An energy audit is not just a research tool aimed at analyzing energy consumption in a company. It has also become a legal obligation for certain categories of businesses. Despite this legal requirement, it is worth considering whether an energy audit is just another obligation or whether it can be a valuable investment in the future of the company.

Legal obligation

Large companies are legally required to conduct an energy audit if they meet the following criteria:
• employed more than 250 people in the last 2 years,
or
• had an annual turnover of around 50 million euros and revenues exceeding 43 million euros.
Such audits should be conducted every 4 years. All of this results directly from the Energy Efficiency Act of May 20, 2016.

Compulsory energy audit – basic and extended scope

Companies face a choice in how to approach the obligation to conduct an energy audit. They can choose one of two approaches:
• Basic scope – the audit focuses on the basic scope defined by the law, based on on-site inspections and data provided by the company.
• Extended scope – the audit is tailored individually with the investor, including a detailed inventory of the company, equipment measurements, and the development of an energy strategy for the coming years.

What is an energy audit?

An energy audit is a detailed analysis of energy consumption in a company, aimed at identifying areas where energy savings are possible and providing specific recommendations for achieving them. It is a comprehensive process that covers both technical and organizational aspects.

The Price as a Barrier

For many business owners, the first thing that comes to mind regarding an energy audit is its cost. In reality, an energy audit can be an investment that pays off in a short time. Unfortunately, often businesses opt for the cheapest available auditing services, which may not always be of the highest quality.

Quality as an investment

An investment in a well-executed energy audit can bring significant benefits to a company. High-quality audit means a thorough understanding of the company’s processes, identification of actual areas for savings, and practical action proposals. As a result, the company can not only reduce costs but also improve its competitiveness in the market and its image in the eyes of customers and partners.

Long-term benefits

While the initial cost of the audit may be higher, if we focus on quality, the long-term benefits can be significantly greater. Energy savings translate to lower bills and a reduced carbon footprint for the company. In an era of growing environmental awareness, such an approach can become an important element of the business strategy.

Summary

Although an energy audit is a legal requirement, it is worth treating it as an opportunity for a thorough analysis of energy consumption in the company. Choosing an extended scope audit can bring additional benefits such as energy savings and improving the company’s image as an environmentally responsible entity.
In summary, the mandatory energy audit is not just another legal requirement, but also an opportunity to optimize energy consumption and build a positive image for the company. Therefore, it is worth considering this obligation not as a burden, but as an investment in the future of the company.