Walk-Through Audit – the first step toward cost-effective decarbonization

A Walk Through Audit is a preliminary analysis of a company aimed at identifying potential to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is an effective solution for companies just beginning their journey toward greater energy efficiency, as well as those that have already taken initial steps and want to confirm they are fully utilizing available solutions.

As part of the audit, the DB Energy engineering team analyzes data provided by the company and conducts an on-site visit — a detailed inspection of the facility. Based on this, the engineers identify areas that can be optimized in terms of reducing energy consumption and emissions, as well as lowering operating costs. Thanks to this audit, the company receives guidance on further actions that will help achieve energy efficiency and decarbonization goals.

The Walk Through Audit consists of several stages that allow for a systematic assessment of the company's energy efficiency. The audit stages are as follows:

Kick-off meeting

The audit begins with a meeting where engineers get acquainted with the management team and the plant structure. During the meeting, key elements are discussed, such as the company’s energy balance, technological processes, and the specific nature of energy consumption. Engineers also present a list of data needed for the analysis.

Site inspection

The next stage of the audit is the facility inspection. DB Energy engineers perform a detailed review of the energy infrastructure, including sources of electricity, heat, and cooling, transmission networks, and building systems such as lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, and heating, as well as technological equipment. During the site inspection, areas of increased energy consumption, energy losses, and potential optimization opportunities are identified.

Data analysis

Next comes the most important part of the audit — engineers analyze the collected data on energy management. They perform a series of calculations and estimations that reveal where energy is used least efficiently and where optimization potential lies. Based on this, a long list of all possible energy efficiency improvement measures (EEIMs) is created.

Results presentation and recommendations

Based on the collected data and analysis, engineers prepare a report that includes proposals for actions such as modernization or construction of local energy sources, replacement of technological equipment with more energy-efficient ones, modernization of energy systems, implementation of heat recovery, or optimization of technological processes. The report also contains recommended next steps that can be taken to achieve the demonstrated reductions in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The Walk Through Audit is especially dedicated to:

Companies beginning their energy efficiency journey.

These companies often lack full awareness of where they can save energy and reduce emissions. The Walk Through Audit is the first step, allowing for quick identification of energy-saving opportunities and planning further actions.

Companies that have already invested in energy efficiency but want to take the next steps.

Companies that have implemented some optimization projects can use the audit to verify the effects of their actions and look for new modernizations or investments that will further reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. The audit assesses whether there is still room for further energy savings.

Companies seeking confirmation that they have done everything possible.

The Walk Through Audit can serve as a kind of “confirmation” that the company has fully utilized its energy optimization potential. It helps ensure that no significant aspects of energy and emissions reduction have been overlooked.

Companies from various industries, including manufacturing, energy distribution, construction, and technological processes.

The Walk Through Audit is suitable for a wide range of industries, as it covers many areas, including energy infrastructure, machinery, technological processes, and energy distribution systems, which may exist in various types of companies.

This service is highly flexible and can be applied in both small and large companies striving to improve energy efficiency, regardless of their current level of progress in this area.

After the Walk Through Audit is completed, the company receives a report with the analysis results. This report includes identification of areas with increased energy consumption, proposed optimization measures, and recommendations for next steps. Based on the audit results, the company can begin planning the implementation of specific energy efficiency improvement actions. In the case of more advanced activities, such as energy system modernization or implementation of heat recovery solutions, the Walk Through Audit serves as a foundation for further analyses, such as a feasibility study or preparation of a funding application.

To sum up, the Walk Through Audit is a key first tool on the path to improving a company’s energy efficiency and sustainable development. With fast analysis, low costs, and broad optimization potential, companies gain valuable insights into areas where they can reduce energy consumption and emissions and achieve significant savings. It is an excellent starting point for implementing more advanced solutions that will help lower operating costs, reduce emissions, and achieve energy transition goals. The Walk Through Audit is an investment that delivers value both at the initial diagnostic stage and in further steps toward sustainable development.