What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit, also known as an energy survey, is a review of your business’s energy use to identify potential improvements that can reduce your energy consumption, energy costs and carbon emissions.
Through an energy audit, you can learn how to better manage your energy use and improve the efficiency of your operations.
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A commercial energy audit is an assessment of a building or facility to identify opportunities to reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions and save money. Green Zone Surveys provide Level 1,
2 or 3 energy audits in compliance the methodology outlined in with ISO 50002 or BS EN 16247: 2012.
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The audit is carried out by a qualified energy auditor and, depending on what level of audit is being carried out, can provide an analysis of the building’s energy use, sources, systems and equipment. They can also look at how the building is insulated, how lighting and other electrical devices are used, and how other energy sources, such as gas, are managed.
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The report will include a list of recommendations on how to improve the building’s energy performance, allowing businesses to make informed decisions on what changes need to be made. A commercial energy audit is an important step in managing energy costs and ensuring that a business is taking advantage of all available energy-saving opportunities.
Why do I need an energy audit?
Energy audits are essential if you are looking to increase your operational efficiency and reduce your overall costs. An audit will reveal areas where energy is being used inefficiently, and help to determine how to best invest in energy-efficiency technologies, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, or energy monitoring systems.
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You can also benefit from improved customer satisfaction. Energy audits allow you to demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility, which can be a powerful marketing tool. You can also use the findings of an energy audit to develop strategies for reducing your carbon footprint and improving your environmental performance.
Typically, energy-saving
opportunities
can be up to
​
20%
When should you have an energy audit?
In general, it’s a good idea to conduct a commercial energy audit every two to five years to ensure that your business is operating at maximum efficiency.
You should also conduct one any time you make major changes or additions to the building or its systems, such as installing a new HVAC system or replacing windows.
An energy audit can give you the information you need to make sound decisions and create a more sustainable business.
What happens during an Energy Audit?
Commercial energy audits are undertaken by our experienced energy surveyors, who will identify and assess energy use within your business. The audit typically begins with a desk-based analysis of your energy bills and load profile. Green Zone Surveys will then visit your building and conduct a walk-through survey, during which the auditor will take note of any inefficient lighting, HVAC systems, and insulation.
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They will also assess the building’s envelope—windows, doors, and other openings that can let in or out air—to determine if the building is losing energy through these points. They will also review operational and management practices.
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Once the walkthrough is complete and depending on the audit level, our auditor may suggest additional testing techniques such as thermal imaging, air tightness testing, or duct leakage tests to get a more accurate understanding of the building’s energy use.
After all of the data is collected, it is analysed to determine which areas of the building are using the most energy, and what changes can be made to improve efficiency. We will then produce a report that outlines the findings and suggests ways to reduce energy consumption.
LEVEL 1 Energy Audit
A Level 1 commercial energy audit is a fundamental evaluation that provides an overview of a building’s energy consumption patterns and identifies potential areas for improvement.
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A Level 1 Audit is an entry-level audit and is suitable for small or medium buildings, or as a preliminary audit for larger organisations to determine potential improvements that require a further detailed study.
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A Level 1 audit provides a quantitative overview and can identify areas of focus for energy management resources. It can also help businesses with an improved awareness of energy usage, costs and the potential benefits of energy management and can identify significant energy uses.
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A Level 1 audit can provide typical and Indicative savings and payback periods calculated using common rules and simple payback methods. It can also outline the steps required to generate specific actions that can be implemented.
LEVEL 2 Energy Audit
A Level 2 commercial energy audit is a comprehensive assessment conducted to evaluate the energy efficiency of a commercial building in greater detail.
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A Level 2 Audit goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of your commercial building or facility to reveal hidden opportunities for improvement. It is suitable for single sites or processes to identify and evaluate a range of specific coherent opportunities with quantified costs and benefits.
A Level 2 audit provides a detailed understanding of energy consumption and of the relative contribution from each energy source including average and marginal costs. It can also help to identify and evaluate low-cost energy-saving opportunities, providing comprehensive savings calculations and preliminary investment costs.
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A Level 2 audit can provide typical and Indicative savings and payback periods calculated using common rules and simple payback methods. It can also outline the steps required to generate specific actions that can be implemented.
What can a
Level One Audit provide?
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Identification and basic evaluation of easily implemented low-cost opportunities. We offer a comprehensive range of building compliance and energy assessment services.
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Understanding of energy consumption at a site, system, process or fleet level (depending on available energy and other data).
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Improved awareness of energy usage and the potential benefits of managing energy.
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Determination of more capital-intensive opportunities.
What can a
Level Two Audit provide?
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Outline of steps required to generate specific actions that can be implemented.
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Detailed understanding of energy consumption and use.
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Understanding of relative contribution from each energy source including average and marginal costs.
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Identification and basic evaluation of easily implemented low-cost opportunities.
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Determination and analysis, including comprehensive savings calculation and preliminary investment costs,for capital measures.
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Compilation of data for energy review and monitoring purposes.
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Operational profile and detailed energy balance.