The ACCESS Rhône-Alpes Programme helps companies analyse and manage their energy consumption. It has been set up with the support of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, Ademe, and the Chambers of Crafts, Commerce, and Industry. It has three main components: the energy visit, Optim'Energy programme and Energy Focus (Cap énergie) programme.

Energy visits are free of charge, and take place on-site to identify potential cost-effective savings, increase energy efficiency, and set up energy management tools. Optim'Energy helps companies pursuing certification under the ISO 50001 standard. Energy Focus helps companies to better understand energy management and implement changes leading to financial gains.

Energy Focus is actually a three-step process:

• On-site consultation by a business and energy expert who defines priority savings targets and helps the company implement the solutions
• Technical training of an energy officer within the company
• Implementation of a monitoring plan with measuring equipment that remain on the property

Case example 

• Analysis of compressed air equipment
• Study of energy consumption in ventilation systems
• Process optimisation (machines, injection molding machine, oven, etc.)
• Energy recovery feasibility​
• Lighting installation analysis ... and more

Return on investment (ROI):

• Compressed air equipment - up to 70 % energy saving with very fast payback
• Processes - up to 60 % savings on equipment consumption with average ROI of 3 or more years
• Space heating and ventilation systems - up to 20 to 30 % savings with ROI of between 0 and 3 years
• Engines and pumps: up to 50 % saving on station energy consumption with average ROI of under 2 years

Financials:

• Total cost of the programme: € 14 350 excluding tax
• Supported by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the European Union (ERDF): 79 %
• Remain in charge of the company: € 2 950 excl. tax
• Energy meter with its sensors worth € 500 excl. tax
• Easily movable, remains the property of the company at the end of the programme