An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows for identification of energy savings opportunities in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system, without negatively affecting the output(s).
The scope and the level of detail used in an energy audit should be proportionate and will depend on the impact of the energy uses and the purpose for which the output information will be used. Opportunities identified in an energy audit can vary; they may be of a technical nature, or they may also relate to how energy is managed by the organisation and/or how people’s behaviour can influence energy use. All of these types of opportunities should be considered for inclusion in an energy audit report.
There are many reasons for undertaking an energy audit including:
To improve energy performance and minimise the environmental impacts of the organisation’s operations.
To identify behavioural change opportunities by evaluating current operations and maintenance practices.
To identify technical opportunities by evaluating significant process energy-using components or utilities including boilers, refrigeration plant, ventilation systems, building performance and fleet efficiency.
To provide clear financial information regarding energy savings opportunities in order to prioritise these items for the organisation’s decision-making process.
To gain a greater understanding of a part or all of the organisation’s energy usage patterns.
To identify potential for using renewable energy supply technologies.
To achieve compliance with legal requirements such as the Energy Efficiency Directive, Industrial Emissions Directive or the Environmental Protection Agency’s waste license requirements.To comply with corporate social responsibility goals.
To meet customer and shareholder expectations.
To inform a strategic plan aimed at minimising the organisation’s carbon footprint.
To contribute to the process for certification to a formal energy management system, as set out in ISO 50001.
ISO50002 (2015) provides clarity on structures for efficient energy audits and is the acknowledged baseline for information on energy audits. However, the information in this handbook aims to provide additional direction, guidance and assistance on the process of delivering an energy audit.
