Energy Audits
An Energy Audit is a review of how you use your energy and more importantly where it is being wasted. It is the first step towards energy management and energy cost savings. Non SME’s are legally obliged, under the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and SI 426 of 2014, to have an energy audit carried out by a registered auditor.
In carrying out an energy audit, we first identify and evaluate all energy uses, and then make recommendations on implementing a strategic energy plan over the years. We rate the recommendations according to investment cost and payback period. We always recommend that the first implementation of any energy management plan focuses on ‘zero investment-energy awareness’. Thereafter, many of the recommendations will pay for themselves through energy savings in a short time frames.
The audit process involves inspecting all areas of the facility identifying energy use and potential energy wastage. Every piece of equipment that consumes electricity is identified and listed. This includes production and process plant, lighting, heating, cooling, computers, office machines, vending machines, water coolers, and other energy consuming devices. As information is gathered patterns of energy use are established.
The audit effectively becomes the road map to energy reduction. Depending on the facility we would agree an energy reduction target for the next three years. Our objective would be to re-audit in four years time even though this is not a legal requirement for SME’s. The European Union (Energy Efficiency) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 426/2014) transpose into Irish law European Directive 2012/27/EU on Energy Efficiency. Under the Regulations, all organisations which are not SMEs (i.e. enterprises which employ fewer than 250 employees and have an annual turnover not exceeding €50,000,000 or annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43,000,000) will either have to carry out an energy audit or have a certified energy or environmental management system in place.
What types of energy audits exist?
There are two main types of energy audit, these are:
Walkthrough audit
-
Light audit
-
Brief inspection of facilities to identify maintenance operational, deicient equipment and areas for further evaluation
Comprehensive audit
-
Thorough audit
-
Measuring & Monitoring
-
Detailed evaluation
-
Energy consuming systems
-
Economic evaluation
-
Idenfied opportunities
-
Cost and benef
Frequently asked questions
-
Why energy market intelligence is important?Energy market intelligence is important because it allows businesses to remain competitive in the ever-evolving energy marketplace. It provides accurate insights into market trends, pricing, demand, and supply to help businesses plan, allocate resources, and take action. With this information, businesses can anticipate shifts in the market and gain an edge over competitors. Additionally, market intelligence can be used to develop new products and services to better serve customers and increase profits.
-
What are the benefits of energy market intelligence ?1. Get insights on cost savings: Energy market intelligence can help you identify potential cost savings in your energy supply portfolio. As a consumer, you can compare suppliers and tariffs to get the best deal available. 2. Track energy market trends: Energy market intelligence allows you to track and forecast changes in the energy market. Knowing the trends in the industry can help you anticipate the prices that your suppliers will charge in the future, and strategize accordingly. 3. Develop strategies to reduce energy consumption: Analyzing energy market intelligence can help you develop strategies to reduce your energy consumption and improve energy sustainability in your organization. 4. Make informed decisions: By having access to energy market intelligence, you can make informed decisions that are strategically beneficial to your organization. This could include making the right investment decisions, or choosing the correct type of energy generation. 5. Generate profits: By making smarter energy supply decisions, you can increase your profits and become more competitive in the energy market.
Read more about energy audits in our energy audits brochure:
