ECOsystems Limited services

This process looks at all the services in an existing building and how they are performing individually and together as a system. We identify inefficiencies and potential for energy savings by reviewing control strategies and re-commissioning and replacing faulty or inefficient plant. We monitor and verify energy use and savings on an ongoing basis to ensure the building remains efficient at all times. The results of this continuous process can produce significant energy savings and, unlike a one-off energy audit, maintain these on an ongoing basis.

Opportunities for deep level energy efficiency retrofits are often identified as a result of a Continuous Energy Optimisation project and require significant capital. Typically these include upgrades to the BMS, more efficient and reliable valves and pumps, upgraded ductwork, speed drives, chiller and boiler upgrades, more efficient glazing or shading and insulation. The projects can lead to substantial energy savings in the order of 30 to 50%. DER’s can also be very useful to upgrade buildings from a lower energy rating (such as NABERS) to make the building more attractive to tenants requiring minimum energy performance levels.

Energy sub metering provides a real time ongoing energy audit so you can identify and address issues as and when they arise by sub metering all the main energy end uses (such as lighting, cooling and heating systems) and having the real time data available over a standard web browser. This allows you to interrogate the data and where, for example, you receive a message that the total energy use has risen on a particular day, you can investigate what happened at each sub meter and determine where this increase occurred. A typical example is a contractor changing set points or failing to re set equipment. Each time this happens energy usage creeps up and over time a new and higher baseload is accepted as ‘normal’.

This process involves developing a baseline of current energy use, identifying what energy at the site is correlated (such as m2 or outside air temperature), developing a benchmark and then setting reduction targets, such as a 10% reduction in energy use across a total portfolio or an individual property. Once this target is established, we work with you to determine the most cost effective measures to achieve the targeted reduction, including determining the actual costs and savings. After implementation we measure and verify the results and report regularly.

ESA’s are a way of financing energy efficiency upgrades where the energy savings fund the project. ECOsystems is currently working with a number of industry parties to offer this concept in New Zealand. In concept, a separate entity provides the capital for the project and the building owner or tenant pays a monthly sum over the life of the project that matches the pay back (typically 9 years) so there is no need for you to provide the capital up front. After an investment grade audit of your site, ECOsystems will recommend a turnkey energy efficiency upgrade. The audit will provide a Target Savings Goal and typically guarantee between 85 and 90% of this figure. This guarantee will then equal your monthly repayment. There is no requirement for personal or company guarantees. Security is provided through the new equipment supplied for the term of the agreement. At the end of the term the equipment remains in your ownership and the contract is at an end.