Is a company energy audit mandatory?
A company energy audit is a specialized set of analyses that identifies areas where energy consumption in a company can be reduced. For some businesses, it is a mandatory audit that must be carried out every four years. This audit involves a range of calculations and the development of the most promising and cost-effective energy efficiency measures that can be implemented in the company. It is a fundamental step and the most important pillar of a zero-emission strategy.
What is a company energy audit?
A company energy audit is a detailed analysis of many areas of a company’s operations, such as energy consumption, technological processes, buildings, transmission networks, or the condition of the fleet. The key objective of a company energy audit is to recommend so-called EEMs – Energy Efficiency Measures. A company energy audit is therefore the first and most important step toward reducing energy consumption and achieving zero emissions. The recommendations may also be based on precise measurements and calculations, both in terms of energy and finance, and can be tailored to the specific needs of the company.
Which companies are required to conduct a company energy audit regularly?
According to the Energy Efficiency Act (Journal of Laws of 2016, item 831, as amended: Journal of Laws of 2021, item 468), which implements the provisions of Directive EED 2012/27/EU – hence the common name “EED audit” – all large enterprises in Poland are required to carry out a company energy audit. What defines a large enterprise under the EED?
This applies to companies that, in the last two financial years, employed an average of at least 250 employees or achieved an annual net turnover from the sale of goods, products, and services and financial operations exceeding the PLN equivalent of 50 million euros, and whose total balance sheet assets at the end of one of those years exceeded the PLN equivalent of 43 million euros.
For large companies, this is a legal obligation – however, the results of a company energy audit are so valuable that it is worth conducting one even if the obligation does not apply to a given company. Especially in the case of energy-intensive industries – such as metallurgy, metal processing, paper processing, or manufacturing – the results of the EED audit can provide valuable insights and a very precise plan of technical solutions, the implementation of which will result in significant savings.
Where to carry out a company energy audit?
Many companies offering audit services specialize in specific technologies, such as photovoltaic panels or heat pumps. Therefore, when choosing a company to conduct a company energy audit, it is worth looking for an auditor who does not offer only one type of solution. This reduces the risk that the audit results will favor the services offered by the auditing company. It is also important to pay attention to the auditor’s experience in both audits and the implementation of recommended measures – this way, the costs and risks are not based solely on estimated calculations, and the suggested technologies will be better suited to the specifics of the audited company.
At DB Energy, we carry out both company energy audits and broader consulting, but we also design, implement, and finance energy-saving investments. We support our clients in obtaining grants and White Certificates, and we can also finance projects through ESCO financing in a design – finance – build model. The audit is only the starting point for further action, but when conducted properly, it becomes a strong foundation for real energy efficiency and cost-effective decarbonization.
What happens after a company energy audit?
The best course of action is to review the audit conclusions and consider starting energy-saving investments. Combining our expertise in energy efficiency – designing, financing, and implementing energy-saving investments – with the client’s knowledge of production technology allows us to implement investments that bring the greatest savings and truly reduce CO₂ emissions. By working directly at the client's facility, our engineers gain very detailed knowledge of the site’s condition, which translates into easier design of implementation concepts and project execution.
For one of our clients – the Soufflet Polska Malt House in Poznań – we carried out a company energy audit in 2016. Based on the audit, we identified, implemented, and financed a project that reduced the plant’s emissions by 9,500 tons of CO2 annually. The total value of the project was around PLN 29 million – thanks to the investment, we saved over 30 GWh of thermal energy and 12 GWh of electricity. We work closely with the malt house, where we continue to monitor completed projects and plan new ones.
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In summary, a company energy audit is not only a legal requirement for large companies but also a strategic tool that can bring significant financial and environmental benefits. Choosing the right auditor who is not tied to specific technologies ensures the objectivity and effectiveness of the recommendations, and cooperating with companies offering comprehensive support in implementing energy-saving investments can significantly accelerate the decarbonization process. A properly conducted audit provides a solid foundation for implementing effective energy solutions that not only lower operating costs but also support the sustainable development of the company.
