Energy Audit

An energy audit is the systematic examination of a site's energy consumption, the identification of losses and the presentation of saving measures together with a cost-benefit analysis. Unlike other audits, its output is not a statement of conformity but a MEASURED SAVING POTENTIAL.

The aim is to show numerically where and how much energy is lost and to provide a basis for the investment decision.

• Production facilities with high energy costs
• Businesses with an energy-efficiency obligation
• Organisations establishing ISO 50001
• Applicants for energy-efficiency incentives and grants
• Companies with a carbon-reduction target

The criteria are energy-audit standards such as the EN 16247 series (buildings, processes, transport) and ISO 50002; applicable energy-efficiency legislation and the facility's own energy baseline are also used.

• Collecting and verifying energy-consumption data
• Deriving the energy balance and consumption breakdown
• Identifying significant energy uses (SEUs)
• The energy baseline and performance indicators
• The efficiency of electric motors, pumps and fan systems
• The compressed-air system and leak analysis
• Steam and hot-water systems, insulation condition
• Heating, cooling and ventilation systems
• Lighting systems
• Process heat and waste-heat recovery potential
• Power quality and reactive energy
• Cost-benefit and payback analysis of savings measures

• EN 16247-1
• EN 16247-2
• EN 16247-3
• ISO 50002
• ISO 50001

1. 1Selecting the Criteria to ApplyThe standard, scheme or legislation against which the audit will be performed is determined; in subject-specific audits the choice of criteria directly determines what the result means.
2. 2Risk Assessment and ScopeRisk areas are identified according to the organisation's activity and location; the number of audit days is planned accordingly.
3. 3Review of Documents and RecordsPolicies, procedures, permits, measurement records and the results of previous audits are examined.
4. 4On-site AuditThe relevant areas are walked; subject-specific measurements, observations and record checks are made.
5. 5Worker InterviewsWhere the subject requires it, confidential interviews with workers are held independently of management; statements are compared with the records.
6. 6Assessment of Legal ComplianceCompliance with the legislation in force is checked separately; a legal nonconformity is the most serious category of finding in every scheme.
7. 7Reporting of FindingsFindings are classified by severity and compiled into a report.
8. 8Corrective Action and Follow-upA corrective action plan is obtained; its close-out within the period prescribed by the scheme is followed up.

Findings are reported as a SAVINGS OPPORTUNITY, not as a nonconformity. The estimated saving, investment cost and payback period are given for each opportunity; prioritisation is done based on these three.

• Details of the audit body, the auditor and the auditee
• Standard, scheme or legislation applied
• Date, duration and scope of the audit
• Findings from the review of documents and records
• On-site observations and measurement results
• Findings from worker interviews, where held
• Assessment of legal compliance
• Findings, their severity and the supporting evidence
• Corrective action plan and time limits

An energy audit is not a compliance audit and does not produce an accredited certificate; the output is a survey report. The calculated savings potential is an estimate based on the measurement period and assumptions; the actual saving achieved varies with operating conditions. The report is not an investment commitment or a guarantee.

Accreditation differs with the type of audit. Third-party audits underpinning management system certification are carried out under ISO/IEC 17021-1 and those underpinning product certification under ISO/IEC 17065; these scopes are subject to accreditation. First- and second-party audits, and audits governed by a scheme owner's own rules (such as SMETA or amfori BSCI), do not fall within accredited certification; they are conducted following the ISO 19011 guidance and produce a report. EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation under ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065, granted by accreditation bodies that are signatories to the IAF multilateral recognition arrangement; which audits can be offered within accredited scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Social Compliance Audit
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