Energy audit — Things to Know About
An energy audit is a prime important tool that identifies the energy efficiency for assessing the financial viability of a system. Be it the environment or a man-made system, an energy audit refers to the investigation of the energy use so that the energy wastage can be quantified.
An energy audit can be done at many levels. A simple level of energy can include only the broad assessment of energy input and output of the system. There can be a depth analysis of energy costs, energy usage, and other characteristics of the system along with the identification of capital intensive energies in the medium level of audit.
The investment-grade audit is the most sophisticated and complex kind of audit that includes continuous monitoring of the system data and process characteristics.
Phases of the energy audit
Generally, there can be three or four phases of the energy audit. The energy audit phases for any business or organization are similar to the theoretical approach but can have complexities.
1. Investigation phase- This is the preliminary phase of the energy audit. By reviewing the energy bills or the past consumption patterns, the energy use of the system is identified. Data is collected in a detailed form so that the auditor calculates the total energy demand for specific purposes and sets a comparison for each system component’s usage.
2. Site assessment- The wider phase of energy audit that involves obtaining comprehensive information pertaining to the site. All the operating characteristics are taken into account for the audit in detail.
3. Analysis- This is the most complex part of an energy audit. It involves technical and cost analysis. The data collected so far is analyzed precisely. All the important factors and technical calculations are done to determine various parameters. Energy costs are analyzed and the potential saving methods are devised. The details of the analysis make it easier to understand the points that require promising changes in both financial and technical aspects.
4. Audit report- This is the final phase, in which a comprehensive report is made including all the important technical data and information on energy usage.
How can energy audits be beneficial?
Energy audits are important for any organization as it structures the energy use of the system. The proper analysis and a systematic approach make it easier to strongly create a baseline for the scope of improvements required.
Energy audits help the organization to inculcate better energy management practices in the business. By understanding how the activities are impacting the environment, they can shift to alternatives.
The time taken to give a report of the energy audit might take several months as it gives a detailed record and analysis of the energy performance of the business. Energy audits can strongly help organizations in improving energy consumptions, reducing utility bills, and being more friendly.
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The author is an enthusiastic writer featuring years of experience in writing about ISO Certification services.
