Why Carry Out an Energy Audit?

An energy audit establishes how a facility uses energy and identifies practical ways to improve performance. The aim is to reduce avoidable consumption and cost while maintaining production, comfort, safety and the required quality of operations.

Energy use and environmental impact

Facilities use thermal energy for heating, processing and drying, and electricity for motors, equipment and lighting. Useful performance measures include energy per unit of output, such as MJ/product or kWh/product.

Energy production and use can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. A current assessment should use appropriate, documented factors and data for the actual fuels and reporting period.

What an audit delivers

• A picture of current energy use and significant consumers.
• Evidence of operating losses and improvement opportunities.
• Technical and financial assessment of suitable measures.
• Priorities for action and a method to verify results.

Measurements and records

Choose measurement points and parameters to suit the process. Typical data include electricity consumption in kWh, power factor, fuel quantities and energy content, production output, and electrical or thermal energy per unit of product.

Prepare suitable meters, recording forms and a measurement plan. Review the data for consistency before comparing performance or estimating savings.

Preliminary audit

1. Understand the site, production processes and available records.
2. Prepare interviews, instruments and a team with appropriate thermal and electrical expertise.
3. Inspect operations, interview managers and operators, and take initial measurements.
4. Analyse consumption patterns and identify priority opportunities.
5. Report the findings and recommend the scope of any detailed assessment.

An illustrative audit plan covers around 85% of energy demand, three to five days on site, approximately four auditors and a report within one month. These are planning examples, not universal staffing, coverage or timing requirements.

Detailed audit

A detailed study investigates priority systems more closely and quantifies technical and financial options. One planning example involves around 95% coverage, four to sixteen weeks of work, at least five specialists and a report within three months. Actual scope and timing depend on facility complexity and the agreed deliverables.

Annual preliminary and three-year detailed audit intervals should not be treated as blanket legal requirements. Confirm any statutory obligations and the organization’s own review needs separately.

Prioritize the opportunities

• No-cost actions: management, scheduling and operating improvements.
• Low-cost measures: targeted maintenance, controls or small modifications.
• Capital projects: equipment replacement or process changes supported by feasibility assessment.

The 10% and 20% savings examples for the first two groups were indicative, not guaranteed. Compare costs, benefits, payback, operational risks and environmental or occupational impacts. Financing may involve internal funds, loans, project support or other agreed arrangements.

From audit to sustained improvement

Assign responsibility, implement selected measures and measure the result against a suitable baseline. An audit becomes valuable when its findings lead to verified operational improvements.