Energy audit in accordance with DIN EN 16247-1, as required by the EDL-G
If you have opened this article, you are probably looking for information on the exact procedure of an energy audit. If you are more interested in the general conditions and legal background of energy audits, please follow the link to this article.
So you want to carry out an energy audit, or you are even obliged to do so. But how does such an audit actually work? From preparation and data collection to the final meeting, there are clear steps that ensure the success of the energy audit. In this article, you will learn step by step how an energy audit works with us, what requirements you should be aware of, and, above all, what you can expect after the audit.
Preparing for the energy audit: data, documents, objectives and the initial meeting
Careful preparation is the key to a successful energy audit in accordance with DIN EN 16247-1. All relevant energy data for the company should be collected before the actual start date, including electricity, gas, and heating bills; load profiles; production volumes; and information on existing facilities and buildings. Operating procedures and usage times also play an important role in ensuring that energy consumption can be analysed correctly later on.
In addition to pure consumption data, it is advisable to have documentation on previous audits, efficiency measures, and existing energy management processes ready. This information helps the auditor to quickly gain a comprehensive picture of the initial situation.
Another important step is to define the objectives: Should the audit merely comply with legal requirements or also identify specific savings potential for the future? Will individual sites be considered separately or the entire company as a whole? Clear objectives ensure that the energy audit delivers results that are relevant in practice.
You should also check in advance whether you are subject to auditing at all and whether you are required to comply with energy management obligations.
The official start is marked by an initial meeting between us and your designated contact persons. Here, we determine the timeline, the scope of the audit (accuracy of the analysis and calculation of measures) and the expectations of both sides. In addition, responsibilities are clarified and a schedule for data collection and on-site inspection is drawn up. Good preparation saves time, avoids misunderstandings and lays the foundation for reliable results. To ensure that the audit runs smoothly, it is advisable that the contact person does not change during the audit process.
Data collection and analysis of energy consumption
Data collection is the central element of any energy audit. In this phase, we gather all relevant information in order to accurately record the company’s current energy consumption. This includes consumption data for electricity, gas, heating, cooling, and, if applicable, other energy sources, broken down by department, production area, or building.
In addition to pure meter data, technical information can also play a role: performance data from machines, efficiency levels of systems, insulation conditions, lighting concepts, and control technology. Organisational aspects such as shift models or operating times are also included in the analysis in order to identify peak loads and idle consumption.
The collected data is then evaluated using appropriate analysis tools. The aim is to identify consumption patterns, visualise energy flows, and quantify potential savings. This also involves checking how efficiently individual systems are operating in comparison with current technical standards. However, this step only becomes truly relevant once the inventory has been completed and energy consumption has been allocated to individual systems.
A thorough analysis enables concrete measures to be derived for increasing efficiency – from simple organisational adjustments to investments in modern technology. It thus forms the basis for well-founded decisions in the further course of the audit.
Furthermore, the energy bill is thoroughly checked during this processing step. The reason for this is that it allows problems with the supply contracts and cost structures of the providers to be made transparent and, if necessary, adjustments to be made directly.
It is important to note that if we notice any glaring problems during processing, you will hear from us directly, usually with a constructive solution. We have encountered faulty ventilation systems, broken heat recovery units and, of course, questionable energy supply contracts, some of which bordered on theft.
Site inspection: recording of systems, processes and consumers
The on-site inspection is the practical core of the energy audit. Once the consumption data has been recorded and analysed, one of our auditors visits the company to gain an impression of the actual operating situation. The aim is to compare the theoretical findings from the data evaluation with the actual usage and condition of the systems. It is important that our auditors are assisted by an experienced specialist who is familiar with the systems and can provide us with access to all energy-related operating sites. If any safety-related questions or comments arise in this context, we will be happy to discuss them with you during the interview.
During the tour, production facilities, building services, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation systems are examined closely. Ancillary areas such as warehouses, office spaces, and workshops are also taken into account, as they often harbour hidden potential for efficiency gains.
The auditor pays particular attention to:
- Technical inefficiencies such as outdated engines, lack of control technology or poor insulation
- Operational losses, for example due to idle times or unnecessarily long operating hours
- Further potential savings, such as waste heat utilisation, process optimisation or incorrect switch settings
Occasionally, measurements are carried out on site – for example, to determine power consumption, temperature curves or pressure losses. These provide valuable additional information for accurately quantifying potential savings. In this context, we mainly use infrared imaging to identify heat sources/bridges. Naturally, we will not interfere with your production.
The on-site inspection is also an opportunity to speak with the responsible employees. Their experience and practical knowledge help to develop realistic and economically feasible measures.
After the on-site inspection, we create a plant register of your most important identified plants and assign energy consumption based on connection capacities, operating times and other known operating parameters. If measurement data is available, we naturally use this and validate the entire consumption.
Identification of potential savings and optimisation measures
Once data collection and the on-site inspection have been completed, one of the most important steps in the energy audit begins: the systematic identification of potential savings. The information gathered is evaluated in order to find specific areas for improvement – from small, quickly implementable measures to long-term investment projects.
Typical areas for optimisation are:
- Technical measures such as the modernisation of inefficient motors, pumps or lighting systems
- Process optimisations, e.g. through heat recovery, load management or improved control of systems
- Building improvements such as insulation, window replacement or efficient heating and cooling systems
- Organisational measures, such as adjusted operating hours or training courses on energy saving
It is important that the proposed measures are quantifiable. To this end, the potential savings in energy and energy costs are calculated, often supplemented by CO₂ reduction. At the same time, economic criteria such as investment costs, changing maintenance and repair costs, or funding opportunities are included in the assessment. The assessment of a measure is then carried out by our experts in accordance with DIN 17463 and in compliance with the law.
The aim of this step is to create a prioritised list of measures that takes into account both short-term “quick wins” and long-term strategies. This gives companies a clear roadmap for how they can reduce their energy consumption while also cutting their operating costs.
Interestingly, we have received feedback from the BAFA that replacing existing lighting with LED lighting is still the most common measure in energy audits, as an analysis of their data collection shows.
The list of measures resulting from the energy audit must then be published in accordance with Section 9 of the EnEfG if the requirements are met. If you require further information on this, please follow this link.
Report and final discussion of the energy audit and next steps for energy efficiency
Once the analysis is complete, all findings from the energy audit are compiled in a detailed final report. This report contains a transparent presentation of current energy consumption, identified savings potential, specific recommendations for optimisation and an economic assessment of the proposed measures. You will also receive the plant register and the lists of your total energy consumption contained therein.
During the final meeting, the report is reviewed together with one of our auditors. This provides an opportunity to clarify any open questions, adjust priorities and discuss potential obstacles to implementation. The aim is to ensure that all relevant decision-makers in the company have a clear picture of the next steps – from the short-term implementation of cost-effective measures to the strategic planning of larger investments.
Once the audit has been completed, you only have one important task left to do: register the audit on the BAFA website. We are of course happy to assist you with this.
The real work often begins after the audit: implementing the recommended measures requires planning, budgeting and, if necessary, the involvement of external specialist companies. This is where a structured approach pays off – ideally with an action plan that includes responsibilities, time frames and performance reviews.
We generally view energy audits as a good starting point for implementing the resulting measures. Since we have already familiarised ourselves with the system and understand the energy flows, we are well placed to support you with the following tasks.
Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce your energy consumption and energy costs in the long term while increasing your competitiveness. Contact us now to plan your individual energy audit and take the next steps towards achieving your savings targets.
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