Conducting an energy audit

© Andrey Popov, image #105060505, 2018, source: Fotolia.com

Information

Impacts:
Energy
Sector:
Cross-cutting
Investment cost:
Low cost
Cost savings:
Savings depend on actions taken thanks to the energy audit (identification of waste, equipment improvement, etc.)
Cost:
Low cost
Size of company:
Micro (less than 10)

Companies, especially SMEs, need to operate as efficiently as possible to remain competititve. Energy auditing is a useful way to identify and prioritise energy-saving opportunities.

First, assess current energy use in a company by taking energy meter readings and analysing consumption (record them in a tracking spreadhseet or similar template). Benchmark the data against similar organisations.

Next, conduct a site walk-around to get an understanding of how energy is being used in the various operations of the company, starting with the largest or central processes/services. Energy audit checklists to help guide this process are readily available, providing tips on equipment, timing, processes, and priorities for improving energy performance property-wide. In addition to the checklist, the auditor may need to wear relevant safety equipment, carry a digital camera to record and note areas for improvement, equipment for measuring temperature (loss) like an infrared thermometer, and a torch for inspecting poorly lit areas as well.

After completing the walk-around, the observations can be summarised in an action plan which should list the measures in a clear format. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the potential savings from each of the identified opportunities, comparing the benefits against cost and payback time. Involving colleagues and management at an early stage in the energy audit makes it easier to implement necessary actions.

Regular and consistent energy auditing helps to improve performance and reduce energy costs. Actions should start with low-hanging fruit (fast and affordable measures) and expand to more advanced projects once the benefits are noticed and everyone is fully on-board.

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