Conducting an energy audit: How a smart app can help you

Many companies are due for another energy audit in 2023. We have all the important information on the topic to show you how you can implement the energy audit more easily with a smart app.

What is an energy audit?

An energy audit is a systematic procedure to obtain information about the energy use and energy consumption of companies. The aim of the energy audit is for companies to uncover and exploit their own energy-saving potential, i.e. to reduce their energy consumption.

To achieve this, a special auditor takes stock and makes an energy assessment of the company’s processes every four years. The results and optimization measures are documented in a final report.

The EU Energy Efficiency Directive

The European Union (EU) adopted the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) in 2012. This was intended to achieve a 20% increase in energy efficiency in the EU by 2020. Article 8 of the EED obliges EU Member States to conduct regular energy audits. By 5 December 2015, large companies (non-SMEs) had to submit an initial energy audit. After that, it must be carried out every four years.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have up to 249 employees or an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million. They are released from the energy audit obligation.

Why is an energy audit important?

The energy audit is not just a chore, it helps companies to increase their energy efficiency by providing important know-how. If companies adhere to the optimization options identified in the energy audit, they can reduce their energy bills by up to 30 %.

Operational energy efficiency is also an important factor in the energy transition. Adjustments in energy consumption have a positive impact on the environment and reduce carbon emissions. In addition, an energy audit can reveal safety issues with regard to electrics, cabling and ventilation, making your company’s infrastructure safer. An energy audit is also worthwhile for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are not legally obliged to carry it out.

The 7 steps of an energy audit

The energy audit consists of 7 steps:

1. Preparation of the energy audit

In the first step, the framework conditions, goals and expectations are defined and the assessment criteria for energy efficiency measures are discussed.

2. Kick-off meeting

Next, all persons involved in the energy audit are informed about the results of the preparation. In addition, a responsible person in the company is appointed to work with the auditor and ensure input from within the company.

3. Data collection

During data collection, the existing energy data and influencing parameters are recorded. This includes, for example, energy consumers, energy conversion, historical data and results of previous energy audits.

4. On-site inspection

This is followed by a joint site inspection of the company to be audited. The aim of the on-site visit is to develop an understanding of the work processes, to collect data from measuring points and consumers and to identify weak points as well as potential for improvement.

5. Data analysis

The next step is to analyze the energy data. In addition, the technical savings potential is determined and a catalogue of measures is drawn up.

6. Report

The results of the audit are summarized in a detailed report. The report contains a description of the initial situation, the analysis, the catalogue of measures (incl. prioritization) as well as estimates of costs and possible savings.

7. Final meeting

In a final meeting, the auditor presents the results and hands over the report. The aim of the final meeting is to facilitate decisions by the management of the audited company regarding measures to improve energy efficiency.

Conducting an energy audit with a smart app

In 2023, the third round of energy audits is due for many companies. The implementation is often time-consuming and expensive. A smart app can make the energy audit much easier for you. Simply carry out your inspections via your smartphone or tablet and enter your observations directly. The evaluation of your data as well as the creation of a detailed report is done automatically. And all the data is available to you again for the next energy audit.

With Open as App, you can create an energy audit app that exactly fits your use case. And without any coding at all.

Simply upload your checklists as a spreadsheet (Excel or Google Sheet) to our no-code platform. Our software identifies the logic and formulas and automatically transfers them to your app. You can then customize the functions and design and your energy audit app is ready.

The advantages of an energy audit app:

• Cost-effective
• Storage of all relevant data
• Ideal data for evaluation
• Fast and standardized evaluation
• Traceability and reusability of data for the next energy audit
• After the first audit, only documentation work is necessary to achieve certification.
• Energy saving potentials can be uncovered and exploited through appropriate measures

Do you want to carry out your energy audit via app in 2023? Then test Open as App now and create your first app for free.