Energy Audits: Importance and Why You Need One Done

Energy Audit

What is an Energy Audit?

This can also be referred to as an energy assessment, it’s is an inspection, survey and critical analysis of energy flows for the identification of energy savings opportunities in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system, without negatively affecting the output(s) such as production volumes, safety or quality. The primary goal is to identify areas where energy is lost thereby lowering utility costs and minimizing environmental impact.

By completing an energy audit, individuals and companies get a bigger picture of their energy consumption, opportunities for improvement, and compliance with regulators and also set a benchmark for evaluating their performance against their peers.

In Kenya, all large power users of energy consuming more than 180,000 kWh annually must conduct an energy audit at least once every three years as per the Energy Management Regulations.

The recommended measures of an audit may realize significant or minimal energy savings over a wide range of periods. This will depend on operational changes proposed, investment that might be required and behavioral changes to be implemented. 

Building services whose systems are extensively inspected during audits mainly include; Electrical power systems, mechanical systems and thermal/ heating systems.

How Can Energy Audits Help Ensure the Efficiency of Fire Detection & Alarm Systems in Kenya?

Energy audits in Kenya are crucial in ensuring the efficiency of different types of fire detection systems. By assessing the energy usage of these systems, potential areas for improvement can be identified, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in detecting and alerting to fires.

Reasons for Undertaking Energy Audit

1. To Improve Energy Performance and Minimize Environmental Impacts: An energy audit is carried out to enhance an organization’s overall energy performance. Companies can minimize their energy usage by identifying and adopting energy-saving solutions, which lowers operational costs and reduces their environmental imprint. Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources, this corresponds with sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals.
2. To Identify Behavioral Change Opportunities: An energy audit evaluates current operational and maintenance practices to pinpoint opportunities for changing behaviour among employees or occupants. This could include teaching and encouraging people to adopt energy-efficient habits like turning off lights and equipment when not in use, which can result in significant energy savings.
3. To Identify Technical Opportunities: Energy audits assess technical aspects of energy use, including significant components and utilities like boilers, lighting, refrigeration systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and building performance. Identifying areas where equipment or systems can be optimized or upgraded helps reduce energy waste and operational costs.
4. To Provide Clear Financial Information: Energy audits offer financial insights into energy-saving opportunities. By quantifying potential energy savings and estimating the costs of implementing recommended measures, organizations can make informed decisions on which initiatives to prioritize. This data is crucial for budgeting and resource allocation.
5. To Gain a Greater Understanding of Energy Usage Patterns: Energy audits provide a detailed understanding of an organization’s energy consumption patterns. This data can be used to establish benchmarks, set targets, and monitor progress toward energy efficiency goals.
6. To Identify Potential for Using Renewable Energy: Energy audits can reveal the feasibility of integrating renewable energy supply technologies like solar panels or wind turbines. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also offers long-term energy cost stability and environmental benefits.
7. To Achieve Compliance with Legal Requirements: Energy audits may be mandated by government regulations, such as the Energy Efficiency Directive or the Industrial Emissions Directive. Compliance with these requirements is essential to avoid penalties and maintain a positive regulatory standing. Additionally, organizations must meet waste license requirements set by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency.
8. To Comply with Corporate Social Responsibility Goals: Many firms have set corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, which frequently involve reducing the impact they have on the environment. Energy audits and energy-saving measures are in line with these CSR goals, demonstrating a dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices.
9. To Meet Customer and Shareholder Expectations: Customers and shareholders increasingly expect companies to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Energy audits and subsequent improvements signal to stakeholders that the organization is actively working to minimize its carbon footprint and reduce energy costs.
10. To Inform a Strategic Plan for Reducing the Carbon Footprint: Energy audits are a vital component of strategic planning for carbon footprint reduction. The data and recommendations from audits guide organizations in setting and achieving specific carbon reduction goals.
11. To Contribute to Certification to a Formal Energy Management System (e.g., ISO 50001): ISO 50001 is an international standard for energy management systems. Energy audits are often the initial step in achieving certification to this standard. ISO 50001 certification signifies a commitment to continuous improvement in energy management, energy performance, and sustainability.

Energy Audit Process

The process has two main phases that have steps, prerequisites and milestones that have to be achieved to make the overall process a success. These phases and steps include:

1.          Preparation and Pre-analysis

• Introductory meeting: Serves to establish the framework for the energy audit. It confirms the audit’s scope, involves relevant organizational staff, and collects essential energy data. This data is crucial for evaluating the organization’s current energy consumption and management practices.
• Preliminary Analysis: Examination of the data provided by the client organization can enhance the efficiency of on-site audit work. It can draw attention to areas that may require deeper investigation, such as periods of unusually high energy usage or specific regulatory concerns
• Investigate the most advanced technologies and practices relating to the client’s industry or business
• Plan on how to take measurements. Modern portable meters can collect data over several days and then upload it for remote analysis, providing a convenient and accurate way to assess measurements.
• Studying current and past performance: By examining data provided by the client, observations from the site visit, and metering outcomes, the audit team can acquire a comprehensive understanding of the site’s energy usage patterns. This analysis also aids in gaining insights into the site’s operations, technologies, and processes. Furthermore, it assists in identifying specific areas that should receive focused attention during the audit.
• Develop an audit checklist

2.          Site Visit and Report

• Conduct Site Meetings, Audits, and Record Findings: Perform on-site meetings and audits to gather crucial data. During these visits, record detailed observations and findings related to energy consumption, systems, and operations. Engage with personnel to understand the practical aspects of energy use.
• Analyze Current Energy Practices and Usage on Site: Examine and evaluate the existing energy practices and patterns at the site. Analyze energy consumption trends, peak usage times, and areas where energy is being inefficiently used. Identify any deviations from industry best practices.
• Develop Graphic Interpretation of Opportunities and Threats: Create visual representations that illustrate opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. Also, create visuals that highlight potential threats or challenges that may hinder energy savings. These graphics help in presenting information in a clear and easily understandable manner.
• Develop a Final Report with Contextualized Graphic Information: Compile all the data, findings, and visual interpretations into a comprehensive final report. This report should provide a context for the graphics, explaining their significance and impact. The report is a critical document for the organization, as it outlines actionable steps for enhancing energy efficiency and serves as a reference for future energy management initiatives.