Abstract
These days sustainability in the construction sector is imperative especially in building systems to achieve environmental and economic benefits. Out of the total energy consumption in the United States, the construction sector alone consumes 35% energy Therefore, it is the need of the hour that this sector must switch towards sustainability. An energy audit helps to establish baseline measures related to energy usage. This project aims to perform an energy audit to achieve the right balance among social, economic, and environmental factors which is the triple bottom line of the sustainability process. In this regard, the first step towards sustainability is the reduction in current energy usage. Energy audit targets areas for energy efficiency improvement. Thus, the data deduced from the energy audit will guide further in designing an action plan for the sustainable operation of the building. To achieve sustainability goals, emphasis will be on five design categories as Sustainable sites, Water efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Material and resources, indoor air quality. Once an energy audit is accomplished, the owner can apply for LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) certification of the building. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. This facilitates the owner to take advantage of a growing number of state and local government incentives. Once the analysis of current energy usage is done to achieve maximum energy efficiency, we can use renewable energy sources (on-site or off-sites) to make building ‘Zero Energy building’.