Atlanta, GA – April 3, 2012 – zumBrunnen, Inc., an independent building consulting firm, is now offering Level 1 and Level 2 Energy Audits for commercial and multi-family properties. The Energy Audits help identify energy conservation measures to lower power, gas and water expenses. The audits uncover hidden problems such as moisture, ventilation issues, missing or insufficient insulation and mechanical issues. Correcting these problems increases building comfort for occupants, reduces environmental impacts and increases property values – all while lowering operating costs. zumBrunnen also provides clients with information to apply for government energy incentive programs.
“As a firm of independent building consultants, we recognize the importance of energy conservation and smart energy management to maximize resources,” said Thomas M. Maher, P.E., LEED® Green Associate and Certified Energy Manager®. “We are excited about offering energy audits to our clients because it will help them locate problems, enhance comfort, conserve energy and save money. As part of the audits, we will use our new thermal imaging equipment to help us quickly scan large areas and review an entire building including the roof, building envelope and all mechanical systems. It will help us pinpoint problems including specific areas of energy loss, water penetration, electrical hot spots and substandard construction that negatively impact building performance.”
About the zumBrunnen Level 1 Energy Audit:
zumBrunnen will offer a Level 1 Energy Audit. This audit includes performing a walk-through inspection of the facility to identify maintenance, operational or deficient equipment issues and to also identify areas which need further evaluation. An infrared camera will be used to assess the facility. Energy bills will be analyzed to determine the building’s energy cost and efficiency. The audit includes nameplate information of major equipment and additional information if available. A Level 1 analysis will typically identify and provide a savings and cost analysis of low to no-cost measures (operational), and a list of capital improvements that should be considered. Budget estimates of investment and savings are provided with the report. This study is good for prioritizing projects, and the cost runs between $2,000 to $5,000 per building depending on the type and size. zumBrunnen’s Level 1 Energy Audit includes a one-day visit, and the report will be submitted to the client in one to two weeks.
About the zumBrunnen Level 2 Energy Audit:
zumBrunnen will also offer a Level 2 Energy Audit. In addition to the Level 1 scope, this study also includes a more detailed building survey and energy analysis. Field measurements are taken to supplement nameplate data. Reference to TAB reports may be included. Life cycle cost analyses of competing energy conservation measures (ECMs) are included, and the data is provided to justify the recommendations. The cost is usually between $7,500 and $20,000 per building. The energy conservation measures are generally capital expenditure items, and the ROI and payback period are presented in the report. A one to two-day visit is normal for the typical commercial building, but it could take up to a week for more complex buildings. The final report should be provided in two to four weeks.
How zumBrunnen’s Infrared Equipment Improves their Energy Audits:
As part of the energy audits, zumBrunnen’s inspectors will use their new thermal imaging equipment to “see” where energy efficiency can be improved by allowing the inspectors to locate missing insulation, poorly sealed windows and doors and locate inadequate or poorly sealed ductwork. The infrared camera also exposes otherwise non-visible moisture problems and helps locate areas of water intrusion. The equipment will also help detect electrical problems because with the high-quality thermograms, the inspectors can “see” loose connections with motors, starters and/or in an electrical panel that, if left unchecked, might cause later serious problems such as fire.
About the Certified Energy Manager® (CEM®) Credential:
zumBrunnen Senior Project Manager Thomas M. Maher is recognized as a Certified Energy Manager and earned the (CEM) credential from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) demonstrating his professional knowledge of energy management practices. Maher joined zumBrunnen in 2005, and his depth of experience includes over 30 years of professional work in the industry. Maher holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Delaware State University, and he is registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Delaware. He is certified as a LEED® Green Associate from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and he is also recognized as a Certified Level I Thermographer.
About zumBrunnen, Inc.:
zumBrunnen, Inc. was founded in 1989. With offices in Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC, the firm specializes in construction consulting, property condition assessments, facility condition assessments, long-range capital reserve study planning, thermal imaging services and energy management services for a diverse list of national clients. The firm is also recognized for their proprietary FacilityForecast® Software System, a unique facilities condition assessment and budgeting tool designed to forecast and manage long-term capital replacement expenses and to provide custom reserve funding plans designed to their client’s business model.
The firm has completed notable projects in a variety of market sectors including senior living, educational, multi-family, healthcare, institutional, mixed use, retail, office, warehouse, industrial, hospitality and public assembly. The firm is involved with numerous associations including LeadingAge (formerly the American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging or AAHSA), LeadingAge North Carolina (formerly NCANPHA), LeadingAge Florida (formerly FAHSA), Aging Services of Georgia (formerly GAHSA), Life Services Network (LSN), Coalition for Leadership in Aging Services (CLAS), Association of Professional Reserve Analysts (APRA), Community Associations Institute Georgia (CAI-GA), Community Associations Institute North Carolina (CAI-NC), Community Associations Institute South Carolina (CAI-SC) and the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI). For more information about zumBrunnen, please contact 404.601.4050 or info@zumBrunnen.com.
