What Does an energy audit mean for Companies?

An energy audit gives companies insight into their energy consumption and identifies concrete measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Zeno, what exactly is an energy audit?

Zeno Callens:
An energy audit is a systematic analysis of energy consumption within an organisation, building or production process. The aim is to gain insight into where and how energy is used and where there are opportunities to use energy more efficiently.

During an energy audit, energy flows are mapped, such as electricity, gas, heat and fuels. Based on this, inefficiencies and optimisation opportunities are identified, ranging from technical interventions to behavioural measures.
Energy audits are often carried out according to recognised methodologies and can range from a general screening to an in-depth technical analysis.

Which companies must carry out an energy audit?

Zeno Callens:
For certain companies, an energy audit is legally mandatory. In Flanders, this obligation applies to establishments of companies that meet the definition of a large enterprise with a final annual energy use below 0.1 PJ, and SMEs with a final annual energy use between 0.05 and 0.1 PJ.
 
This obligation stems from the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). In addition, there are additional obligations and energy policy agreements at regional level (such as in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia).
 
Even companies that are not obliged to do so are increasingly carrying out energy audits voluntarily in order to reduce costs, lower their CO₂ emissions and meet the expectations of customers and regulators.

What is the purpose of an energy audit?

Zeno Callens:
The purpose of an energy audit is to make energy consumption transparent and to identify concrete, cost-effective savings measures.This helps companies not only to reduce operational costs, but also to reduce their ecological footprint.
 
An energy audit also often forms the basis for further steps, such as investment decisions, energy management programmes or certifications such as ISO 50001.

What elements does an energy audit contain?

Zeno Callens:
An energy audit typically comprises several key components. First, energy consumption is analysed using historical data and measurements. Next, installations and processes are evaluated, such as HVAC systems, production equipment, lighting and the building envelope.
 
Savings measures are then identified and assessed both technically and economically, including investment costs, payback periods and impact on energy consumption and emissions. Finally, the audit results in a report with clear recommendations and priorities for implementation.

How can companies prepare for an energy audit?

Zeno Callens:

Companies can prepare by collecting relevant energy data, such as invoices, measurement data and technical information about installations. It is also important to involve internal stakeholders, such as facility management, production and finance, to obtain a complete picture of energy use.

 

Designating an internal responsible person or energy coordinator helps to ensure that the audit process runs efficiently.

After the audit, it is crucial to prioritise the proposed measures and translate them into a concrete action plan, so that the insights also effectively lead to improvements.

Where can companies find more information about energy audits?

Zeno Callens:

More information about energy audits is available from regional authorities and energy agencies, such as Leefmilieu Brussel, VEKA in Flanders and SPW Energie in Wallonia.

 

The European Commission also provides guidelines within the framework of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Of course, we at Sustinera support companies in carrying out energy audits and translating insights into concrete savings and sustainability measures.