Energy Audit FAQ
What is a business energy audit?
A business energy audit assesses the energy needs and energy efficiency of your business.
An audit can assess everything that affects energy usage and efficiency. It looks at everything from the structure of your building to the equipment you use. This will give you an in-depth understanding of current energy usage.
This will feed into a plan to identify areas where you can make energy savings.
Why should my business have an energy audit done?
An energy audit is the best place to start when trying to identify potential ways to reduce costs and improve your overall energy efficiency. There are several benefits to carrying one out.
Identify cost-saving opportunities in energy efficiency measures.
Reduce your carbon emissions.
Claim back on historic (bills) billing inaccuracies using our invoice validation service.
Be informed of finance options or tax incentives available to your business.
Identify was to reduce grid reliance and lower exposure to energy price hikes.
Is a business energy audit a legal requirement?
There is currently legislation that requires a commercial enterprise with more that 250 employees to carry out an energy audit on a periodic basis (ESOS and SECR).
There is currently no legal requirement for SMEs to carry out an energy audit, however they can be incredibly beneficial and a worthwhile investment to assess your energy usage to identify ways to reduce costs and become more efficient.
There is also a strong likelihood similar legislation will filter down to smaller businesses soon, so it’s a good idea to get ahead of the curve.
Are there different types of energy audits?
Remote audit
With an emphasis on data analysis and high-level assessment with remote access to facility information through interview, client supplied photographs/video and web conference.
On-site opportunity assessment
Extending from the report audit with a non-intrusive site-based assessment to visually identify areas for reduction.
Investment grade audit (IGA)
In some situations, it is necessary to carry out intrusive surveys to thoroughly and accurately identify guaranteed energy savings. An IGA will likely focus on specific areas such as heating, ventilation, process, or fabric.
What does a business energy audit involve?
To start A professional auditor with experience within your sector will assemble background information to enable an audit to begin.
Data and current usage assessment: The auditor will begin with looking at where your energy is currently being used and lost. As much detailed data will be assembled to assist in the accurate identification of opportunities. This will include energy data and also wider information relating to floor area, production variable, etc – whatever is relevant to the sector you occupy.
Survey Depending on the level of engagement a virtual or physical survey will be arranged to identify opportunity for reduction by the auditor.
Investment grade audit. If required more detail for each opportunity for reduction will be developed into an investment grade audit.
Findings Review: All findings will be documented into a detailed report for review and action.
Recommendations: Should any recommendations require actioning, then the next step would be to make a plant to implement the recommended actions.
Who can carry out a business energy audit?
Although you can carry out your own basic energy audit, it is worth having an experienced professional auditor who is qualified up to compliance standard to carry out the job.
A good audit could lead to a significant reduction in energy use often resulting in a 10% - 40% reduction in costs.
What outcomes or findings should I expect from my energy audit?
Energy and carbon reduction measures
A comprehensive and accurate assessment of the potential energy/carbon reductions along with details of the specific measures or technology required for implementation.
Finance options available to implement suggested measures.
Building management and maintenance recommendations.
Guaranteed cost savings and return on investment.
Smart metering installation to verify before and after, if required.
Detailed action plans.
How much does an energy audit cost?
Depending on the depth and scope of the audit, size of business and number of sites – an energy audit typically costs circa £1750. However, can vary significantly according to a range of factors.
With energy prices as they are now, a site consuming 500,000kwh p/yr could be audited for under 1% of their annual spend.