Energy efficiency has a direct impact on business operating costs and affects the bottom line of every business in Australia.  Production and use of energy also has a significant impact on the environment.

What is an Energy Audit?

Energy audits are investigations of energy use in a defined area or site.  They enable an identification of energy use and costs, from which energy cost and consumption control measures can be implemented and reviewed.  Businesses will gain direct financial benefit from effective energy management.  They may also achieve recognition by the community, including potential customers, as an environmentally responsible corporate citizen.

Types of Energy Audits

Australian Standard AS/NZS 3598:2000 defines three levels of Energy Audits:

Level 1:  Sometimes called an overview, allows the overall energy consumption of the site to be evaluated, to determine whether energy use is reasonable or excessive.  It provides initial benchmarks of the site so that the effect of energy measures can be tracked and evaluated.  It may be I the form of a desktop study; however the information given to, or gathered by, the auditor needs to be sufficient to enable the overall level of efficiency of the site to be determined.  This level of audit costs $500 - $2,000 depending on the complexity of the site.

NOTE: A Level 1 audit is expected to give an overview, which provides rough orders of savings and costs.  Accuracy of figures would be within +/-40%.

Level 2:  Identifies the sources of energy to a site, the amount of energy supplied, and what the energy is used for.  It also identifies areas where savings may be made, recommends measures to take, and provides a statement of costs and potential savings.  This level of audit costs $2,000 - $5,000 depending on the complexity of the site.

NOTE: A Level 2 audit is an energy use survey, which is expected to provide a preliminary assessment of savings and costs.  Accuracy of figures would be within +/-20%.

Level 3:  Provides a detailed analysis of energy usage, the savings that can be made, and the costs of achieving those savings.  It may cover the whole site or concentrate on an individual item, such as a single industrial process or one of the services.  The auditor may often employ a specialist to carry out specific arts of an audit or may need to install local metering and logging.  The report form a Level 3 audit often forms the justification for substantial investment by the owner or an energy performance contractor.  Detailed economic analysis with appropriate level of accuracy is required.  This level of audit can cost up to $10,000 depending on the complexity of the site.

NOTE: A Level 3 audit is expected to provide a firm estimate of savings and costs.  Accuracy of figures would be within +10% for costs and -10% for benefits.