Trinidad and Tobago - Ministry of Energy Presentation

Smart Energy recently completed Level II energy Audits, funded by the IADB, for Port of Spain's General Hospital, as well as the San Fernando campus of University of Trinidad and Tobago. Connectsun was responsible for summarizing and presenting the findings to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs.The findings were very typical considering it was only a Level II Audit. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) defines three distinct levels of audits:

1. Level I - Walkthrough and Preliminary Audit
2. Level II - Energy Survey and Analysis
3. Level III - Detailed Analysis of Capital Intensive Modifications

The main difference is an increasing sophistication between levels. Level II audits are great for identifying "Low Hanging Fruit" energy conservation measures (ECMs) characterized by rapid or instantaneous payback periods. ECMs including changing light bulbs or detailed behavioral guidelines and recommendations.

Level III Audits are much more complex with more detailed building envelope calcs designed specifically to analyze the viability of capital intensive measures like re-hauling the HVAC system or refurbishing a roof to improve the building's envelope.

Both reports recommended similar changes encouraging a greater use of daylighting with photosensor retrofits to automatically turn off lights when there is enough sunlight available. In additional, both the hospital and university could profit a lot from changing out older T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs with 800 series high performance lighting and LEDs.