Mobile Technology for Streamlining Energy Audits Dustin Bane, Keres / EMAT April 23 rd , 2014

1. Mobile Technology for Streamlining Energy Audits Dustin Bane, Keres / EMAT April 23rd, 2014

2. Course Objectives • Different methodologies and solutions • Drivers for implementation • Advantages and benefits • Mobile technology components • Application of mobile technology to the energy audit process (with training aid)

3. Methodologies & Solutions • Laptop with software applications (e.g., Excel, Word); • Tablet PC with software applications • Integration of software applications • Tablet PC with custom data collection software • Integrated solution – tablet -> cloud -> workstation (will be using a version of this as a training aid) • Combine tablet and workstation • Virtual audits

4. Drivers for Implementation of Mobile Technology • Energy management is very important to both the public and private sectors, and will only get more important • Budgets continue to get squeezed, and resources are limited • Public sector / government perspective • Private sector perspective

5. Drivers for Implementation of Mobile Technology Bottom line: Everyone is looking for ways to accomplish energy management goals and objectives as cost effectively as possible – using mobile technology can help Tablet Cloud Workstation Report

6. Advantages & Benefits of Mobile Technology for Energy Auditing • Primary benefits • Reduce overall costs associated with energy auditing • Reallocate saved money to ECM projects to further reduce energy footprint and associated energy costs • More cost effectively meet energy management goals and objectives

7. Advantages & Benefits of Mobile Technology for Energy Auditing • Other benefits • Increased process efficiency • Decreased risk of data loss • Decreased chance of missed data and required site return • Improved capture and organization of onsite data (schedules, photos, etc.) • Shorter time frame from onsite to complete analysis and report • Increased audit report quality and consistency • Increased consistency and accuracy of ECM calculations • Improved data accessibility and security • Can more easily retrieve audit data for additional analysis and reporting

8. Mobile Technology Components • Data collection device • Laptop • Tablet – iOS, Windows • Data storage • Local / portable storage device (hard drive, thumb drive) • Local network server • Cloud (web server) • Workstation • Access to higher performance software applications • Primary for data analysis and reporting • Combination of data collection device and workstation (e.g., MS Surface)

9. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Challenges without integrated mobile technology • Inefficient, obsolete data collection process • Hasn’t changed much to leverage new technology • Pen and paper, notes, pictures – all on separate mediums • Difficulty keeping everything organized causes problems when ‘back at the ranch’ (especially if multiple audits were done) • Burdensome process integrating schedules, ECMs, calculations, analysis, photos, etc. into a single, cohesive document

10. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Pre Survey Preparation • Involves gathering data such as utility bills, floor plans, existing inventories and pre survey questionnaires • Can leverage API’s and utility bill reading software to eliminate the tedious process of collecting utility data • Pre-load data collection device with sites, buildings, areas, rooms, operating hours, utility data, specific equipment and other relevant information

11. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Site Survey and Data Collection • Should not rely on Internet connection • Consolidate multiple tools into single device • Especially useful if camera is integrated so that photos can be taken on the fly and immediately assigned to equipment, areas, ECMs, etc. • Software should be optimized for data collection process – intuitive and easy to use, anticipating data requirements

12. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Data validations can be implemented to ensure complete and valid data, and eliminate errors and omissions • In-context aids to make process more intuitive (e.g., auto-generate ECM based on inventory) • Data relationships can be captured and maintained throughout audit • Facilitate a quicker survey and data collection process

13. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Data Backup and Synchronization • Cloud technology is most reliable and secure • Best if multiple connectivity options are available so backup can be done at earliest convenience (e.g., 3G/4G/LTE, wireless) • Synchronization and backup to cloud

14. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Analysis and Calculations • ECM workbooks and utility benchmarking data can be integrated into system, making calculations and analysis for standard ECMs near-instantaneous • Initial calculations can be made automatically but should also be able to be adjusted / customized • Independent verification of ECM calculations is a must • Should be able to add custom ECMs, and save for reuse • ECM calculations should include realistic initial investment cost • Potential to include integrated / holistic ECMs

15. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Reporting • Utilize report templates based on audit type and scope • Can be customizable for different clients or levels • Auto-populated by data collected on site and calculations performed by the program • Potential is for energy audit report to be nearly complete when auditors leave site

16. Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process • Data Sharing, Exporting and Accessibility • All inventories, schedules, ECM tables and utility data could be immediately available for export to Excel • Potential for export/integration with Energy Star Portfolio, modeling systems, and client systems

17. Summary • Significant drivers exist for implementation of mobile technology for energy audits • Numerous methodologies and options exist for implementing mobile technology, ranging from laptops with Excel and Word templates to fully integrated systems. • The benefits of implementing mobile technology can be significant. Tablet Cloud Workstation Report

18. Questions Dustin Bane, Keres/EMAT dbane@keresnm.com 301-663-4800 x480 (Booth 236)