Assessments can be simple or complex, but the savings and impacts are undeniable.

It’s become a familiar refrain on the farm -the idea of doing more with less, particularly amid tightening margins and a less-forgiving economic outlook. Yet the concept of energy savings is a multi-faceted effect, not just with improved energy efficiency and opportunities for cutting costs, but with benefits for the environment, as well.

The good news is that unlike trimming fertility plans or reducing the use of herbicides or fungicides -which can have added impacts on production -saving on energy is one of the simpler ways to cut costs. Swapping out more efficient lights or adding variable frequency drives (VFDs) to a livestock barn can reap short- and long-term rewards, lowering utility costs, enhancing energy efficiencies and ultimately cutting CO2 emissions.

There’s also a benefit to the brand potential for a farm; energy audits can help position a producer as a leader in sustainable practices.

As a value-added service to its existing portfolio, Elite Agri Solutions is launching the latest of its services: Energy Audits, with a focus on Level 1 and Level 2 assessments. Beyond the cost savings and improvements in energy efficiency, energy audits are necessary to qualify for some funding programs like the Agri-Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ASI). Under the Minimum Requirements for a Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2), producers must contract the services of an independent consultant who is qualified to perform detailed energy audits. They must provide a written report summarizing the results for each component of the audit as described in the program specifications.

There are several factors that affect the complexity of the assessment …

With an ASI application, the written report is then attached to the reimbursement request.

Among the services the consultant may perform:

• Preparing for the audit
• Farm inspection and monitor of energy use
• Thermal imaging
• Data analysis
• Documentation of results
• Development of recommendations and plans
• Energy Systems/Improvements/Consultations
• Audit review with producer/farm owner

Energy usage monitoring equipment purchased by the producer and/or installation costs (for electrical and thermal energy monitoring) would also qualify.

There are several factors that affect the complexity of the assessment, including size, type and age of the operation, control of environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) and existing electrical systems. Those are just the preliminary aspects to be examined. Besides improving energy efficiency, the goal is to determine the return on investment on any upgrades recommended in the audit.

Begin with Benchmarking
It’s important for a producer to understand the starting point, which is why benchmarking is so important. An audit starts with data collection, then an inspection, analysis and reporting. Examining utility bills (12 months minimum -24 is better) and a walkthrough of buildings and other structures on the farm provides a baseline assessment. It provides insight which can lead to measures that significantly improve energy efficiency, conservation and ultimately lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Changing lighting systems, adding automatic monitors or increasing the number of fans for better airflow are some of the simpler, easy-to-manage considerations that can come from an energy audit. At an elevated level of assessment, the use of an infrared camera can improve insulation and raise R Values. An anemometer can help identify efficiencies in air flow inside a structure, where the need to control environmental conditions for poultry, livestock or dairy farming is paramount.

The more detailed the audit, the greater the return on investment

Luxmeters and temperature and humidity data loggers are other simple tools that can help determine potential and cost-effective improvements around a farm. Recommendations in an Energy Audit can help extend the lifespan of equipment, improve the comfort and productivity of both livestock and workers, and may even help ensure compliance with certain regulations.

Timing is everything
Audits are designed to be thorough and helpful without being intrusive. Level 1 audits can be completed within a day -maybe two -with a draft report completed in about a week. Given the complexity, the measurements taken with a Level 2 audit and the recommendations that may result, the initial assessment can take two to four days with the written report provided in one to two weeks.

Although energy audits typically highlight the benefits to livestock and poultry producers, those who manage greenhouses or are cash croppers can reap measurable rewards, as well. Managing air flow, temperature and humidity inside of a greenhouse operation is vital to production while cash croppers could see better performance from audits to equipment and workshops.

The more detailed the audit, the greater the return on investment. As stewardship and sustainability measures become more prominent across the agri-food sector, an energy audit becomes an integral part of increasing on-farm efficiency and accountability. Elite Agri Solutions now offers energy audits as part of its expanding portfolio of professional services. Call 519–953–4479 or email us today to bring the energy-saving process to your farm.