Working under the direction of UWin Engineering Faculty, undergraduate and post graduate engineering students form a team that plan, prepare, and deliver energy audits for targeted Union Gas clients.  These comprehensive assessments start with a complete analysis of the client’s historical energy usage patterns.  Preparations are then made for an on-site visit.  On-site visits typically last four to five hours.  On-site, the student team meets with the client to review plant procedures and processes.  Equipped with specialized equipment to measure and monitor light intensity, air flow, compressed air leaks, temperature, pressure losses, and combustion efficiency, the team then meticulously inspects facility equipment and processes with a critical eye for potential energy savings.  Data collected during the visit is then compiled and analyzed at the UWin – Energywise Centre.  Following analysis, the findings are organized into a report that highlights opportunities for energy savings through a series of recommendations; included with each recommendation is a quantified payback period to assist the client in assigning priority to each prospective improvement.  Finally, after reports have been delivered to the client, the UWin team returns to the facility to discuss the report with the client and survey their satisfaction with the program.

The Union Gas Energywise team typically performs audits for industrial facilities within Windsor and the Southwestern Ontario region.  Potential clients can contact the Energywise team to discuss their current energy usage and arrange for an audit. Potential clients can fill out an application form here. Clients are chosen on a basis of the quantity of natural gas that their facility uses.  They are advised to forward their utility bills from the previous twelve months and any other pertinent information so that the team can begin by analyzing energy usage patterns.  Each semester the Energywise team performs five to six energy audits.  After an on-site visit, the team prepares a full report highlighting recommendations for each facility.  These reports are typically sent to the client within two to three weeks.

The Energywise team has saved approximately $817,337.44 annually over the life of the program. There is an average annual savings of $68,111.46 per audit. The following are a list of past successes and responses from our clients:

  

© 2008-2009 Energywise Program   |  138A Essex Hall   |   University of Windsor  |  401 Sunset Avenue   |   Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4   |   519-253-3000 Ext. 2543