filter drains, and dryer drains. Learners examine dryer types through refrigerated dryers for common plant air with moderate dew point requirements. The discussion addresses filtration requirements by considering particulate filters, coalescing filters, activated carbon filters, and sterile filters. Key points in energy impacts include dryer purge air, refrigerant compressor power, heater power, and blower power.
M8L26 – Storage and Distribution Systems
Coverage of air storage functions includes primary receiver storage near compressors for control stability. Learners examine distribution layout through main headers, looped piping, branch lines, drops, hoses, regulators, valves, and drains. The discussion addresses pressure drop control by considering pressure losses through dryers, filters, separators, valves, piping, hoses, and point-of-use equipment. Key points in receiver and piping safety include pressure vessel ratings, relief valves, inspections, drains, and isolation valves. Study of distribution documentation focuses on piping sketches showing compressor room, receivers, headers, drops, and critical users.
M8L27 – Compressed Air Leaks
Learners examine leak sources through couplings, hoses, tubes, fittings, pipe joints, quick disconnects, valves, flanges, and seals. The discussion addresses leak impacts by considering wasted compressor power and avoidable electricity cost. Key points in leak detection methods include ultrasonic leak detection during production and non-production periods. Study of leak quantification focuses on leak flow estimated from orifice size, pressure, and leak tables. The lesson reviews leak management program through tagging, logging, photographing, assigning responsibility, and tracking repair status.
M8L28 – Inappropriate Use of Compressed Air
The discussion of inappropriate use criteria explains how tasks that CAN be done more efficiently by another energy source or mechanical method. Key points in common inappropriate uses include open blowing for cleaning, drying, cooling, or clearing jams. Study of alternative technologies focuses on low-pressure blowers for cooling, drying, aeration, and air knives. The lesson reviews field identification through walkdown of end uses during production, idle periods, cleanup, and shift changes. Coverage of retrofit evaluation includes energy savings from reduced cfm and reduced compressor power.
M8L29 – Artificial Demand
Key points in artificial demand concept show how excess air consumed because pressure is supplied above what end uses require. Study of causes of artificial demand focuses on header pressure raised to overcome pressure drop in filters, dryers, hoses, or undersized piping. The lesson reviews measurement methods through pressure logging at compressor discharge, main header, remote users, and critical equipment. Coverage of control strategies includes repairing pressure drops before lowering compressor discharge pressure. Learners examine savings interpretation by considering how energy savings from lower compressor discharge pressure.
M8L30 – Compressed Air Energy Efficiency Measures
Study of demand-side measures addresses how to repair leaks and establish leak prevention procedures. The lesson reviews pressure and distribution measures by examining how to lower system pressure after correcting leaks and restrictions. Coverage of compressor control measures explains how to optimize load/unload, modulation, VFD, and sequencing setpoints. Learners examine equipment and air treatment measures by considering how to right-size compressor capacity after demand has been reduced. The discussion of heat recovery and monitoring measures explains how to recover compressor heat for space heating, process water, makeup air, or boiler feedwater.
M8L31 – Prioritize Compressed Air Measures
The lesson reviews prioritization criteria through annual energy savings, demand savings, cost savings, and implementation cost. Coverage of low-cost priority measures explains how to repair large leaks and continuously blowing drains. Learners examine operational priority measures by considering how to optimize compressor sequencing and reduce unloaded run time. The discussion addresses capital measure priority by considering add receivers or pressure/flow controls where demand events cause instability. Key points in implementation roadmap include separate immediate, short-term, planned-outage, and capital-budget measures.
M8L32 – Compressed Air O&M Characteristics
Coverage of compressor O&M characteristics includes lubricant level, lubricant condition, oil filter condition, and oil analysis results. Learners examine air treatment O&M characteristics through dryer dew point, cycling operation, purge rate, heater operation, and refrigerant condition. The discussion addresses distribution O&M characteristics by considering leak frequency, leak repair backlog, valve condition, hose condition, and quick-coupler wear. Key points in maintenance management include written standard operating procedures for startup, shutdown, pressure changes, and emergency operation. Study of performance indicators focuses on kW per 100 cfm, compressor specific power, leak percentage, and unloaded power percentage.
M8L33 – Compressed Air O&M Opportunities
Learners examine compressor maintenance opportunities by considering how to clean or replace inlet filters before capacity and efficiency decline. The discussion of air treatment opportunities explains how to repair failed automatic drains instead of leaving bypass valves open. Key points in distribution maintenance opportunities show how to repair leaks at fittings, hoses, quick disconnects, valves, regulators, and end-use devices. Study of operating procedure opportunities addresses how to shut down compressors or isolate zones during non-production periods. The lesson reviews sustained performance opportunities through monthly review of kW, pressure, flow, dew point, and leak repair status.
M8L34 – Compressed Air Savings from Leaks and Pressure Reduction
The discussion addresses leak savings data by considering number of leaks by size, pressure, location, and operating schedule. Key points in leak savings calculation include leak savings based on leak cfm multiplied by compressor kW per cfm, hours, and electricity cost. Study of leak repair verification focuses on retesting repaired leaks using ultrasonic detection or soapy-water confirmation. The lesson reviews pressure reduction savings through baseline pressure at compressor discharge, header, remote users, and critical equipment. Coverage of pressure reduction verification includes gradual pressure setpoint reduction with production monitoring.
M8L35 – Compressed Air Savings from Controls and Heat Recovery
Key points in control savings baseline include compressor kW, loaded hours, unloaded hours, modulating hours, starts, stops, and pressure band. Study of control savings measures focuses on reducing unloaded run time through load/unload tuning and adequate storage. The lesson reviews control savings calculation through annual kWh savings from reduced power at each operating state multiplied by annual hours. Coverage of heat recovery savings data includes compressor input power, operating hours, compressor cooling method, and recoverable heat fraction. Learners examine heat recovery savings calculation through recoverable heat estimated from compressor kW input and usable recovery percentage. The discussion of savings verification explains how to control project verification using logged kW, pressure, flow, and compressor status.
Module 9 - Building Envelope
M9L1 – Introduction to Building Envelope and R-Value
Study of building envelope scope focuses on roofs, walls, floors, windows, doors, skylights, penetrations, and assemblies separating conditioned from unconditioned or outdoor space. The lesson reviews envelope heat transfer paths through conductive heat flow through roofs, walls, floors, doors, glazing, frames, and thermal bridges. Coverage of R-value fundamentals includes R-value as resistance to heat flow for a material layer or assembly. Learners examine envelope audit data through building orientation, conditioned floor area, occupancy schedule, space function, and operating hours.
M9L2 – U-Value and R/U Conversion
The lesson reviews U-value fundamentals through U-value as the overall coefficient of heat transmission in Btu/h·ft²·°f or w/m²·k. Coverage of R/U relationship includes basic relationship u = 1 / r for a simple assembly in consistent units. Learners examine assembly performance through difference between center-of-cavity insulation R-value and whole-wall or whole-roof U-value. The discussion addresses audit use of u-values by considering estimating heat transfer with q = u × a × δt for steady-state conditions.
M9L3 – Wall and Roof Efficiency
Coverage of wall thermal performance includes wall assembly layers, framing type, insulation location, exterior sheathing, interior finish, and air/vapor control layers. Learners examine roof thermal performance through roof insulation level, membrane color, roof age, drainage condition, wet insulation, and damaged insulation. The discussion of wall and roof audit checks explains how to review drawings, roof records, construction details, infrared images, and maintenance history. Key points in efficiency opportunities include roof insulation addition during reroofing or major roof repair.
M9L4 – Window Efficiency
Learners examine window performance metrics through u-factor for conductive heat transfer through glass, frame, edge spacer, and complete window unit. The discussion addresses window heat transfer by considering winter heat loss through glazing, frames, and infiltration at operable joints. Key points in window audit observations include single, double, triple, low-e, tinted, reflective, laminated, and insulated glazing identification. Study of window efficiency measures focuses on weather-stripping, sealing, gasket repair, and hardware adjustment.
M9L5 – Alternative Glass Types
The discussion addresses clear and tinted glass by considering clear single glazing with high heat transfer and high solar transmittance. Key points in low-e and insulating glass show how low-emissivity coatings that reduce long-wave radiant heat transfer. Study of solar-control glass focuses on reflective glass, absorptive glass, solar-control films, and exterior solar screens. The lesson reviews dynamic and specialty glazing through electrochromic, thermochromic, photochromic, and switchable privacy glazing.
M9L6 – Evaluate Glass Replacement Options
Key points in existing glass baseline include existing window area by orientation, glass type, frame type, shading condition, and occupied schedule. Study of replacement option comparison focuses on single-to-double glazing, low-e retrofit, insulated glass replacement, secondary glazing, and full frame replacement. The lesson reviews energy and cost evaluation through heating savings from reduced u-factor and reduced infiltration. Coverage of implementation risks includes condensation risk, thermal stress, glass breakage, seal failure, and compatibility with existing frames.
M9L7 – Building Envelope Infiltration Concepts
Study of infiltration basics focuses on uncontrolled outdoor air entering through cracks, openings, doors, windows, shafts, dampers, and penetrations. The lesson reviews driving forces through wind pressure on windward and leeward surfaces. Coverage of leakage locations includes window and door cracks, weather-stripping gaps, thresholds, and frame joints. Learners examine energy and comfort effects by considering how cold outdoor air infiltration increases the heating load.
M9L8 – Building Envelope Infiltration Audit Methods
The lesson reviews visual inspection methods through walk-through inspection of doors, windows, seals, cracks, penetrations, shafts, dampers, and loading areas. Coverage of pressure and airflow testing includes building pressure measurements between indoors, outdoors, shafts, and adjacent spaces. Learners examine data analysis through infiltration heat transfer estimate using q = 1.08 × cfm × δt for sensible heating or cooling. The discussion addresses audit recommendations by considering weather-stripping, door sweeps, seals, vestibules, dock seals, automatic closers, and high-speed doors.
M9L9 – Thermal Weight and Thermal Mass Concepts
Coverage of thermal mass definition includes building materials that store and release heat as temperature changes. Learners examine thermal weight through light-weight buildings with rapid temperature response and low stored heat. The discussion addresses heat storage behavior by considering sensible heat storage based on mass, specific heat, and temperature swing. Key points in audit identification include reviewing construction drawings for concrete slabs, masonry walls, heavy partitions, and exposed structural systems.
M9L10 – Effect of Thermal Mass on Energy Use
Learners examine heating energy effects through stored daytime solar and internal gains reducing heating demand during occupied or evening periods. The discussion addresses cooling energy effects by considering thermal mass delaying peak cooling load and reducing short-term temperature rise. Key points in comfort and control effects include more stable operative temperature when mass is exposed and properly managed. Study of evaluation methods focuses on comparing indoor temperature drift during HVAC off periods.
M9L11 – Building Envelope Energy Efficiency Measures
The discussion addresses insulation measures by considering roof insulation addition during reroofing, repair, or major roof work. Key points in air sealing measures include weather-stripping, caulking, gasket repair, door sweeps, automatic closers, and threshold repair. Study of window and solar measures focuses on low-e glazing, insulated glazing, storm windows, secondary glazing, and improved frames. The lesson reviews roof and surface measures through cool roof coatings, reflective membranes, light-colored surfaces, and solar-reflective maintenance.
M9L12 – Prioritize Envelope Measures
Key points in energy impact screening include measures affecting large areas, high δt, high operating hours, or high leakage rates. Study of cost and timing factors focuses on bundling envelope measures with reroofing, window replacement, façade repair, or capital renewal. The lesson reviews risk and feasibility through moisture, condensation, mold, freeze risk, drainage, vapor control, and fire safety constraints. Coverage of prioritization sequence explains how to correct operational and maintenance defects before major capital envelope replacements.
M9L13 – Building Envelope O&M Characteristics
Study of roof O&M characteristics focuses on roof membrane condition, drainage, ponding water, flashing integrity, penetrations, and roof access damage. The lesson reviews wall and façade O&M characteristics through cracks, failed sealants, open joints, water staining, spalling, corrosion, and displaced panels. Coverage of window and door O&M characteristics includes weather-stripping condition, door sweeps, automatic closers, hinges, locks, and threshold alignment. Learners examine documentation practices through envelope inspection checklist tied to roof plans, elevations, and floor plans.
M9L14 – Building Envelope O&M Opportunities
The lesson reviews low-cost air leakage repairs by examining how to replace worn weather-stripping, door sweeps, seals, gaskets, and threshold components. Coverage of roof and moisture opportunities explains how to repair roof leaks, flashing failures, open seams, and damaged membrane areas. Learners examine window and shading opportunities by considering how to repair blinds, shades, louvers, solar screens, and control hardware. The discussion addresses operational coordination by considering keep doors closed during heating and cooling operation through signage, controls, or staff training.
M9L15 – Energy Estimating Methods for Building Envelope
Coverage of steady-state estimating includes conductive heat transfer estimate using q = u × a × δt. Learners examine degree-day methods through heating degree-day estimates for seasonal heat loss through envelope assemblies. The discussion addresses infiltration estimating by considering sensible load estimate using q = 1.08 × cfm × δt. Key points in solar and shading estimating include solar heat gain estimates by orientation, glazing area, SHGC, shading coefficient, and occupancy period.
M9L16 – Energy Modelling Methods for Building Envelope
Learners examine model purpose and scope through whole-building simulation for envelope-HVAC-lighting interactions. The discussion addresses model inputs by considering geometry, orientation, floor area, thermal zoning, walls, roofs, floors, windows, doors, and skylights. Key points in calibration and validation include utility bill calibration using monthly or interval energy data. Study of simulation tools and outputs focuses on energyplus and similar whole-building tools for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, plug loads, and water-use modeling.
M9L17 – Building Envelope Energy Savings Formulas
The discussion addresses conduction savings by considering heat transfer rate: q = u × a × δt. Key points in seasonal conduction savings include heating energy savings using δu × a × HDD × 24 adjusted for heating system efficiency. Study of infiltration savings focuses on sensible heat flow: q = 1.08 × cfm × δt. The lesson reviews solar and window savings through solar gain reduction based on glazing area × incident solar gain × SHGC or shading coefficient change.
M9L18 – Building Envelope Energy Savings Examples
Key points in roof insulation example show how to establish roof area, existing R-value, proposed added R-value, total proposed R-value, and corresponding u-values. Study of window weather-stripping example focuses on count windows, measure window area, identify existing leakage condition, and estimate existing cfm. The lesson reviews glass replacement example by examining how to compare existing single glazing with proposed double, low-e, or solar-control glazing. Coverage of infiltration door example explains how to identify door size, number of doors, operating hours, open time, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and heating fuel cost.
Study of building envelope scope focuses on roofs, walls, floors, windows, doors, skylights, penetrations, and assemblies separating conditioned from unconditioned or outdoor space. The lesson reviews envelope heat transfer paths through conductive heat flow through roofs, walls, floors, doors, glazing, frames, and thermal bridges. Coverage of R-value fundamentals includes R-value as resistance to heat flow for a material layer or assembly. Learners examine envelope audit data through building orientation, conditioned floor area, occupancy schedule, space function, and operating hours.
M9L2 – U-Value and R/U Conversion
The lesson reviews U-value fundamentals through U-value as the overall coefficient of heat transmission in Btu/h·ft²·°f or w/m²·k. Coverage of R/U relationship includes basic relationship u = 1 / r for a simple assembly in consistent units. Learners examine assembly performance through difference between center-of-cavity insulation R-value and whole-wall or whole-roof U-value. The discussion addresses audit use of u-values by considering estimating heat transfer with q = u × a × δt for steady-state conditions.
M9L3 – Wall and Roof Efficiency
Coverage of wall thermal performance includes wall assembly layers, framing type, insulation location, exterior sheathing, interior finish, and air/vapor control layers. Learners examine roof thermal performance through roof insulation level, membrane color, roof age, drainage condition, wet insulation, and damaged insulation. The discussion of wall and roof audit checks explains how to review drawings, roof records, construction details, infrared images, and maintenance history. Key points in efficiency opportunities include roof insulation addition during reroofing or major roof repair.
M9L4 – Window Efficiency
Learners examine window performance metrics through u-factor for conductive heat transfer through glass, frame, edge spacer, and complete window unit. The discussion addresses window heat transfer by considering winter heat loss through glazing, frames, and infiltration at operable joints. Key points in window audit observations include single, double, triple, low-e, tinted, reflective, laminated, and insulated glazing identification. Study of window efficiency measures focuses on weather-stripping, sealing, gasket repair, and hardware adjustment.
M9L5 – Alternative Glass Types
The discussion addresses clear and tinted glass by considering clear single glazing with high heat transfer and high solar transmittance. Key points in low-e and insulating glass show how low-emissivity coatings that reduce long-wave radiant heat transfer. Study of solar-control glass focuses on reflective glass, absorptive glass, solar-control films, and exterior solar screens. The lesson reviews dynamic and specialty glazing through electrochromic, thermochromic, photochromic, and switchable privacy glazing.
M9L6 – Evaluate Glass Replacement Options
Key points in existing glass baseline include existing window area by orientation, glass type, frame type, shading condition, and occupied schedule. Study of replacement option comparison focuses on single-to-double glazing, low-e retrofit, insulated glass replacement, secondary glazing, and full frame replacement. The lesson reviews energy and cost evaluation through heating savings from reduced u-factor and reduced infiltration. Coverage of implementation risks includes condensation risk, thermal stress, glass breakage, seal failure, and compatibility with existing frames.
M9L7 – Building Envelope Infiltration Concepts
Study of infiltration basics focuses on uncontrolled outdoor air entering through cracks, openings, doors, windows, shafts, dampers, and penetrations. The lesson reviews driving forces through wind pressure on windward and leeward surfaces. Coverage of leakage locations includes window and door cracks, weather-stripping gaps, thresholds, and frame joints. Learners examine energy and comfort effects by considering how cold outdoor air infiltration increases the heating load.
M9L8 – Building Envelope Infiltration Audit Methods
The lesson reviews visual inspection methods through walk-through inspection of doors, windows, seals, cracks, penetrations, shafts, dampers, and loading areas. Coverage of pressure and airflow testing includes building pressure measurements between indoors, outdoors, shafts, and adjacent spaces. Learners examine data analysis through infiltration heat transfer estimate using q = 1.08 × cfm × δt for sensible heating or cooling. The discussion addresses audit recommendations by considering weather-stripping, door sweeps, seals, vestibules, dock seals, automatic closers, and high-speed doors.
M9L9 – Thermal Weight and Thermal Mass Concepts
Coverage of thermal mass definition includes building materials that store and release heat as temperature changes. Learners examine thermal weight through light-weight buildings with rapid temperature response and low stored heat. The discussion addresses heat storage behavior by considering sensible heat storage based on mass, specific heat, and temperature swing. Key points in audit identification include reviewing construction drawings for concrete slabs, masonry walls, heavy partitions, and exposed structural systems.
M9L10 – Effect of Thermal Mass on Energy Use
Learners examine heating energy effects through stored daytime solar and internal gains reducing heating demand during occupied or evening periods. The discussion addresses cooling energy effects by considering thermal mass delaying peak cooling load and reducing short-term temperature rise. Key points in comfort and control effects include more stable operative temperature when mass is exposed and properly managed. Study of evaluation methods focuses on comparing indoor temperature drift during HVAC off periods.
M9L11 – Building Envelope Energy Efficiency Measures
The discussion addresses insulation measures by considering roof insulation addition during reroofing, repair, or major roof work. Key points in air sealing measures include weather-stripping, caulking, gasket repair, door sweeps, automatic closers, and threshold repair. Study of window and solar measures focuses on low-e glazing, insulated glazing, storm windows, secondary glazing, and improved frames. The lesson reviews roof and surface measures through cool roof coatings, reflective membranes, light-colored surfaces, and solar-reflective maintenance.
M9L12 – Prioritize Envelope Measures
Key points in energy impact screening include measures affecting large areas, high δt, high operating hours, or high leakage rates. Study of cost and timing factors focuses on bundling envelope measures with reroofing, window replacement, façade repair, or capital renewal. The lesson reviews risk and feasibility through moisture, condensation, mold, freeze risk, drainage, vapor control, and fire safety constraints. Coverage of prioritization sequence explains how to correct operational and maintenance defects before major capital envelope replacements.
M9L13 – Building Envelope O&M Characteristics
Study of roof O&M characteristics focuses on roof membrane condition, drainage, ponding water, flashing integrity, penetrations, and roof access damage. The lesson reviews wall and façade O&M characteristics through cracks, failed sealants, open joints, water staining, spalling, corrosion, and displaced panels. Coverage of window and door O&M characteristics includes weather-stripping condition, door sweeps, automatic closers, hinges, locks, and threshold alignment. Learners examine documentation practices through envelope inspection checklist tied to roof plans, elevations, and floor plans.
M9L14 – Building Envelope O&M Opportunities
The lesson reviews low-cost air leakage repairs by examining how to replace worn weather-stripping, door sweeps, seals, gaskets, and threshold components. Coverage of roof and moisture opportunities explains how to repair roof leaks, flashing failures, open seams, and damaged membrane areas. Learners examine window and shading opportunities by considering how to repair blinds, shades, louvers, solar screens, and control hardware. The discussion addresses operational coordination by considering keep doors closed during heating and cooling operation through signage, controls, or staff training.
M9L15 – Energy Estimating Methods for Building Envelope
Coverage of steady-state estimating includes conductive heat transfer estimate using q = u × a × δt. Learners examine degree-day methods through heating degree-day estimates for seasonal heat loss through envelope assemblies. The discussion addresses infiltration estimating by considering sensible load estimate using q = 1.08 × cfm × δt. Key points in solar and shading estimating include solar heat gain estimates by orientation, glazing area, SHGC, shading coefficient, and occupancy period.
M9L16 – Energy Modelling Methods for Building Envelope
Learners examine model purpose and scope through whole-building simulation for envelope-HVAC-lighting interactions. The discussion addresses model inputs by considering geometry, orientation, floor area, thermal zoning, walls, roofs, floors, windows, doors, and skylights. Key points in calibration and validation include utility bill calibration using monthly or interval energy data. Study of simulation tools and outputs focuses on energyplus and similar whole-building tools for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, plug loads, and water-use modeling.
M9L17 – Building Envelope Energy Savings Formulas
The discussion addresses conduction savings by considering heat transfer rate: q = u × a × δt. Key points in seasonal conduction savings include heating energy savings using δu × a × HDD × 24 adjusted for heating system efficiency. Study of infiltration savings focuses on sensible heat flow: q = 1.08 × cfm × δt. The lesson reviews solar and window savings through solar gain reduction based on glazing area × incident solar gain × SHGC or shading coefficient change.
M9L18 – Building Envelope Energy Savings Examples
Key points in roof insulation example show how to establish roof area, existing R-value, proposed added R-value, total proposed R-value, and corresponding u-values. Study of window weather-stripping example focuses on count windows, measure window area, identify existing leakage condition, and estimate existing cfm. The lesson reviews glass replacement example by examining how to compare existing single glazing with proposed double, low-e, or solar-control glazing. Coverage of infiltration door example explains how to identify door size, number of doors, operating hours, open time, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and heating fuel cost.
Module 10 - Building & Process Automation Systems and Control Systems
M10L1 – Energy Saving Control Strategy Concepts
Study of control system energy role focuses on BAS, PAS, and EMCS as tools for controlling HVAC, lighting, process loads, utility demand, and operating schedules. The lesson reviews energy conservation control principles by examining how operate equipment only when IT is needed. Coverage of control logic elements includes schedules, setpoints, deadbands, lockouts, reset schedules, lead-lag logic, and staging rules. Learners examine professional control frameworks through ASHRAE guideline 36 high-performance HVAC control sequences for energy efficiency, comfort, and IAQ.
M10L2 – Examples of Energy Saving Control Strategies
The lesson reviews scheduling strategies through occupied and unoccupied schedules for HVAC, lighting, plug loads, exhaust fans, and process support systems. Coverage of temperature and load reset strategies includes supply air temperature reset based on zone demand, outdoor air temperature, or return air conditions. Learners examine ventilation and economizer strategies through outdoor air economizer control using dry-bulb, enthalpy, or differential enthalpy logic. The discussion addresses demand and sequencing strategies by considering load shedding for noncritical loads during peak demand periods.
M10L3 – EMS Evaluation Process
Coverage of evaluation scope includes EMS, BAS, EMCS, and PAS boundaries, including controlled equipment and connected meters. Learners examine document review through sequence of operations, control drawings, point lists, wiring diagrams, network diagrams, and equipment schedules. The discussion addresses field evaluation by considering walkdown of controllers, sensors, actuators, panels, end devices, meters, and controlled equipment. Key points in evaluation outputs include list of confirmed control deficiencies, suspected issues, and required follow-up tests.
M10L4 – Identify Controls Issues from EMS Evaluation
Learners examine sequence operation issues by considering how actual operation that does not match the written sequence of operations. The discussion addresses sensor and signal issues by considering failed, drifting, biased, or poorly located temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, current, and CO₂ sensors. Key points in operator and override issues include manual overrides left active without expiration, documentation, or authorization. Study of system integration issues focuses on standalone systems not coordinated with central BAS schedules or demand response logic.
M10L5 – Existing Control Points
The discussion addresses control point types by considering analog inputs for temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, current, voltage, power, and CO₂. Key points in HVAC control points include AHU points including supply air temperature and VFD speed. Study of non-HVAC control points focuses on lighting control points for schedules, occupancy, daylighting, dimming, zones, and relay status. The lesson reviews point inventory documentation through point name, description, equipment served, physical location, units, range, and normal operating value.
M10L6 – Control Points Required for EEMs
Key points in EEM control requirements show how to control points needed to implement each proposed energy efficiency measure. Study of sensing and metering points focuses on zone temperature, discharge air temperature, supply air temperature, return air temperature, and outdoor air temperature. The lesson reviews control output points through VFD speed outputs for fans, pumps, cooling towers, compressors, and process motors. Coverage of verification points explains how trend points needed to verify pre- and post-implementation operation.
M10L7 – Evaluate Operator Understanding
Study of sequence knowledge focuses on operator understanding of written sequences, BAS graphics, setpoints, resets, schedules, and alarms. The lesson reviews BAS navigation skills through ability to find equipment graphics, point summaries, schedules, trends, alarms, and histories. Coverage of troubleshooting ability includes interpretation of alarms, failed points, communication failures, and abnormal trend patterns. Learners examine energy awareness by considering how understanding of how control actions affect kWh, kW demand, fuel use, water use, and operating cost.
M10L8 – Evaluate Operator Usage and Training Needs
The lesson reviews operator usage patterns through frequency and purpose of BAS logins, schedule changes, setpoint adjustments, and override use. Coverage of training gap assessment includes knowledge gaps in system sequences, BAS navigation, trend analysis, and energy impacts. Learners examine documentation needs through current sequence narratives written in plain language for operators. The discussion addresses training plan by considering hands-on BAS exercises using real graphics, trends, alarms, and schedules.
M10L9 – Trend Log Basics
Coverage of trend log purpose includes time-series record of BAS, PAS, EMCS, sensor, meter, and calculated point behavior. Learners examine point selection through key inputs, outputs, setpoints, modes, commands, status points, alarms, and calculated values. The discussion addresses trend setup by considering sampling interval matched to system dynamics, such as 1–5 minutes for cycling and 15–60 minutes for energy patterns. Key points in trend review methods include graphing multiple related points together to compare command, feedback, load, and response.
M10L10 – Identify Opportunities from Trend Logs
Learners examine schedule opportunities through equipment operating before occupancy, after occupancy, on weekends, or during holidays. The discussion addresses simultaneous heating and cooling by considering cooling coil active while heating coil, reheat valve, or perimeter heat is active. Key points in reset and economizer opportunities include static pressure setpoints fixed higher than required by terminal demand. Study of equipment sequencing opportunities focuses on chillers, boilers, compressors, pumps, or towers staged inefficiently at part load.
M10L11 – Sensor Accuracy
The discussion addresses sensor accuracy fundamentals by considering difference between accuracy, precision, resolution, repeatability, drift, response time, and calibration range. Key points in common sensor problems include drift from age, contamination, vibration, moisture, heat, or poor installation. Study of field verification methods focuses on comparison with calibrated handheld instruments or reference sensors. The lesson reviews sensor correction decisions through recalibrate, relocate, replace, average, or remove sensors based on control importance and error magnitude.
M10L12 – Handle Questionable Data Before Use
Key points in data quality screening show how to check missing values, repeated values, flat-lined points, negative values, and impossible readings. Study of timestamp and alignment issues addresses how to correct time zone, daylight saving, server clock, controller clock, and meter timestamp differences. The lesson reviews validation and cross-checks by examining how to compare BAS values with field measurements, utility bills, submeter data, and equipment nameplate data. Coverage of data use decisions includes classify data as usable, usable with correction, usable for screening only, or unusable.
M10L13 – BAS, PAS, and EMCS Energy Efficiency Measures
Study of BAS measures addresses how to optimize HVAC schedules, reset strategies, economizer control, ventilation control, and equipment staging. The lesson reviews PAS measures through coordinate process equipment operation with production schedules and actual load. Coverage of EMCS measures includes energy dashboards showing kWh, kW demand, fuel, water, emissions, and key performance indicators. Learners examine integration measures through BACnet, modbus, opc ua, mqtt, and other interfaces for data exchange between systems.
M10L14 – Prioritize Control System Measures
The lesson reviews energy and cost impact through estimated kWh, kW, fuel, water, and maintenance savings from each control measure. Coverage of implementation effort includes no-cost schedule, setpoint, and override corrections. Learners examine risk and operational impact through comfort, IAQ, health, safety, process quality, and equipment reliability risks. The discussion of prioritization output explains how to rank measures by savings, payback, urgency, risk reduction, and ease of implementation.
M10L15 – Control System O&M Characteristics
Coverage of control system assets includes supervisory servers, workstations, controllers, routers, gateways, panels, sensors, actuators, and end devices. Learners examine preventive maintenance needs through sensor calibration, actuator stroke checks, damper and valve inspection, and controller battery replacement. The discussion addresses operational management by considering alarm prioritization, alarm routing, escalation procedures, and nuisance alarm reduction. Key points in performance persistence include continuous monitoring of key trends, energy dashboards, and utility performance indicators.
M10L16 – Control System O&M Opportunities
Learners examine schedule and override corrections through remove unnecessary 24/7 operation of fans, pumps, lighting, exhaust, DHW, and process support systems. The discussion addresses sensor and actuator restoration by considering calibrate or replace inaccurate temperature, humidity, pressure, CO₂, current, and flow sensors. Key points in control loop tuning show how tune PID loops to reduce hunting, overshoot, cycling, and unstable valve or damper motion. Study of BAS housekeeping addresses how to clean up obsolete points, confusing graphics, nuisance alarms, and duplicate equipment names.
M10L17 – Control System Energy Savings Calculations
The discussion addresses savings calculation approaches by considering engineering calculations based on runtime reduction, load reduction, efficiency improvement, or demand reduction. Key points in schedule savings include runtime savings from reducing equipment hours: kWh saved = kW × hours reduced. Study of setpoint and reset savings focuses on temperature setback/setup savings estimated with bin methods, regression, or calibrated simulation. The lesson reviews demand and cost savings through demand savings from load shedding, optimized staging, battery dispatch, or equipment scheduling.
M10L18 – Trend-Based Energy Savings Estimates
Key points in trend-based baselines include baseline period representing normal operation before control measure implementation. Study of pre/post trend comparison focuses on overlay of pre- and post-implementation trends for similar days or operating conditions. The lesson reviews energy proxy methods through fan and pump energy estimated from VFD speed, measured kW, runtime, and affinity laws. Coverage of normalization and reporting includes weather normalization using outdoor air temperature, heating degree days, cooling degree days, or regression models.
Study of control system energy role focuses on BAS, PAS, and EMCS as tools for controlling HVAC, lighting, process loads, utility demand, and operating schedules. The lesson reviews energy conservation control principles by examining how operate equipment only when IT is needed. Coverage of control logic elements includes schedules, setpoints, deadbands, lockouts, reset schedules, lead-lag logic, and staging rules. Learners examine professional control frameworks through ASHRAE guideline 36 high-performance HVAC control sequences for energy efficiency, comfort, and IAQ.
M10L2 – Examples of Energy Saving Control Strategies
The lesson reviews scheduling strategies through occupied and unoccupied schedules for HVAC, lighting, plug loads, exhaust fans, and process support systems. Coverage of temperature and load reset strategies includes supply air temperature reset based on zone demand, outdoor air temperature, or return air conditions. Learners examine ventilation and economizer strategies through outdoor air economizer control using dry-bulb, enthalpy, or differential enthalpy logic. The discussion addresses demand and sequencing strategies by considering load shedding for noncritical loads during peak demand periods.
M10L3 – EMS Evaluation Process
Coverage of evaluation scope includes EMS, BAS, EMCS, and PAS boundaries, including controlled equipment and connected meters. Learners examine document review through sequence of operations, control drawings, point lists, wiring diagrams, network diagrams, and equipment schedules. The discussion addresses field evaluation by considering walkdown of controllers, sensors, actuators, panels, end devices, meters, and controlled equipment. Key points in evaluation outputs include list of confirmed control deficiencies, suspected issues, and required follow-up tests.
M10L4 – Identify Controls Issues from EMS Evaluation
Learners examine sequence operation issues by considering how actual operation that does not match the written sequence of operations. The discussion addresses sensor and signal issues by considering failed, drifting, biased, or poorly located temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, current, and CO₂ sensors. Key points in operator and override issues include manual overrides left active without expiration, documentation, or authorization. Study of system integration issues focuses on standalone systems not coordinated with central BAS schedules or demand response logic.
M10L5 – Existing Control Points
The discussion addresses control point types by considering analog inputs for temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, current, voltage, power, and CO₂. Key points in HVAC control points include AHU points including supply air temperature and VFD speed. Study of non-HVAC control points focuses on lighting control points for schedules, occupancy, daylighting, dimming, zones, and relay status. The lesson reviews point inventory documentation through point name, description, equipment served, physical location, units, range, and normal operating value.
M10L6 – Control Points Required for EEMs
Key points in EEM control requirements show how to control points needed to implement each proposed energy efficiency measure. Study of sensing and metering points focuses on zone temperature, discharge air temperature, supply air temperature, return air temperature, and outdoor air temperature. The lesson reviews control output points through VFD speed outputs for fans, pumps, cooling towers, compressors, and process motors. Coverage of verification points explains how trend points needed to verify pre- and post-implementation operation.
M10L7 – Evaluate Operator Understanding
Study of sequence knowledge focuses on operator understanding of written sequences, BAS graphics, setpoints, resets, schedules, and alarms. The lesson reviews BAS navigation skills through ability to find equipment graphics, point summaries, schedules, trends, alarms, and histories. Coverage of troubleshooting ability includes interpretation of alarms, failed points, communication failures, and abnormal trend patterns. Learners examine energy awareness by considering how understanding of how control actions affect kWh, kW demand, fuel use, water use, and operating cost.
M10L8 – Evaluate Operator Usage and Training Needs
The lesson reviews operator usage patterns through frequency and purpose of BAS logins, schedule changes, setpoint adjustments, and override use. Coverage of training gap assessment includes knowledge gaps in system sequences, BAS navigation, trend analysis, and energy impacts. Learners examine documentation needs through current sequence narratives written in plain language for operators. The discussion addresses training plan by considering hands-on BAS exercises using real graphics, trends, alarms, and schedules.
M10L9 – Trend Log Basics
Coverage of trend log purpose includes time-series record of BAS, PAS, EMCS, sensor, meter, and calculated point behavior. Learners examine point selection through key inputs, outputs, setpoints, modes, commands, status points, alarms, and calculated values. The discussion addresses trend setup by considering sampling interval matched to system dynamics, such as 1–5 minutes for cycling and 15–60 minutes for energy patterns. Key points in trend review methods include graphing multiple related points together to compare command, feedback, load, and response.
M10L10 – Identify Opportunities from Trend Logs
Learners examine schedule opportunities through equipment operating before occupancy, after occupancy, on weekends, or during holidays. The discussion addresses simultaneous heating and cooling by considering cooling coil active while heating coil, reheat valve, or perimeter heat is active. Key points in reset and economizer opportunities include static pressure setpoints fixed higher than required by terminal demand. Study of equipment sequencing opportunities focuses on chillers, boilers, compressors, pumps, or towers staged inefficiently at part load.
M10L11 – Sensor Accuracy
The discussion addresses sensor accuracy fundamentals by considering difference between accuracy, precision, resolution, repeatability, drift, response time, and calibration range. Key points in common sensor problems include drift from age, contamination, vibration, moisture, heat, or poor installation. Study of field verification methods focuses on comparison with calibrated handheld instruments or reference sensors. The lesson reviews sensor correction decisions through recalibrate, relocate, replace, average, or remove sensors based on control importance and error magnitude.
M10L12 – Handle Questionable Data Before Use
Key points in data quality screening show how to check missing values, repeated values, flat-lined points, negative values, and impossible readings. Study of timestamp and alignment issues addresses how to correct time zone, daylight saving, server clock, controller clock, and meter timestamp differences. The lesson reviews validation and cross-checks by examining how to compare BAS values with field measurements, utility bills, submeter data, and equipment nameplate data. Coverage of data use decisions includes classify data as usable, usable with correction, usable for screening only, or unusable.
M10L13 – BAS, PAS, and EMCS Energy Efficiency Measures
Study of BAS measures addresses how to optimize HVAC schedules, reset strategies, economizer control, ventilation control, and equipment staging. The lesson reviews PAS measures through coordinate process equipment operation with production schedules and actual load. Coverage of EMCS measures includes energy dashboards showing kWh, kW demand, fuel, water, emissions, and key performance indicators. Learners examine integration measures through BACnet, modbus, opc ua, mqtt, and other interfaces for data exchange between systems.
M10L14 – Prioritize Control System Measures
The lesson reviews energy and cost impact through estimated kWh, kW, fuel, water, and maintenance savings from each control measure. Coverage of implementation effort includes no-cost schedule, setpoint, and override corrections. Learners examine risk and operational impact through comfort, IAQ, health, safety, process quality, and equipment reliability risks. The discussion of prioritization output explains how to rank measures by savings, payback, urgency, risk reduction, and ease of implementation.
M10L15 – Control System O&M Characteristics
Coverage of control system assets includes supervisory servers, workstations, controllers, routers, gateways, panels, sensors, actuators, and end devices. Learners examine preventive maintenance needs through sensor calibration, actuator stroke checks, damper and valve inspection, and controller battery replacement. The discussion addresses operational management by considering alarm prioritization, alarm routing, escalation procedures, and nuisance alarm reduction. Key points in performance persistence include continuous monitoring of key trends, energy dashboards, and utility performance indicators.
M10L16 – Control System O&M Opportunities
Learners examine schedule and override corrections through remove unnecessary 24/7 operation of fans, pumps, lighting, exhaust, DHW, and process support systems. The discussion addresses sensor and actuator restoration by considering calibrate or replace inaccurate temperature, humidity, pressure, CO₂, current, and flow sensors. Key points in control loop tuning show how tune PID loops to reduce hunting, overshoot, cycling, and unstable valve or damper motion. Study of BAS housekeeping addresses how to clean up obsolete points, confusing graphics, nuisance alarms, and duplicate equipment names.
M10L17 – Control System Energy Savings Calculations
The discussion addresses savings calculation approaches by considering engineering calculations based on runtime reduction, load reduction, efficiency improvement, or demand reduction. Key points in schedule savings include runtime savings from reducing equipment hours: kWh saved = kW × hours reduced. Study of setpoint and reset savings focuses on temperature setback/setup savings estimated with bin methods, regression, or calibrated simulation. The lesson reviews demand and cost savings through demand savings from load shedding, optimized staging, battery dispatch, or equipment scheduling.
M10L18 – Trend-Based Energy Savings Estimates
Key points in trend-based baselines include baseline period representing normal operation before control measure implementation. Study of pre/post trend comparison focuses on overlay of pre- and post-implementation trends for similar days or operating conditions. The lesson reviews energy proxy methods through fan and pump energy estimated from VFD speed, measured kW, runtime, and affinity laws. Coverage of normalization and reporting includes weather normalization using outdoor air temperature, heating degree days, cooling degree days, or regression models.
Module 11 - Alternative Generation & Storage
M11L1 – Overview of Alternative Energy Technologies
Study of alternative energy technology scope focuses on on-site and distributed energy resources: solar PV, solar thermal, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, fuel cells, microturbines, CHP, battery. The lesson reviews distributed energy resources through ders located near facility loads, including distributed PV, wind, CHP, microgrids, storage, microturbines, and controllable loads. Coverage of facility energy needs includes annual electric consumption in kWh and peak demand in kW. Learners examine performance metrics through generation capacity in kW or mw and annual production in kWh or mwh. The discussion of audit screening approach explains how to collect utility bills, interval data, site drawings, roof plans, equipment schedules, occupancy schedules, and existing control strategies.
M11L2 – Selecting Alternative Energy Technologies for Facilities
The lesson reviews facility load matching by examining how to match technology output to the facility’s electric, heating, cooling, steam, hot water, and process-load profiles. Coverage of resource availability includes solar resource: roof exposure, ground area, shading, tilt, azimuth, soiling, and local irradiance. Learners examine site and infrastructure fit through roof structure, wind loading, roof age, waterproofing, fire access, equipment access, and future roof replacement plans. The discussion addresses economic compatibility by considering tariff structure, demand charges, time-of-use rates, export compensation, net metering, standby charges, and ratchets. Key points in operational risk include reliability impact on critical loads, emergency power systems, production schedules, and occupant comfort.
M11L3 – Renewable Energy Technologies
Coverage of solar photovoltaic systems explains how PV modules convert solar radiation into DC electricity and export. Learners examine solar thermal systems through solar water heating for domestic hot water, laundry, kitchens, pools, process preheat, and low-temperature heating. The discussion of wind energy systems explains how distributed wind systems CAN serve on-site demand in commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, and community applications. Key points in geothermal and ground-source systems include ground-source heat pumps use stable shallow-earth temperatures for heating, cooling, and sometimes water heating. Study of bioenergy and renewable fuels focuses on biomass boilers for space heating, process heat, steam, and district energy where fuel supply is reliable.
M11L4 – Energy Storage Technologies
Learners examine battery energy storage through battery energy storage systems charge from the grid or distributed generation and discharge later to serve facility or grid. The discussion addresses thermal energy storage by considering chilled water, ice storage, phase-change materials, hot water storage, steam accumulators, and building thermal mass control. Key points in mechanical and chemical storage include pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels, gravity storage, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and thermal-chemical storage. Study of storage performance metrics focuses on rated power in kW and cycle life. The lesson reviews storage safety and compliance by examining how bess procurement should address site conditions, use cases, codes, warranty, commissioning, controls, and operational responsibilities.
M11L5 – Site Requirements and Constraints
The discussion addresses physical space requirements by considering roof area, ground area, parking structures, mechanical yards, utility rooms, battery enclosures, and thermal storage tank locations. Key points in structural constraints include roof live load, dead load, wind uplift, seismic requirements, snow loads, ballast limits, and equipment anchorage. Study of electrical constraints focuses on service voltage, transformer capacity, switchgear rating, short-circuit current, breaker availability, and busbar limits. The lesson reviews environmental and permitting constraints through zoning restrictions, building permits, electrical permits, fire permits, utility interconnection agreements, and environmental approvals. Coverage of operational constraints includes facility operating schedules, production downtime limits, maintenance windows, occupant disruption, and access security.
M11L6 – Renewable and Storage System Costs
Key points in capital cost categories include equipment cost for modules, inverters, batteries, controls, racking, switchgear, transformers, tanks, pumps, turbines, engines, or heat exchangers. Study of operating cost categories focuses on preventive maintenance, inspections, cleaning, lubrication, testing, monitoring subscriptions, service contracts, and spare parts. The lesson reviews production and savings inputs through solar production from irradiance, tilt, azimuth, shading, temperature, inverter efficiency, degradation, and availability. Coverage of financial analysis methods includes simple payback: first cost divided by annual cost savings. Learners examine procurement and financing through cash purchase, loans, leases, energy service agreements, PPAs, espc structures, and shared-savings models.
M11L7 – Technical Implications of Renewable Integration
Study of interconnection requirements focuses on utility application process, one-line diagrams, protection settings, export limits, metering, and commissioning tests. The lesson reviews power quality impacts through voltage rise, flicker, harmonics, phase imbalance, frequency response, and inverter ride-through behavior. Coverage of load and generation variability includes solar output variability from clouds, temperature, shading, soiling, and seasonal sun path. Learners examine controls and BAS integration through communication between inverters, storage controllers, BAS, EMS, demand controllers, generators, and microgrid controllers. The discussion addresses commissioning and performance verification by considering pre-functional checks for installation quality, wiring, polarity, grounding, labeling, and safety devices.
M11L8 – Economic Implications of Renewable Integration
The lesson reviews utility bill impacts through reduction in purchased kWh, reduction in billing demand, changes in load factor, and changes in power factor penalties. Coverage of value streams includes energy savings from self-consumption or avoided fuel purchase. Learners examine cost and revenue risks by considering how utility tariff changes, export rule changes, fuel price volatility, market price uncertainty, and incentive expiration. The discussion addresses economic modeling by considering hourly or sub-hourly model for PV, storage, demand response, CHP, and time-of-use rates. Key points in recommendation framing include separate cost-saving projects from resilience-driven, emissions-driven, or compliance-driven projects.
M11L9 – Integrating Energy Storage with Renewable Systems
Coverage of solar-plus-storage design includes storage charged from PV, grid, or both depending on tariff rules, incentive rules, interconnection limits, and operational goals. Learners examine storage sizing objectives by considering how power rating sized to reduce target peak kW or support critical-load startup. The discussion addresses renewable variability management by considering storage smoothing of PV ramps, wind variability, and export spikes. Key points in resilience and microgrid operation include critical load identification, load prioritization, islanding capability, black start, and generator coordination. Study of monitoring and M&V focuses on interval metering for PV output, battery charge/discharge, facility load, grid import/export, and critical-load panels.
M11L10 – Subsidies and Incentives for Alternative Generation
Learners examine incentive types through investment tax credits, production tax credits, grants, rebates, feed-in tariffs, net metering, renewable certificates, and accelerated depreciation. The discussion addresses eligibility requirements by considering eligible technology type, system size, placed-in-service date, ownership structure, labor rules, domestic content rules, and location requirements. Key points in incentive research methods show how to use current federal, state, provincial, municipal, and utility program databases before finalizing project economics. Study of economic treatment addresses how to apply incentives after defining eligible cost basis, tax basis, depreciable basis, or grant-eligible cost. The lesson reviews audit reporting through state incentive assumptions, eligibility uncertainties, application responsibilities, and required client actions.
M11L11 – Subsidies and Incentives for Energy Storage
The discussion addresses storage incentive types by considering investment tax credits, clean electricity credits, resiliency grants, utility rebates, demand response payments, and capacity payments. Key points in eligible storage configurations include standalone battery systems used for demand management, backup power, or grid services. Study of compliance requirements focuses on minimum capacity, duration, metering, dispatch capability, round-trip efficiency, and operating documentation. The lesson reviews incentive stacking through combine storage incentives with renewable incentives and resilience value only when rules permit. Coverage of audit documentation explains how to identify program name, administrator, eligibility status, estimated value, expiration date, and application process.
M11L12 – First-Cut Potential for Energy Storage
Key points in load profile screening show how to collect 12 months of utility bills and 15-minute interval data where available. Study of tariff opportunity screening focuses on demand charge level, time-of-use energy price spread, critical peak pricing, ratchets, and standby charges. The lesson reviews first-cut sizing by examining how to estimate power rating from target peak reduction in kW. Coverage of preliminary economics includes annual benefit from avoided demand charges, avoided energy purchases, demand response revenue, and resilience value. Learners examine feasibility constraints through electrical room capacity, interconnection limits, switchgear upgrades, transformer capacity, and metering requirements.
M11L13 – Thermal Storage and Electrical Storage
Study of thermal storage basics focuses on chilled water tanks, ice storage, phase-change storage, hot water storage, steam accumulators, and building mass pre-cooling. The lesson reviews electrical storage basics through batteries, flywheels, supercapacitors, flow batteries, hydrogen systems, and other electrochemical or mechanical storage options. Coverage of thermal-electrical comparison explains how thermal storage shifts heating or cooling loads; electrical storage shifts electric supply or demand. Learners examine controls and dispatch through thermal storage controlled by chiller scheduling, tank temperature, cooling load, demand limit, and occupancy schedule. The discussion of audit evaluation explains how to use interval demand, chilled water trend logs, plant equipment curves, occupancy schedules, and tariff data.
M11L14 – Demand Response Opportunities
The lesson reviews demand response basics by examining how demand response reduces and contractual commitments. Coverage of load flexibility resources includes HVAC temperature reset, chilled water reset, supply air reset, pre-cooling, fan speed reduction, and ventilation adjustment. Learners examine event control strategy by considering how to define trigger conditions, notification process, responsible personnel, load reduction sequence, and recovery sequence. The discussion addresses economic evaluation by considering payments for enrolled capacity, verified curtailment, energy market participation, or avoided peak pricing. Key points in measurement and reporting include interval meter baseline, event load curve, verified kW reduction, duration compliance, and post-event rebound.
M11L15 – Alternative Generation Opportunities
Coverage of opportunity identification explains how to review utility data, interval demand, fuel use, thermal loads, production schedules, and critical-load requirements. Learners examine technology fit through PV for sites with good solar exposure, available area, high daytime loads, and manageable interconnection conditions. The discussion of preliminary engineering explains how to estimate system capacity, annual output, fuel input, thermal recovery, emissions, and interaction with existing equipment. Key points in savings and benefits include avoided electricity purchases, avoided demand charges, avoided boiler fuel, avoided generator fuel, and reduced outage costs. Study of audit recommendations focuses on classify opportunities as low-risk screening candidates, preliminary engineering candidates, or investment-grade study candidates.
M11L16 – Cogeneration Opportunities
Learners examine CHP fundamentals by considering how cogeneration or CHP produces electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. The discussion addresses thermal load matching by considering best candidates have steady year-round thermal loads such as hospitals, hotels, campuses, wastewater plants, laundries, and process facilities. Key points in CHP system types include reciprocating engines for flexible operation, good part-load response, and hot water recovery. Study of technical requirements focuses on fuel supply pressure, gas availability, backup fuel, combustion air, exhaust routing, emissions controls, and noise control. The lesson reviews economic and risk evaluation through savings from avoided electricity, avoided boiler fuel, demand reduction, thermal recovery, and resilience value.
M11L17 – Renewable Energy Source Opportunities
The discussion addresses resource mapping by considering solar mapping using irradiance, shading, roof orientation, carports, open land, and electrical interconnection locations. Key points in facility end-use alignment include PV aligned with daytime electric loads, EV charging, cooling loads, and storage charging. Study of audit data requirements focuses on utility bills, interval meters, fuel records, equipment schedules, BAS trend logs, roof plans, land surveys, and operating schedules. The lesson reviews first-cut calculations through PV annual production estimate from array size, resource, losses, degradation, and inverter efficiency. Coverage of prioritization and reporting explains how to rank opportunities by technical feasibility, savings potential, emissions impact, resilience value, and implementation complexity.
Study of alternative energy technology scope focuses on on-site and distributed energy resources: solar PV, solar thermal, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, fuel cells, microturbines, CHP, battery. The lesson reviews distributed energy resources through ders located near facility loads, including distributed PV, wind, CHP, microgrids, storage, microturbines, and controllable loads. Coverage of facility energy needs includes annual electric consumption in kWh and peak demand in kW. Learners examine performance metrics through generation capacity in kW or mw and annual production in kWh or mwh. The discussion of audit screening approach explains how to collect utility bills, interval data, site drawings, roof plans, equipment schedules, occupancy schedules, and existing control strategies.
M11L2 – Selecting Alternative Energy Technologies for Facilities
The lesson reviews facility load matching by examining how to match technology output to the facility’s electric, heating, cooling, steam, hot water, and process-load profiles. Coverage of resource availability includes solar resource: roof exposure, ground area, shading, tilt, azimuth, soiling, and local irradiance. Learners examine site and infrastructure fit through roof structure, wind loading, roof age, waterproofing, fire access, equipment access, and future roof replacement plans. The discussion addresses economic compatibility by considering tariff structure, demand charges, time-of-use rates, export compensation, net metering, standby charges, and ratchets. Key points in operational risk include reliability impact on critical loads, emergency power systems, production schedules, and occupant comfort.
M11L3 – Renewable Energy Technologies
Coverage of solar photovoltaic systems explains how PV modules convert solar radiation into DC electricity and export. Learners examine solar thermal systems through solar water heating for domestic hot water, laundry, kitchens, pools, process preheat, and low-temperature heating. The discussion of wind energy systems explains how distributed wind systems CAN serve on-site demand in commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, and community applications. Key points in geothermal and ground-source systems include ground-source heat pumps use stable shallow-earth temperatures for heating, cooling, and sometimes water heating. Study of bioenergy and renewable fuels focuses on biomass boilers for space heating, process heat, steam, and district energy where fuel supply is reliable.
M11L4 – Energy Storage Technologies
Learners examine battery energy storage through battery energy storage systems charge from the grid or distributed generation and discharge later to serve facility or grid. The discussion addresses thermal energy storage by considering chilled water, ice storage, phase-change materials, hot water storage, steam accumulators, and building thermal mass control. Key points in mechanical and chemical storage include pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels, gravity storage, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and thermal-chemical storage. Study of storage performance metrics focuses on rated power in kW and cycle life. The lesson reviews storage safety and compliance by examining how bess procurement should address site conditions, use cases, codes, warranty, commissioning, controls, and operational responsibilities.
M11L5 – Site Requirements and Constraints
The discussion addresses physical space requirements by considering roof area, ground area, parking structures, mechanical yards, utility rooms, battery enclosures, and thermal storage tank locations. Key points in structural constraints include roof live load, dead load, wind uplift, seismic requirements, snow loads, ballast limits, and equipment anchorage. Study of electrical constraints focuses on service voltage, transformer capacity, switchgear rating, short-circuit current, breaker availability, and busbar limits. The lesson reviews environmental and permitting constraints through zoning restrictions, building permits, electrical permits, fire permits, utility interconnection agreements, and environmental approvals. Coverage of operational constraints includes facility operating schedules, production downtime limits, maintenance windows, occupant disruption, and access security.
M11L6 – Renewable and Storage System Costs
Key points in capital cost categories include equipment cost for modules, inverters, batteries, controls, racking, switchgear, transformers, tanks, pumps, turbines, engines, or heat exchangers. Study of operating cost categories focuses on preventive maintenance, inspections, cleaning, lubrication, testing, monitoring subscriptions, service contracts, and spare parts. The lesson reviews production and savings inputs through solar production from irradiance, tilt, azimuth, shading, temperature, inverter efficiency, degradation, and availability. Coverage of financial analysis methods includes simple payback: first cost divided by annual cost savings. Learners examine procurement and financing through cash purchase, loans, leases, energy service agreements, PPAs, espc structures, and shared-savings models.
M11L7 – Technical Implications of Renewable Integration
Study of interconnection requirements focuses on utility application process, one-line diagrams, protection settings, export limits, metering, and commissioning tests. The lesson reviews power quality impacts through voltage rise, flicker, harmonics, phase imbalance, frequency response, and inverter ride-through behavior. Coverage of load and generation variability includes solar output variability from clouds, temperature, shading, soiling, and seasonal sun path. Learners examine controls and BAS integration through communication between inverters, storage controllers, BAS, EMS, demand controllers, generators, and microgrid controllers. The discussion addresses commissioning and performance verification by considering pre-functional checks for installation quality, wiring, polarity, grounding, labeling, and safety devices.
M11L8 – Economic Implications of Renewable Integration
The lesson reviews utility bill impacts through reduction in purchased kWh, reduction in billing demand, changes in load factor, and changes in power factor penalties. Coverage of value streams includes energy savings from self-consumption or avoided fuel purchase. Learners examine cost and revenue risks by considering how utility tariff changes, export rule changes, fuel price volatility, market price uncertainty, and incentive expiration. The discussion addresses economic modeling by considering hourly or sub-hourly model for PV, storage, demand response, CHP, and time-of-use rates. Key points in recommendation framing include separate cost-saving projects from resilience-driven, emissions-driven, or compliance-driven projects.
M11L9 – Integrating Energy Storage with Renewable Systems
Coverage of solar-plus-storage design includes storage charged from PV, grid, or both depending on tariff rules, incentive rules, interconnection limits, and operational goals. Learners examine storage sizing objectives by considering how power rating sized to reduce target peak kW or support critical-load startup. The discussion addresses renewable variability management by considering storage smoothing of PV ramps, wind variability, and export spikes. Key points in resilience and microgrid operation include critical load identification, load prioritization, islanding capability, black start, and generator coordination. Study of monitoring and M&V focuses on interval metering for PV output, battery charge/discharge, facility load, grid import/export, and critical-load panels.
M11L10 – Subsidies and Incentives for Alternative Generation
Learners examine incentive types through investment tax credits, production tax credits, grants, rebates, feed-in tariffs, net metering, renewable certificates, and accelerated depreciation. The discussion addresses eligibility requirements by considering eligible technology type, system size, placed-in-service date, ownership structure, labor rules, domestic content rules, and location requirements. Key points in incentive research methods show how to use current federal, state, provincial, municipal, and utility program databases before finalizing project economics. Study of economic treatment addresses how to apply incentives after defining eligible cost basis, tax basis, depreciable basis, or grant-eligible cost. The lesson reviews audit reporting through state incentive assumptions, eligibility uncertainties, application responsibilities, and required client actions.
M11L11 – Subsidies and Incentives for Energy Storage
The discussion addresses storage incentive types by considering investment tax credits, clean electricity credits, resiliency grants, utility rebates, demand response payments, and capacity payments. Key points in eligible storage configurations include standalone battery systems used for demand management, backup power, or grid services. Study of compliance requirements focuses on minimum capacity, duration, metering, dispatch capability, round-trip efficiency, and operating documentation. The lesson reviews incentive stacking through combine storage incentives with renewable incentives and resilience value only when rules permit. Coverage of audit documentation explains how to identify program name, administrator, eligibility status, estimated value, expiration date, and application process.
M11L12 – First-Cut Potential for Energy Storage
Key points in load profile screening show how to collect 12 months of utility bills and 15-minute interval data where available. Study of tariff opportunity screening focuses on demand charge level, time-of-use energy price spread, critical peak pricing, ratchets, and standby charges. The lesson reviews first-cut sizing by examining how to estimate power rating from target peak reduction in kW. Coverage of preliminary economics includes annual benefit from avoided demand charges, avoided energy purchases, demand response revenue, and resilience value. Learners examine feasibility constraints through electrical room capacity, interconnection limits, switchgear upgrades, transformer capacity, and metering requirements.
M11L13 – Thermal Storage and Electrical Storage
Study of thermal storage basics focuses on chilled water tanks, ice storage, phase-change storage, hot water storage, steam accumulators, and building mass pre-cooling. The lesson reviews electrical storage basics through batteries, flywheels, supercapacitors, flow batteries, hydrogen systems, and other electrochemical or mechanical storage options. Coverage of thermal-electrical comparison explains how thermal storage shifts heating or cooling loads; electrical storage shifts electric supply or demand. Learners examine controls and dispatch through thermal storage controlled by chiller scheduling, tank temperature, cooling load, demand limit, and occupancy schedule. The discussion of audit evaluation explains how to use interval demand, chilled water trend logs, plant equipment curves, occupancy schedules, and tariff data.
M11L14 – Demand Response Opportunities
The lesson reviews demand response basics by examining how demand response reduces and contractual commitments. Coverage of load flexibility resources includes HVAC temperature reset, chilled water reset, supply air reset, pre-cooling, fan speed reduction, and ventilation adjustment. Learners examine event control strategy by considering how to define trigger conditions, notification process, responsible personnel, load reduction sequence, and recovery sequence. The discussion addresses economic evaluation by considering payments for enrolled capacity, verified curtailment, energy market participation, or avoided peak pricing. Key points in measurement and reporting include interval meter baseline, event load curve, verified kW reduction, duration compliance, and post-event rebound.
M11L15 – Alternative Generation Opportunities
Coverage of opportunity identification explains how to review utility data, interval demand, fuel use, thermal loads, production schedules, and critical-load requirements. Learners examine technology fit through PV for sites with good solar exposure, available area, high daytime loads, and manageable interconnection conditions. The discussion of preliminary engineering explains how to estimate system capacity, annual output, fuel input, thermal recovery, emissions, and interaction with existing equipment. Key points in savings and benefits include avoided electricity purchases, avoided demand charges, avoided boiler fuel, avoided generator fuel, and reduced outage costs. Study of audit recommendations focuses on classify opportunities as low-risk screening candidates, preliminary engineering candidates, or investment-grade study candidates.
M11L16 – Cogeneration Opportunities
Learners examine CHP fundamentals by considering how cogeneration or CHP produces electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. The discussion addresses thermal load matching by considering best candidates have steady year-round thermal loads such as hospitals, hotels, campuses, wastewater plants, laundries, and process facilities. Key points in CHP system types include reciprocating engines for flexible operation, good part-load response, and hot water recovery. Study of technical requirements focuses on fuel supply pressure, gas availability, backup fuel, combustion air, exhaust routing, emissions controls, and noise control. The lesson reviews economic and risk evaluation through savings from avoided electricity, avoided boiler fuel, demand reduction, thermal recovery, and resilience value.
M11L17 – Renewable Energy Source Opportunities
The discussion addresses resource mapping by considering solar mapping using irradiance, shading, roof orientation, carports, open land, and electrical interconnection locations. Key points in facility end-use alignment include PV aligned with daytime electric loads, EV charging, cooling loads, and storage charging. Study of audit data requirements focuses on utility bills, interval meters, fuel records, equipment schedules, BAS trend logs, roof plans, land surveys, and operating schedules. The lesson reviews first-cut calculations through PV annual production estimate from array size, resource, losses, degradation, and inverter efficiency. Coverage of prioritization and reporting explains how to rank opportunities by technical feasibility, savings potential, emissions impact, resilience value, and implementation complexity.
Module 12 - Transport
M12L1 – Transport Modes: Road, Rail, Ship, and Air
Key points in transport mode boundaries include passenger transport versus freight transport as separate audit categories. Study of road transport focuses on cars, vans, buses, motorcycles, rigid trucks, tractor-trailers, forklifts, and service vehicles. The lesson reviews rail, ship, and air transport through rail energy use driven by train mass, loading, route gradient, traction type, stop frequency, and scheduling. Coverage of modal selection in energy audits includes matching mode to service need, shipment size, urgency, geography, and reliability requirement.
M12L2 – Public Transport vs. Private Transport
Study of public transport characteristics focuses on buses, bus rapid transit, metro, tram, commuter rail, ferries, shared shuttles, and demand-responsive transit. The lesson reviews private transport characteristics through private cars, motorcycles, taxis, ride-hailing vehicles, company cars, and employee-owned vehicles used for business. Coverage of comparative energy assessment includes passenger-km as the preferred basis for comparing public and private transport. Learners examine demand management measures through shift travel to buses, rail, shared mobility, walking, cycling, or virtual alternatives where service quality allows.
M12L3 – Vehicle Types and Transport Sectors
The lesson reviews vehicle type classification through light-duty vehicles, medium-duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, buses, motorcycles, forklifts, rail vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. Coverage of transport sector classification includes urban passenger mobility, freight distribution, long-haul logistics, construction transport, mining, agriculture, warehousing, aviation, marine, and rail. Learners examine duty cycle profiles through stop-and-go urban duty, highway cruise, delivery routes, shuttle loops, yard operation, off-road hauling, and standby operation. The discussion addresses audit inventory requirements by considering vehicle id, age, make, model, fuel type, rated capacity, odometer, engine hours, and ownership status.
M12L4 – Transport Options Available
Coverage of transport service options includes owned fleet, leased vehicles, contractor transport, public transport, shared mobility, courier services, and multimodal logistics. Learners examine vehicle technology options through efficient diesel, gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, fuel-cell, CNG, LNG, LPG, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and ethanol-capable vehicles. The discussion addresses infrastructure options by considering fuel storage, charging stations, depot charging, workplace charging, hydrogen supply, CNG compression, and maintenance-shop upgrades. Key points in operational options include route optimization, load consolidation, scheduling, backhauling, dispatch control, and reduced empty running.
M12L5 – Fuel Costs for Transport
Learners examine fuel cost components through unit fuel price, taxes, delivery fees, storage cost, card fees, electricity demand charges, and fuel escalation. The discussion addresses fuel unit conversion by considering litres, gallons, diesel equivalent gallons, gasoline gallon equivalent, therms, kg hydrogen, kWh, and MJ. Key points in transport cost metrics include cost per km, mile, hour, trip, delivery, passenger-km, tonne-km, pallet, or service call. Study of audit cost analysis focuses on fuel purchase records reconciled with tank dips, fuel cards, odometer logs, telematics, and invoices.
M12L6 – Vehicle Operation and Fuel Use
The discussion addresses duty cycle energy drivers by considering acceleration, cruising speed, braking, grade, stop frequency, idling, and accessory loads. Key points in driving behavior include harsh acceleration, high speed, late braking, unnecessary idling, and poor gear selection. Study of vehicle operating states focuses on loaded travel, empty travel, idle, queuing, loading, unloading, standby, charging, fueling, and maintenance downtime. The lesson reviews fuel use calculations through fuel economy expressed as km/l, l/100 km, mpg, kWh/km, or kg/100 km.
M12L7 – Impacts on Fuel Consumption
Key points in vehicle design factors include vehicle mass, engine size, transmission, axle ratio, tire type, body shape, and drivetrain efficiency. Study of operating environment focuses on congestion, traffic signals, road grade, pavement condition, altitude, temperature, wind, and precipitation. The lesson reviews load and utilization through payload, passenger occupancy, cube utilization, empty running, and backhaul performance. Coverage of maintenance and condition includes tire pressure, wheel alignment, air filters, injectors, spark plugs, lubricants, brakes, and cooling systems.
M12L8 – Driver Training and Awareness
Study of eco-driving principles focuses on smooth acceleration, gentle braking, steady cruising, correct gear use, and speed control. The lesson reviews training program design through baseline driver performance review before training. Coverage of driver feedback and motivation includes fuel economy, idle time, harsh events, overspeeding, route adherence, and safety events shown in scorecards. Learners examine awareness and culture through explaining fuel cost, emissions, safety, maintenance, and customer-service impacts.
M12L9 – Vehicle Maintenance for Road Transport
The lesson reviews preventive maintenance program through scheduled inspections based on distance, engine hours, calendar time, or duty severity. Coverage of fuel-efficiency maintenance items includes tire pressure, tire wear, wheel alignment, balancing, and low-rolling-resistance tire selection. Learners examine inspection and diagnostic methods through driver vehicle inspection reports, workshop inspections, fault-code scanning, and oil analysis. The discussion addresses maintenance documentation by considering work orders, parts records, downtime, failure codes, inspection results, and maintenance cost by vehicle.
M12L10 – Maintenance Cost for Different Fuels
Coverage of maintenance cost categories includes labor, parts, consumables, tires, fluids, filters, diagnostics, inspections, downtime, and specialized tools. Learners examine liquid fuel vehicles through gasoline and diesel maintenance for engines, fuel systems, exhaust aftertreatment, cooling, lubrication, and transmission. The discussion addresses gaseous and hydrogen vehicles by considering CNG, LNG, and LPG maintenance for pressure vessels, regulators, valves, fuel lines, leak detection, and ventilation. Key points in electric and hybrid vehicles include EV maintenance reductions from fewer moving parts and no engine oil, exhaust system, or conventional transmission.
M12L11 – Transport Planning and Logistics
Learners examine transport demand planning by considering how defining what must be moved, when, where, how often, and at what service level. The discussion addresses logistics network design by considering depot location, warehouse layout, hub-and-spoke design, cross-docking, and consolidation points. Key points in scheduling and load planning include trip batching, delivery sequencing, appointment scheduling, backhauling, and reverse logistics. Study of logistics energy opportunities addresses how demand reduction, route consolidation, modal shift, right-sized vehicles, and improved warehouse coordination.
M12L12 – Route Management
The discussion addresses route mapping by considering origin, destination, waypoints, customer locations, depots, refueling points, charging points, and parking areas. Key points in route optimization variables include distance minimization, time minimization, fuel minimization, payload sequencing, and delivery-window compliance. Study of field route controls focuses on driver route sheets, navigation systems, geofencing, dispatch instructions, and exception alerts. The lesson reviews route performance evaluation through actual versus planned distance, fuel, time, stops, idle hours, and on-time performance.
M12L13 – Fleet Management and Journey Optimization
Key points in fleet management scope include vehicle acquisition, assignment, dispatch, fueling, maintenance, replacement, disposal, and compliance. Study of fleet utilization focuses on vehicle utilization measured by days used, hours used, km, trips, payload, and productive time. The lesson reviews journey optimization through trip necessity review before approving travel. Coverage of fleet management systems includes fleet management information systems, fuel cards, telematics, GPS, maintenance software, and accounting systems.
M12L14 – Transport Data Collection
Study of data collection scope focuses on vehicle inventory, fuel purchases, distance, engine hours, trips, payload, passengers, routes, costs, and maintenance. The lesson reviews data sources through fuel invoices, fuel cards, tank records, odometer logs, engine-hour meters, dispatch records, GPS, telematics, and maintenance systems. Coverage of data quality checks includes reconcile fuel quantity with distance, tank inventory, vehicle assignment, and invoice dates. Learners examine field data methods through short-term GPS or telematics studies for vehicles lacking continuous monitoring.
M12L15 – Transport Energy Performance Indicators
The lesson reviews indicator selection by examining how epis chosen to match transport purpose, mode, vehicle type, and audit boundary. Coverage of fuel and energy intensity indicators includes l/100 km, km/l, mpg, kWh/km, kg fuel/100 km, and MJ/km. Learners examine utilization and productivity indicators through passenger load factor, payload utilization, cube utilization, seat-km utilization, and empty-running percentage. The discussion addresses cost and emissions indicators by considering fuel cost per km, trip, passenger-km, tonne-km, delivery, or operating hour.
M12L16 – Transport Benchmarking
Coverage of benchmarking purpose explains how to compare energy performance across vehicles, routes, drivers, depots, departments, and time periods. Learners examine benchmark types through internal historical benchmarks using the fleet’s own baseline. The discussion addresses normalization requirements by considering vehicle type, payload, passenger occupancy, terrain, traffic, climate, stop density, and route length. Key points in benchmark interpretation show how low fuel economy may indicate route difficulty, overloading, poor maintenance, driver behavior, or wrong vehicle assignment.
M12L17 – Transport Energy Estimating Methods
Learners examine top-down estimation through annual fuel use from invoices, fuel cards, tank records, or utility bills. The discussion addresses bottom-up estimation by considering vehicle energy estimated from distance, fuel economy, operating hours, idle hours, and auxiliary loads. Key points in component estimation include idling energy = idle fuel rate × idle hours. Study of uncertainty and assumptions focuses on sensitivity testing for fuel economy, distance, payload, idle hours, fuel price, and electricity tariff.
M12L18 – Transport Energy Modelling Methods
The discussion addresses model types by considering spreadsheet energy balance models for fleet fuel and cost analysis. Key points in model inputs include vehicle specifications, fuel type, energy content, payload, occupancy, routes, speed profile, idle time, and auxiliary loads. Study of calibration and validation addresses how to compare modelled fuel or electricity use with actual measured energy use. The lesson reviews scenario analysis through vehicle replacement, EV conversion, hybridization, alternative fuels, route optimization, driver training, and maintenance improvement.
M12L19 – Vehicle Specification Data vs. Real-Life Performance
Key points in specification data include rated fuel economy, electric range, payload capacity, engine power, battery capacity, charger rate, and emissions ratings. Study of real-life performance drivers focuses on payload, accessories, speed, congestion, idling, terrain, weather, tire pressure, and maintenance condition. The lesson reviews performance gap analysis by examining how to compare rated and actual fuel economy, range, energy use, payload, and availability. Coverage of procurement and audit implications includes specify vehicles using duty-cycle data, payload needs, daily distance, dwell time, and infrastructure readiness.
M12L20 – Vehicle Improvement Opportunities
Study of operational improvements addresses how to reduce idling, unnecessary trips, empty running, route deviation, and poor scheduling. The lesson reviews vehicle and equipment improvements by examining how to right-size vehicles to duty cycle, payload, range, and route profile. Coverage of infrastructure improvements includes depot charging, smart charging, fuel management systems, tire inflation stations, and maintenance diagnostics. Learners examine financial and implementation evaluation through savings from fuel, maintenance, downtime, penalties, emissions, and vehicle reduction.
M12L21 – Aerodynamic and Accessory-Related Improvements
The lesson reviews aerodynamic losses through drag affected by frontal area, shape, speed, gaps, crosswinds, and add-on equipment. Coverage of aerodynamic measures includes cab roof fairings, side extenders, trailer skirts, boat tails, underbody panels, gap reducers, and smooth cargo covers. Learners examine accessory energy loads through air-conditioning, refrigeration units, hydraulic lifts, ptos, lighting, compressors, pumps, and onboard electronics. The discussion addresses accessory improvement measures by considering efficient auxiliary power units, electric standby refrigeration, automatic shutoff controls, LED lighting, and variable-speed drives.
M12L22 – Transport Information Management
Coverage of information system structure includes fleet management information system linking vehicles, drivers, fuel, maintenance, routes, costs, and compliance. Learners examine data processing workflows through automated import of fuel, odometer, telematics, maintenance, and dispatch data. The discussion addresses dashboards and reporting by considering fuel use, energy intensity, cost, emissions, idle time, utilization, route performance, and maintenance alerts. Key points in decision support include vehicle replacement planning, fuel switching, route redesign, maintenance prioritization, and driver coaching.
M12L23 – Vehicle Monitoring Systems
Learners examine monitoring system components through GPS receiver, telematics control unit, OBD or CAN bus interface, sensors, driver id, fuel data, and communication network. The discussion addresses monitored parameters by considering location, speed, distance, route, stops, idle time, engine hours, fuel rate, harsh events, fault codes, and driver id. Key points in analytics and alerts include fuel economy trends, idle hot spots, route deviation, unauthorized use, harsh driving, and maintenance faults. Study of implementation considerations focuses on pilot testing, data-quality validation, driver communication, privacy safeguards, and training.
M12L24 – Monitoring Driver Performance
The discussion addresses driver performance indicators by considering fuel economy, idle time, speeding, harsh acceleration, harsh braking, cornering, route adherence, and engine fault response. Key points in driver scorecards include clear scoring rules for energy, safety, compliance, and service quality. Study of coaching and corrective action focuses on targeted feedback on idling, acceleration, braking, speed, gear use, routing, and pre-trip checks. The lesson reviews verification of performance improvement through baseline driver metrics established before training or monitoring changes.
Key points in transport mode boundaries include passenger transport versus freight transport as separate audit categories. Study of road transport focuses on cars, vans, buses, motorcycles, rigid trucks, tractor-trailers, forklifts, and service vehicles. The lesson reviews rail, ship, and air transport through rail energy use driven by train mass, loading, route gradient, traction type, stop frequency, and scheduling. Coverage of modal selection in energy audits includes matching mode to service need, shipment size, urgency, geography, and reliability requirement.
M12L2 – Public Transport vs. Private Transport
Study of public transport characteristics focuses on buses, bus rapid transit, metro, tram, commuter rail, ferries, shared shuttles, and demand-responsive transit. The lesson reviews private transport characteristics through private cars, motorcycles, taxis, ride-hailing vehicles, company cars, and employee-owned vehicles used for business. Coverage of comparative energy assessment includes passenger-km as the preferred basis for comparing public and private transport. Learners examine demand management measures through shift travel to buses, rail, shared mobility, walking, cycling, or virtual alternatives where service quality allows.
M12L3 – Vehicle Types and Transport Sectors
The lesson reviews vehicle type classification through light-duty vehicles, medium-duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, buses, motorcycles, forklifts, rail vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. Coverage of transport sector classification includes urban passenger mobility, freight distribution, long-haul logistics, construction transport, mining, agriculture, warehousing, aviation, marine, and rail. Learners examine duty cycle profiles through stop-and-go urban duty, highway cruise, delivery routes, shuttle loops, yard operation, off-road hauling, and standby operation. The discussion addresses audit inventory requirements by considering vehicle id, age, make, model, fuel type, rated capacity, odometer, engine hours, and ownership status.
M12L4 – Transport Options Available
Coverage of transport service options includes owned fleet, leased vehicles, contractor transport, public transport, shared mobility, courier services, and multimodal logistics. Learners examine vehicle technology options through efficient diesel, gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, fuel-cell, CNG, LNG, LPG, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and ethanol-capable vehicles. The discussion addresses infrastructure options by considering fuel storage, charging stations, depot charging, workplace charging, hydrogen supply, CNG compression, and maintenance-shop upgrades. Key points in operational options include route optimization, load consolidation, scheduling, backhauling, dispatch control, and reduced empty running.
M12L5 – Fuel Costs for Transport
Learners examine fuel cost components through unit fuel price, taxes, delivery fees, storage cost, card fees, electricity demand charges, and fuel escalation. The discussion addresses fuel unit conversion by considering litres, gallons, diesel equivalent gallons, gasoline gallon equivalent, therms, kg hydrogen, kWh, and MJ. Key points in transport cost metrics include cost per km, mile, hour, trip, delivery, passenger-km, tonne-km, pallet, or service call. Study of audit cost analysis focuses on fuel purchase records reconciled with tank dips, fuel cards, odometer logs, telematics, and invoices.
M12L6 – Vehicle Operation and Fuel Use
The discussion addresses duty cycle energy drivers by considering acceleration, cruising speed, braking, grade, stop frequency, idling, and accessory loads. Key points in driving behavior include harsh acceleration, high speed, late braking, unnecessary idling, and poor gear selection. Study of vehicle operating states focuses on loaded travel, empty travel, idle, queuing, loading, unloading, standby, charging, fueling, and maintenance downtime. The lesson reviews fuel use calculations through fuel economy expressed as km/l, l/100 km, mpg, kWh/km, or kg/100 km.
M12L7 – Impacts on Fuel Consumption
Key points in vehicle design factors include vehicle mass, engine size, transmission, axle ratio, tire type, body shape, and drivetrain efficiency. Study of operating environment focuses on congestion, traffic signals, road grade, pavement condition, altitude, temperature, wind, and precipitation. The lesson reviews load and utilization through payload, passenger occupancy, cube utilization, empty running, and backhaul performance. Coverage of maintenance and condition includes tire pressure, wheel alignment, air filters, injectors, spark plugs, lubricants, brakes, and cooling systems.
M12L8 – Driver Training and Awareness
Study of eco-driving principles focuses on smooth acceleration, gentle braking, steady cruising, correct gear use, and speed control. The lesson reviews training program design through baseline driver performance review before training. Coverage of driver feedback and motivation includes fuel economy, idle time, harsh events, overspeeding, route adherence, and safety events shown in scorecards. Learners examine awareness and culture through explaining fuel cost, emissions, safety, maintenance, and customer-service impacts.
M12L9 – Vehicle Maintenance for Road Transport
The lesson reviews preventive maintenance program through scheduled inspections based on distance, engine hours, calendar time, or duty severity. Coverage of fuel-efficiency maintenance items includes tire pressure, tire wear, wheel alignment, balancing, and low-rolling-resistance tire selection. Learners examine inspection and diagnostic methods through driver vehicle inspection reports, workshop inspections, fault-code scanning, and oil analysis. The discussion addresses maintenance documentation by considering work orders, parts records, downtime, failure codes, inspection results, and maintenance cost by vehicle.
M12L10 – Maintenance Cost for Different Fuels
Coverage of maintenance cost categories includes labor, parts, consumables, tires, fluids, filters, diagnostics, inspections, downtime, and specialized tools. Learners examine liquid fuel vehicles through gasoline and diesel maintenance for engines, fuel systems, exhaust aftertreatment, cooling, lubrication, and transmission. The discussion addresses gaseous and hydrogen vehicles by considering CNG, LNG, and LPG maintenance for pressure vessels, regulators, valves, fuel lines, leak detection, and ventilation. Key points in electric and hybrid vehicles include EV maintenance reductions from fewer moving parts and no engine oil, exhaust system, or conventional transmission.
M12L11 – Transport Planning and Logistics
Learners examine transport demand planning by considering how defining what must be moved, when, where, how often, and at what service level. The discussion addresses logistics network design by considering depot location, warehouse layout, hub-and-spoke design, cross-docking, and consolidation points. Key points in scheduling and load planning include trip batching, delivery sequencing, appointment scheduling, backhauling, and reverse logistics. Study of logistics energy opportunities addresses how demand reduction, route consolidation, modal shift, right-sized vehicles, and improved warehouse coordination.
M12L12 – Route Management
The discussion addresses route mapping by considering origin, destination, waypoints, customer locations, depots, refueling points, charging points, and parking areas. Key points in route optimization variables include distance minimization, time minimization, fuel minimization, payload sequencing, and delivery-window compliance. Study of field route controls focuses on driver route sheets, navigation systems, geofencing, dispatch instructions, and exception alerts. The lesson reviews route performance evaluation through actual versus planned distance, fuel, time, stops, idle hours, and on-time performance.
M12L13 – Fleet Management and Journey Optimization
Key points in fleet management scope include vehicle acquisition, assignment, dispatch, fueling, maintenance, replacement, disposal, and compliance. Study of fleet utilization focuses on vehicle utilization measured by days used, hours used, km, trips, payload, and productive time. The lesson reviews journey optimization through trip necessity review before approving travel. Coverage of fleet management systems includes fleet management information systems, fuel cards, telematics, GPS, maintenance software, and accounting systems.
M12L14 – Transport Data Collection
Study of data collection scope focuses on vehicle inventory, fuel purchases, distance, engine hours, trips, payload, passengers, routes, costs, and maintenance. The lesson reviews data sources through fuel invoices, fuel cards, tank records, odometer logs, engine-hour meters, dispatch records, GPS, telematics, and maintenance systems. Coverage of data quality checks includes reconcile fuel quantity with distance, tank inventory, vehicle assignment, and invoice dates. Learners examine field data methods through short-term GPS or telematics studies for vehicles lacking continuous monitoring.
M12L15 – Transport Energy Performance Indicators
The lesson reviews indicator selection by examining how epis chosen to match transport purpose, mode, vehicle type, and audit boundary. Coverage of fuel and energy intensity indicators includes l/100 km, km/l, mpg, kWh/km, kg fuel/100 km, and MJ/km. Learners examine utilization and productivity indicators through passenger load factor, payload utilization, cube utilization, seat-km utilization, and empty-running percentage. The discussion addresses cost and emissions indicators by considering fuel cost per km, trip, passenger-km, tonne-km, delivery, or operating hour.
M12L16 – Transport Benchmarking
Coverage of benchmarking purpose explains how to compare energy performance across vehicles, routes, drivers, depots, departments, and time periods. Learners examine benchmark types through internal historical benchmarks using the fleet’s own baseline. The discussion addresses normalization requirements by considering vehicle type, payload, passenger occupancy, terrain, traffic, climate, stop density, and route length. Key points in benchmark interpretation show how low fuel economy may indicate route difficulty, overloading, poor maintenance, driver behavior, or wrong vehicle assignment.
M12L17 – Transport Energy Estimating Methods
Learners examine top-down estimation through annual fuel use from invoices, fuel cards, tank records, or utility bills. The discussion addresses bottom-up estimation by considering vehicle energy estimated from distance, fuel economy, operating hours, idle hours, and auxiliary loads. Key points in component estimation include idling energy = idle fuel rate × idle hours. Study of uncertainty and assumptions focuses on sensitivity testing for fuel economy, distance, payload, idle hours, fuel price, and electricity tariff.
M12L18 – Transport Energy Modelling Methods
The discussion addresses model types by considering spreadsheet energy balance models for fleet fuel and cost analysis. Key points in model inputs include vehicle specifications, fuel type, energy content, payload, occupancy, routes, speed profile, idle time, and auxiliary loads. Study of calibration and validation addresses how to compare modelled fuel or electricity use with actual measured energy use. The lesson reviews scenario analysis through vehicle replacement, EV conversion, hybridization, alternative fuels, route optimization, driver training, and maintenance improvement.
M12L19 – Vehicle Specification Data vs. Real-Life Performance
Key points in specification data include rated fuel economy, electric range, payload capacity, engine power, battery capacity, charger rate, and emissions ratings. Study of real-life performance drivers focuses on payload, accessories, speed, congestion, idling, terrain, weather, tire pressure, and maintenance condition. The lesson reviews performance gap analysis by examining how to compare rated and actual fuel economy, range, energy use, payload, and availability. Coverage of procurement and audit implications includes specify vehicles using duty-cycle data, payload needs, daily distance, dwell time, and infrastructure readiness.
M12L20 – Vehicle Improvement Opportunities
Study of operational improvements addresses how to reduce idling, unnecessary trips, empty running, route deviation, and poor scheduling. The lesson reviews vehicle and equipment improvements by examining how to right-size vehicles to duty cycle, payload, range, and route profile. Coverage of infrastructure improvements includes depot charging, smart charging, fuel management systems, tire inflation stations, and maintenance diagnostics. Learners examine financial and implementation evaluation through savings from fuel, maintenance, downtime, penalties, emissions, and vehicle reduction.
M12L21 – Aerodynamic and Accessory-Related Improvements
The lesson reviews aerodynamic losses through drag affected by frontal area, shape, speed, gaps, crosswinds, and add-on equipment. Coverage of aerodynamic measures includes cab roof fairings, side extenders, trailer skirts, boat tails, underbody panels, gap reducers, and smooth cargo covers. Learners examine accessory energy loads through air-conditioning, refrigeration units, hydraulic lifts, ptos, lighting, compressors, pumps, and onboard electronics. The discussion addresses accessory improvement measures by considering efficient auxiliary power units, electric standby refrigeration, automatic shutoff controls, LED lighting, and variable-speed drives.
M12L22 – Transport Information Management
Coverage of information system structure includes fleet management information system linking vehicles, drivers, fuel, maintenance, routes, costs, and compliance. Learners examine data processing workflows through automated import of fuel, odometer, telematics, maintenance, and dispatch data. The discussion addresses dashboards and reporting by considering fuel use, energy intensity, cost, emissions, idle time, utilization, route performance, and maintenance alerts. Key points in decision support include vehicle replacement planning, fuel switching, route redesign, maintenance prioritization, and driver coaching.
M12L23 – Vehicle Monitoring Systems
Learners examine monitoring system components through GPS receiver, telematics control unit, OBD or CAN bus interface, sensors, driver id, fuel data, and communication network. The discussion addresses monitored parameters by considering location, speed, distance, route, stops, idle time, engine hours, fuel rate, harsh events, fault codes, and driver id. Key points in analytics and alerts include fuel economy trends, idle hot spots, route deviation, unauthorized use, harsh driving, and maintenance faults. Study of implementation considerations focuses on pilot testing, data-quality validation, driver communication, privacy safeguards, and training.
M12L24 – Monitoring Driver Performance
The discussion addresses driver performance indicators by considering fuel economy, idle time, speeding, harsh acceleration, harsh braking, cornering, route adherence, and engine fault response. Key points in driver scorecards include clear scoring rules for energy, safety, compliance, and service quality. Study of coaching and corrective action focuses on targeted feedback on idling, acceleration, braking, speed, gear use, routing, and pre-trip checks. The lesson reviews verification of performance improvement through baseline driver metrics established before training or monitoring changes.