For most building owners — especially school districts — energy efficiency is only half the story. Reducing operational costs is essential, but what about the air we breathe inside these buildings every day?

At Smart Air Defense, we believe the future of building performance lies in combining energy efficiency with indoor environmental quality (IEQ). That’s why we’ve taken the traditional ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit and added a critical new layer: a full Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and ASHRAE 241 audit.

This enhanced approach ensures that when we deliver a proposal, it’s not just about saving energy — it’s about creating healthier, more sustainable learning environments that aim to exceed ASHRAE Standard 241.

What an ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit Includes

An ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit is a detailed, data-driven evaluation of your building’s performance. It identifies inefficiencies, quantifies savings opportunities, and prioritizes improvements that deliver real ROI.

1️⃣ Building Survey & Data Collection

A comprehensive review of building plans, equipment specifications, occupancy schedules, and utility data to establish your energy baseline.

2️⃣ Energy Use Analysis

Analyzing historical energy consumption to uncover inefficiencies and abnormal usage patterns.

3️⃣ Building Systems Evaluation

Assessing HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, and the building envelope to identify areas where performance and comfort can be improved.

4️⃣ Energy Modeling & Simulation

Using energy modeling software to simulate building performance under various conditions and test the impact of proposed Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs).

5️⃣ Identification of ECMs

Pinpointing actionable measures — from HVAC upgrades and lighting retrofits to improved insulation — that can significantly cut energy use and operational costs.

6️⃣ Financial Analysis & Payback

Each ECM is analyzed for implementation cost, projected savings, and ROI to prioritize high-impact, financially viable solutions.

7️⃣ Recommendations & Reporting

Delivering a detailed report with findings, cost-benefit analysis, and a roadmap for implementation — helping owners plan projects strategically and secure funding or incentives.

NOTE: This is where Smart Air Defense’s strategic funding partner comes in. If you don’t have a way of securing the funding, we will secure it for you using private capital.  We will create a Public-Private Partnership (P3) between your school district and the funder. This is not something new. Cities and States have been using P3s for decades. The funder gets paid back using a portion of the savings we find, so it’s zero-debt funded. No need to pull from a school budget, and no need to raise a bond for capital improvements. It’s a win-win-win.

Adding the Missing Piece: IAQ + IEQ Audit

Here’s where Smart Air Defense goes further.

We’ve added a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) audit to every project — evaluating ventilation rates, filtration efficiency, air exchange, and occupant health metrics. This layer aligns directly with ASHRAE Standard 241and integrates advanced audit requirements such as:

Building Readiness Plan (BRP)

A documented strategy for managing infectious aerosols and maintaining healthy indoor conditions year-round.

Equivalent Clean Airflow (ECA) & Infection Risk Management Mode (IRMM)

Zone-by-zone calculations of pathogen-free air delivery, with clear activation protocols for high-risk periods.

Minimum Filtration (MERV 11 or higher)

Verifying compliance with ASHRAE 62.1 and 241 standards.

Air Cleaner Verification

Confirming all air cleaning technologies are both effective and safe (no ozone or harmful particle generation).

Annual Maintenance & BRP Updates

Ensuring continuous improvement and compliance through yearly system reassessment.

By integrating energy and IAQ data, we create a holistic proposal designed to make your building both efficient and healthy.

Why This Matters

Combining an ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit with an IAQ/IEQ audit helps schools and building owners achieve:

• • Immediate reductions in operating costs

  • Healthier, more productive indoor environments

  • Stronger long-term asset value and resiliency

  • Alignment with sustainability and public health goals

It’s not just about saving energy — it’s about transforming the entire indoor experience.

At Smart Air Defense, we’re helping schools take this next step — creating efficient, resilient, and healthy learning environments that work better for everyone.