Energy Audits

1. Preparation and Planning

• Understanding Objectives: Define the audit's goals, such as cost reduction, sustainability, regulatory compliance, or preparing for certifications like ISO50001.
• Data Collection: Gather information about energy bills, operational processes, equipment specifications, and historical energy usage.
• Scope Definition: Determine the boundaries of the audit (e.g. specific systems, entire facilities) and decide on the type of audit:
  • Desktop Audit: A basic overview of energy use.
  • Targeted Audit: Focused on specific areas like HVAC, lighting, or manufacturing processes.
  • Detailed Walk Through & Energy Audit: A comprehensive analysis, including energy modelling and financial calculations.

N.B: A fee could be charged for this service dependent on requirment and location, any fee will be deducted from future service or technolgy orders.

2. Site Inspection

• Physical Walkthrough: Visit the site to observe how energy is used in systems, processes, and equipment, and identify inefficiencies.
• Inspection Areas:
  • Building Envelope: Check insulation, windows, doors, and roofing for heat loss or air leaks.
  • Lighting: Assess lighting systems and potential for LED retrofits or occupancy sensors.
  • HVAC Systems: Evaluate heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment for inefficiencies.
  • Electrical Systems: Inspect motors, transformers and power distribution systems.
  • Processes and Equipment: Analyse machinery and operations for energy-intensive activities.
• Maintenance Practices: Review how equipment is maintained, as poor maintenance can lead to inefficiencies.

3. Data Analysis

• Energy Consumption Patterns: Analyse data from utility bills, energy meters, or sub-metering systems to identify usage trends and peak demand times.
• Benchmarking: Compare the facility’s energy performance with similar buildings, industry standards, or historical data.
• Performance Metrics:
  • Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
  • Energy Cost per Unit of Production
  • Carbon Emissions Associated with Energy Use

4. Identifying Opportunities

• Energy-Saving Measures: Propose interventions to reduce energy use, such as:
  • Upgrading to energy-efficient equipment (e.g. LED lighting, high-efficiency boilers).
  • Implementing energy management systems or smart controls.
  • Optimising operational practices and schedules.
  • Installing renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels).
• Categorising Opportunities:
  • Low-Cost/No-Cost Measures: Simple changes like adjusting thermostat settings or fixing leaks.
  • Capital-Intensive Upgrades: Investments in new technology or significant retrofits.

5. Financial Evaluation

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Estimate the upfront cost, potential savings, and payback period for each proposed measure.
• Return on Investment (ROI): Evaluate the profitability of energy efficiency upgrades.
• Incentives and Rebates: Identify available grants, tax credits, or subsidies to offset costs.

6. Reporting and Recommendations

• Detailed Report: Summarise findings, including:
  • Current energy performance.
  • Identified inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
  • Recommended actions and their financial impact.
  • Implementation roadmap.
• Energy Plan: Provide a step-by-step plan for implementing the recommendations, including timelines and responsibilities.

7. Implementation

• Action Plan Execution: Work with contractors, energy specialists, or in-house teams to carry out recommended upgrades.
• Monitoring Systems: Install systems to track energy use and savings after upgrades are implemented.