The following is a compiled list of resources that schools can use to develop a baseline energy needs assessment for a school facility. These resources can help schools calculate the expected energy efficiency, energy savings, and safety benefits of different energy improvements (i.e., lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements, etc.).

Applicants to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities program may utilize any of these resources to develop a baseline energy needs assessment if they do not have other needs assessment reports available.

 

OPTION 1: Quick Building Assessment Form and Tool

Video courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy

This tool provides identification of energy improvement opportunities, recommendations for energy efficiency measures, and associated health and safety benefits for various projects. Use the following instructions to utilize these resources:  

  1. Download and fill out the School Energy Assessment (SEA) Form to collect facility information for the Quick Building Assessment tool.
  2. Create a login for and log on to the DOE Asset Score tool.
  3. Select the green “Quick Building Assessment Tool” button in the upper right hand corner of the dashboard.
  4. Follow tool steps and input estimates generated from the SEA form, as applicable.
  5. Download the Asset Score report and generate Energy Conservation Measure Cost Estimations.
  6. Consult the Quick Building Assessment Tool User Guide if you have questions.

OPTION 2: DOE Asset Score

This tool allows users to generate energy retrofit measure recommendations and energy savings estimates. Use the following instructions to utilize this resource:  

  1. Create a login for and log on to the DOE Asset Score tool.
  2. Select the green "Add a Building" button in the upper right hand corner of the dashboard.
  3. Consult the Getting Started instructions to assist in completing each step.
  4. Score the building and review the associated Energy Asset Score Report. 

OPTION 3: Third Party Needs Assessment

Use of a site audit or energy efficiency measure identification and impacts analysis as provided by a contractor (i.e., Energy Service Companies [ESCOs] or consultant).

OPTION 4: School Prototype + Retrofit Package

This Modeled Retrofit Package Performance for Prototype Schools resource allows users to look up modeled savings and performance metrics estimates of various energy technology packages based on climate zone and school type (elementary or secondary).