Energy Audit
Germany and the European Union have set ambitious goals for increasing energy efficiency. Article 8, paragraph 4 – 7 of the energy efficiency guideline 2012/27/EU regulates that companies, which are not small and medium-sized (SME) and have not yet introduced an energy management system (EMS) according to DIN EN ISO 50001, are obliged to perform an energy audit according to DIN ISO 16247-1.
Unlike an EMS, the energy audit is no living system and has to be repeated every 4 years. It maps out the existing energetic situation of a company at the time of the audit by making energy flows visible and allocating them to individual consumption groups, cost centers and processes. From this, first potentials in thermal, electrical or logistic processes can be identified. So together, first measure proposals for cost reductions are being developed and tested for economic purpose by means of life cycles and amortization calculations. For the audited company there is – in contrast to an EMS – no obligation to the implementation of the proposals.
A company which – contrary to its obligation to an implementation of an energy audit – does not implement, does not properly implement or does not fully or not timely implement an energy audit, can be obliged to pay a fine up to 50.000 EUR.
Ideally the implementation of an energy audit should be carried out by a BAFA listed auditor (BAFA – federal office for economy and export control). Peschla + Rochmes has employees who have this qualification. Additionally, P+R has lead various audits, so it can offer standard-conforming and professional assistance with the compilation of the required documents. As a result, a prioritized list of measures as a base for decision-making will be developed.
Procedure of an energy audit:
- Initial contact
- Kick-off meeting incl. goal setting and main Focus
- On-site inspection of the respective site
- Analysis of the energetic situation (at least 90 % of the energy flows have to be assigned/allocated to the individual processes)
- Reporting according to DIN EN 16247-1
- Final meeting on site, incl. presentation of measures