What is Energy Auditing?

It is the process of assessing and analyzing energy usage, whether electrical or thermal, to identify where losses are, reduce them, which in turn improves energy efficiency of the system, and reduces its energy cost. Energy audits are done on systems, buildings, and even entire facilities, and provides creative solutions to improve the efficiency of the system. Energy audits come up with a list of suggestions to the client on how to improve their system, which can range from shifting load usage time, replacing outdated and inefficient components, adding new technologies that reduce energy usage, optimizing systems, and switching to more efficient energy practices. An energy audit also estimates the cost savings from following these measures, and what the return on investment to them is.

Why do an Energy Audit?

Energy audits can be a cheaper and a more suitable solution to clients that wish to reduce their energy cost and have a better environmental impact, as it allows the client to internally reduce their energy consumption by following the audit’s recommendations to improve efficiency. An audit can easily uncover areas in which energy is being wasted that would otherwise go unnoticed, and are the cause of much unnecessary energy and operating costs. Energy audits can also improve the working environment of a building, by identifying issues related to thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting levels, and recommending improvements to them that enhance occupants’ productivity. An audit takes into account the nature of work being done within the facility, and provide the recommendations based on it. Furthermore, facilities that follow an energy audits’ recommendations can increase the facility and/or building’s property value, as having an energy-efficient building is attractive to tenants and/or future buyers, as it can reduce their energy costs. An energy audit can also display a corporation’s social responsibility to reduce its harmful environmental impact, and to become more green.