03.1 / Work ExampleEnergy Audits and Assessments

FRESCo conducts ASHRAE level 1, 2, and 3 energy assessments and engineering studies for a wide variety of building types, including commercial, multi-unit residential, and institutional. We operate programs on behalf of utilities, government and industry that enable us to offer FREE energy audits to customers. We evaluate options to make cost-effective upgrades that reduce energy consumption and operating costs. We’ve completed several hundred assessments for clients in the non-profit, public, and private sectors.

Here are a few examples:

CleanBC / BC Hydro Opportunity Assessments

Through the CleanBC and BC Hydro’s Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program, FRESCo offers fully funded Opportunity Assessments for multi-unit residential buildings. These assessments provide a comprehensive review of major mechanical, electrical and building envelope systems and energy use, identifying cost-effective upgrades to improve performance and reduce operating costs. Includes:

• A site visit to review major building systems and equipment
• Set up in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for energy benchmarking
• Identification of retrofit opportunities
• A report outlining analysis of costs, savings, and all applicable rebates and financial incentives
• A follow-up meeting to discuss the strategy to move forward

With program funding covering up to 100% of costs (except GST), these assessments provide building owners with a low-risk, high-value path toward energy efficiency and long-term asset resilience.

For a Detailed Business Case – Feasibility Study
FRESCo’s Feasibility Studies under the BC Hydro MURB Retrofit Program provide a thorough technical and financial analysis for the retrofit measures a building is ready to implement, effectively creating a detailed business case. These studies include detailed energy savings and cost estimates based on costing from your preferred, or other, contractors and engineering design and specifications, if applicable and requested.

BC Hydro Integrated Energy Audits & Feasibility Studies

FRESCo offers Integrated Energy Audits (IEA) and Feasibility Studies through BC Hydro for commercial and institutional buildings in BC. These services provide a clear, actionable roadmap for improving energy performance, reducing operating costs, and accessing available incentives.

Integrated Energy Audit (IEA)
The IEA delivers a fully funded high-level assessment of your building’s mechanical and electrical systems, building envelope, and overall energy use. It includes:

• A site visit and review of major building systems and equipment
• Analysis of energy performance and identification of retrofit opportunities
• A high-level business case for potential retrofits, including estimated costs, energy savings, and greenhouse gas reductions
• Highlighting of applicable rebates, tax incentives, and other funding programs
• End-to-end support from FRESCo, including proposal preparation, application submission, coordination with BC Hydro, and delivery of the audit report

Feasibility Study
Need a detailed business case for your upgrades? FRESCo’s Feasibility Studies, funded by BC Hydro, provide an in-depth technical and financial analysis and business case for the retrofit measures you consider implementing.

Royal Roads University

FRESCo conducted an extensive AHRAE Level-2 energy audit for over 20 buildings on this university campus.

The assessment included all major systems in the buildings which utilize energy (gas and electricity) as well as water. It included end-use analysis and performance benchmarking; identified potential improvements with Energy Conservation Measures; and provided additional analysis, support, or training on priority items identified during the audit.

The full Audit report explained findings, recommendations and GHG reduction strategies and identified potential funding sources such as grants, and utility rebates associated with Energy Conservation Measures. Life-cycle costing included energy consumption and utility costs, carbon tax, and operations & maintenance (O&M) costs including equipment replacement cost at end-of-lifespan. Options were also explored as long-term GHG solutions for a centralized Ground Water Heat Pump (GWHP) system to supplant the gas-fired boilers present at the campus core buildings, and consolidation of administrative workspaces into a single, energy-efficient facility.

Alberta’s Custom Energy Solutions (CES)

We’ve completed multiple energy studies under Alberta’s Custom Energy Solutions program. This includes industrial, institutional and commercial facilities, helping them improve productivity, reduce energy use/GHG emissions, and operating costs.

https://www.efficiencyalberta.ca/customsolutions/

Spartan Controls - Calgary

FRESCo performed an energy study in accordance with CES guidelines, examining all major energy-utilizing systems in Spartan’s Calgary headquarters. The assessment included utility billing analysis and end-use breakdown; identifying potential improvements with Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) including capital costs, savings and payback; and any significant anticipated interactive effects between ECMs.

Spartan Controls - Edmonton

FRESCo conducted an energy study for Spartan’s Edmonton office/warehouse facility. The recommendations focused on lighting; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC); building envelope improvements; renewable energy opportunities; compressed air; and water conservation. Process-related energy efficiency was also evaluated. Any energy conservation measures were only recommended where they would not impact or interfere with the core mission or function of the facility.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Fresco conducted ASHRAE Level-2 assessments for 2 buildings on the SAIT campus. The recommendations focused on lighting; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC); building envelope improvements; renewable energy opportunities; and water conservation. Process-related energy efficiency was also evaluated. Any energy conservation measures were only recommended where they would not impact or interfere with the core educational mission of the facility.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

FRESCo conducted an ASHRAE Level-2 assessment for NAIT’s Souch campus. The recommendations focused on lighting; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC); building envelope improvements; renewable energy opportunities; compressed air; and water conservation. Process-related energy efficiency was also evaluated. Any energy conservation measures were only recommended where they would not impact or interfere with the core industrial education function of the facility.

BC Housing

FRESCo conducted ASHRAE Level-2 energy audits for BC Housing at 13 sites. We investigated a variety of energy conservation measures including: fuel switching from natural gas to electric-heat pumps;LED lighting upgrades; makeup air unit upgrades;  boiler and domestic water heating upgrades; building automation controls; and commissioning.

Alberta Social Housing Corporation (ASHC)

FRESCo conducted ASHRAE Level-2 energy audits for ASHC at 12 senior residential facilities. We investigated a variety of energy conservation measures such as: LED lighting upgrades; plumbing upgrades and water conservation; makeup air system upgrades; boiler and domestic water heating upgrades; and building automation controls. Renewable energy options were also explored for each site.