An Energy Audit is a tool that allows companies to substantially improve the energy efficiency of their facilities.

The building energy efficiency regulations RD 56/2016 require large companies (250 people or a turnover bigger than 50 million euros) to carry out an energy audit every 4 years. It transposes the European regulation 2012/27/EU and aims to unify the criteria of energy efficiency for the entire European community.

In order to carry out the audits correctly, UNE-EN 16247 must be complied with, in buildings, processes and fleets of vehicles.

For companies with facilities within the country, it is important to determine that each audit must comprise 85% of the total final energy consumption of all the facilities, not just the headquarters. In each audit, an extensive study of the building is carried out, studying the operation of the facilities and analysing energy consumption, based on energy bills and the data obtained from energy meters.

When the consumption information is compiled and analysed, a series of proposals are made, to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and improve the energy efficiency of the building and/or activity, without affecting performance or indoor comfort. The implementation of monitoring equipment in the facilities is essential, to be able to know and understand where energy is being used and to propose improvements.

In each audit, we specify the cost of the proposals as well as the payback time, always considering the life cycle of the equipment to be replaced. However, the implementation of good habits and responsible use are also important, together with measures such as the reduction of contracted power, being zero-cost improvements that can save substantial amounts of energy and money.

We tailor each audit to the needs of the company, and recommend that the proposed measures are implemented, even if the regulations don’t make it obligatory. Otherwise, an audit will be done every four years without actually improving anything. Energy audits are the first step available to companies to begin reducing their carbon footprint and reduce their environmental impact.