INTELLIGENT ENGINEERING
A Pathway to Efficiency and Sustainability
Energy audits have emerged as a vital tool for businesses and organisations in an era where sustainability and efficiency matter more than ever. Comprehensively evaluating energy utilisation in buildings and facilities, audits identify opportunities to reduce consumption and thereby lower utility bills. But financial savings are not the only benefit. By decreasing energy demand, audits also lower associated greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants - contributing to environmental conservation. In summary, energy audits serve an important dual role. For organisations they optimise efficiency and cut costs. For the environment they support ecological sustainability by reducing the impacts of energy generation. As sustainability climbs corporate agendas, the value of audits for accessing these combined benefits will continue rising.
The Importance of Energy Audits
Energy audits are not just about finding areas where energy is being wasted. They provide a roadmap for organisations to reduce operating costs, improve the comfort of their building or facilities, and positively impact the environment. In many jurisdictions, buildings and facilities are required to meet specific energy efficiency standards. An energy audit can identify areas where a building or facility is not meeting these standards and provide recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency to meet compliance requirements.
The Energy Audit Process: A Closer Look
At EPConsult Energies (EP), we conduct energy audits in a systematic and thorough manner. The process begins with the 'Preparation & Pre-analysis' phase. During this stage, we confirm the scope of the audit, collect preliminary data, identify key personnel, schedule site visits, and develop an energy use baseline and measurement plan.
The next phase is the 'Site visit & Reporting'. Our team conducts a site audit, records findings, analyses current energy practices and usage onsite, develops an interpretation of energy opportunities and threats, and finally, develops a comprehensive report.
The focus of the energy audit is primarily on Significant Energy Users (SEIs). For buildings, this might involve optimising and improving the energy efficiency of the lighting, HVAC systems, boilers, coolers, windows, and more. For process plants, the audit may look at improving the burners, considering heat pumps, optimising the heat exchanger network, improving insulations, and more.
Towards a Greener Future
An integral part of the energy audit is considering the shift from fossil fuels to alternative green energies. Solar, wind, or hydropower is a viable option, depending on the location and availability of renewable energy sources.
Following the identification of potential changes, a financial analysis is conducted to evaluate the costs associated with the changes identified during the energy audit versus the benefits that will be gained after implementing those changes.
Finally, by looking at the financial indicators (i.e. IRR, NPV, payback period), the required investment, availability of other energy sources, and any potential operational or social barriers, we prioritise the identified changes and recommend them to the client management.
For organisations seeking to achieve key objectives - financial savings, lower environmental impact and improved comfort - energy audits are a crucial means. By pinpointing inefficiencies and providing practical suggestions, audits clear the path towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Ultimately, the value of an energy audit lies in its ability to align organisational goals around three key areas: reducing outgoings via energy savings, decreasing associated carbon footprint and pollutants, and optimising facilities for occupant comfort. With their multifaceted benefits, audits are an essential tool for any forward-looking organisation.
Saiedeh Nikraftar
EPConsult Energies | INTELLIGENT ENGINEERING
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