Companies need energy resources to perform their operations. Otherwise, they would represent ghost buildings that were abandoned a long time ago. Small businesses mainly cannot afford energy wastage as this would result in huge expenses. The risk is more bearable for larger organizations due to their financial capabilities. However, an energy audit can severely aid in minimum and efficient energy consumption.
Energy Assessment
Now that the management has decided to undergo an energy audit, they can begin recognizing the business operations and departments that have been inefficiently consuming electricity. First, the criteria for assessment are decided by the management. Then, they can either use spreadsheets, energy logs, or previous monthly job lists that mention the electricity unit consumed to manufacture products.
This is a particularly vital step that will provide great insight into the energy audit in the future. It is also wise to understand where your business is leaking efficiency or requires improvement. The management can also contact its utility bidder to assist in energy analysis.
Physical Assessment
After creating an energy audit plan, the next step is to undertake a systematic walkthrough of each department to identify energy mismanagement and consumption saving opportunities. The previous plan or framework must be pretty thorough in balancing the present assessment. A physical assessment must be unbiased and free from any influence.
The framework for the physical assessment can be prioritized according to the energy or utility expenses of the departments involved. The management tours the business with the utility bidder’s assistance and initiates progress towards equipment maintenance. Make notes of what needs to be removed or added to make the business entity more energy cautious.
Physical Actions
Upon completing the audit part of the audit, it is time to implement the changes proposed by the management or the utility bidder. On the top of the list is the calculation of the calorific value. This is the amount of energy a fuel requires upon one unit of production.
Another critical indicator of energy efficiency or inefficiency is the marginal value of the product. A marginal cost of production is calculating the price of producing an extra unit of production. Thus, an efficient energy pattern produces a low marginal cost.
Reviews
The management needs to ensure that the plans are implemented to their successful completion. Smaller energy consumption means can be internally implemented, such as sub-metering or undertaking awareness campaigns of the employees’ responsibility to conserve energy.
However, audit suggestions on a larger scale may require approval from the company board. Such recommendations include installing new, more energy-efficient equipment or assembly plans or installing sensors throughout the organization that turns off lights as soon as the employees leave the room. The company can also learn from its competitors by breaking down its energy expenses and other related costs.
Audit Tips
Creating and implementing energy-efficient processes can be tedious work. Hesitant employees do not contribute to the cause well. Regular reviews regarding energy consumption will help the organization stay updated with its energy needs. Besides using energy efficiently, companies can use huge windows and skylights to minimize electricity use during the daytime.
