What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of a building’s energy use with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility costs.
The audit evaluates various systems, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, insulation, and electrical equipment, to pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted.
Types of Energy Audits
Level 1. Walk-Through Audit (Preliminary Audit)
This is a basic audit that involves a simple inspection of the property to identify obvious areas of energy waste.
It provides a general overview and highlights easy-to-implement measures for cost effective savings.
Level 2. General Energy Audit
A more detailed audit that includes a thorough analysis of energy bills, a detailed inspection of the building and its systems, and the use of diagnostic tools to measure energy performance.
This type of audit results in a detailed report with specific recommendations.
Level 3. Investment-Grade Audit
The most comprehensive type of audit, typically used for large-scale projects.
It includes detailed data collection, rigorous analysis, and financial modelling to justify the investment in energy-saving measures.
It is usually required for securing financing for major energy efficiency projects.
Who can carry out an energy audit
An energy audit in the UK should be carried out by a competent energy assessor.
