Comprehensive Energy Audit and Efficiency Assessment of a University Campus: A Case Study at the University of Eastern Philippines

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive energy audit of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) aimed at assessing electricity consumption patterns, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing energy conservation strategies for institutional sustainability. The audit followed a three-phase framework—pre-audit planning, detailed audit and analysis, and post-audit evaluation—guided by the standards of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and ASHRAE. Data were collected from 25 major campus facilities using electricity billing records (2016–2018), field measurements, and stakeholder interviews. Results revealed a 51.4% increase in total electricity expenditure over three years, from ₱4.77 million to ₱7.22 million, driven by infrastructure expansion, increased equipment usage, and reliance on air-conditioning systems. The Cocofed Building, College of Business Administration (CBA) Building, and Bio-Physical Laboratory were identified as the highest energy-consuming structures, accounting for a substantial portion of total campus demand. Seasonal variations showed peak energy use from May to October, corresponding to high cooling loads. Based on audit findings, the implementation of targeted Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)—including LED retrofitting, HVAC optimization, behavioral reforms, and potential solar photovoltaic integration—could achieve up to 15% reduction in energy use, equivalent to approximately ₱692,000 in annual savings. The study concludes that systematic energy auditing provides an essential framework for data-driven decision-making and long-term sustainability in higher education institutions, particularly in tropical and developing regions.