SEAI-Energy-Audit-Handbook

1
Energy Audit Handbook

Introduction 4
1. Undertaking an energy audit 5
1.1 What is an energy audit? 6
1.2 Why carry out an energy audit? 6
1.3 How does an energy audit work? 6
2. Initial preparation 9
2.1 Arrange the introductory meeting 10
2.2 Agree the approach 10
2.3 Request specific information and data 10
2.4 Identify key personnel 11
3. Pre-analysis and planning 12
3.1 Undertake preliminary analysis 13
3.2 Review best available technologies/practices 13
3.3 Consider measurement planning and 13
portable measuring instruments
3.4 Analyse current and past performance 15
3.4.1 Energy billing data analysis 15
3.4.2 Use of regression analysis 18
3.4.3 Use benchmarking 20
3.5 Develop an audit checklist 21
3.5.1 Energy Venn diagram sample application 22
3.5.2 Sample audit checklist for compressed air system 23
4. Conducting the site visit 25
4.1 Devise site visit agenda 26
4.2 Consider health and safety 26
4.3 Carry out site visit 26
4.3.1 Assess energy management 27
5. Technical assessment 29
5.1 Buildings 31
5.1.1 What to check 31
5.1.2 Typical opportunities 31
5.1.3 Potential pitfalls 31
5.1.4 Other resources 31
5.2 Lighting 32
5.2.1 What to check 32
5.2.2 Typical opportunities 32
5.2.3 Potential pitfalls 33
5.2.4 Other resources 33
5.3 Heating and boilers 34
5.3.1 What to check 34
5.3.2 Typical opportunities 34
5.3.3 Potential pitfalls 35
5.3.4 Other resources 35
5.4 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) 36
5.4.1 What to check 36
5.4.2 Typical opportunities 36
5.4.3 Potential pitfalls 36
5.4.4 Other resources 36
5.5 Pumps 37
5.5.1 What to check 37
5.5.2 Typical opportunities 37
5.5.3 Potential pitfalls 37
5.5.4 Other resources 37
5.6 Transport 38
5.6.1 What to check 38
5.6.2 Typical opportunities 38
5.6.3 Potential pitfalls 38
5.6.4 Other resources 38
5.7 Refrigeration and cooling 39
5.7.1 What to check 39
5.7.2 Typical opportunities 39
5.7.3 Potential pitfalls 40
5.7.4 Other resources 40
5.8 Industrial processes 41
5.8.1 What to check 41
5.8.2 Typical opportunities 41
5.8.3 Potential pitfalls 41
Contents
SEAI: Energy Audit Handbook 2
BOOKMARK

5.8.4 Other resources 41
5.9 Wastewater treatment plants 42
5.9.1 What to check 42
5.9.2 Typical opportunities 42
5.9.3 Potential pitfalls 42
5.9.4 Other resources 42
5.10 Compressed air 43
5.10.1 What to check 43
5.10.2 Typical opportunities 43
5.10.3 Potential pitfalls 43
5.10.4 Other resources 43
5.11 Renewable energy 44
6. Financial analysis of opportunities 45
6.1 Choice of financial analysis tool 46
6.1.1 Small investments 46
6.1.2 Larger investments 46
6.1.3 Additional considerations 46
6.2 Validated calculations 46
6.2.1 General approach 46
6.2.2 Accuracy considerations 46
6.3 Financial analysis methods 47
6.3.1 Simple payback 47
6.3.2 Net present value 47
6.3.3 Internal rate of return 48
6.3.4 Life cycle costing 49
7. Identifying and prioritising 50
opportunities
7.1 Identify opportunities for improvement 51
7.2 Generate register of opportunities 51
7.2.1 Recommended information 51
7.3 Methods to identify opportunities 53
7.4 Prioritise opportunities 53
7.5 Data retention 53
8. Reporting the results 54
8.1 Audit Report 55
8.2 Management presentation/closing meeting 56
Appendices 57
Appendix 1: Sample data request 58
Appendix 2: Best practice and technology resources 59
Appendix 3: Sample bills analysis tool 60
Appendix 4: Sample site visit agenda 61
Appendix 5: Sample financial analysis tool 62
Appendix 6: Sample register of opportunities 63
Terms and definitions 64
SEAI: Energy Audit Handbook 3

A more sustainable approach to energy through energy
efficiency and the use of renewables often represents
the lowest risk and most cost-effective investment for
companies looking to improve their environmental
performance.
One of the first steps for an organisation in adopting
a more sustainable approach to energy is carrying out
an energy audit. Completing an energy audit gives a
company a better picture of its energy consumption
and identifies opportunities for improvement –
often delivering immediate cost savings. It can also
demonstrate compliance with legal obligations which
require certain organisations to undertake energy audits.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has
developed this comprehensive Energy Audit Handbook
as a step-by-step guide to energy auditing. We believe it
will benefit all organisations considering or carrying out
an energy audit; regardless of sector, size or experience.
It will also serve as a useful reference guide for those
undertaking the energy audit, be they internal or
external auditors.
The handbook sets out the complete energy audit
process guiding users each step of the way – from audit
preparation and pre-analysis through to conducting
the site visit and reporting findings. It gives the user a
better understanding of what to expect from an energy
auditor which can be particularly useful for companies
preparing for their first audit. The handbook includes
some key resources and a range of references offering
a best practice framework for both high level and
technically detailed use.
The advice in this handbook is intended to be
proportionate, so that the level of detail used by the
auditor for any measurement, estimate or analysis
provides a sufficiently accurate picture of energy
performance. This will facilitate relevant and
meaningful decision-making on energy improvement
opportunities identified.
Introduction
An ongoing process of energy management can help keep organisations at the leading edge in their
industries, providing sustained competitive advantage. Given the rate of change in energy technology and
markets, and the impact that it can have on performance, businesses with a strong track record in the area
recognise the value of maintaining a strategic focus on energy.
Important Note: The Energy Audit Handbook
does not aim to be a definitive energy audit
guide, and compliance with this handbook does
not confirm compliance with the legal auditing
obligations set out in the Energy Efficiency
Directive 2012, transposed into Irish law as
SI 426 (2014). For more information on these
legal obligations see the SEAI website: Energy
Auditing Scheme.
SEAI: Energy Audit Handbook 4

1. Undertaking an Energy Audit
SEAI: Energy Audit Handbook