Which audit to choose first? A comprehensive guide for industrial companies

• Walk Through Audit – the most basic type of audit, often referred to as a quick assessment of energy efficiency in the plant. It allows for an initial identification of potential savings and highlights areas that require further analysis.
• Company Energy Audit – mandatory for large companies under the Energy Efficiency Act. It includes a detailed analysis of energy consumption and provides specific recommendations for possible improvements.
• Energy Efficiency Audit – mainly conducted to obtain an energy efficiency certificate (so-called white certificates) and grants for investment implementation. It is more detailed and focuses on demonstrating savings resulting from planned upgrades.

Selecting the right energy audit is a key decision that should be based on the actual needs of the company, not just on the necessity to meet legal requirements. Companies often make the mistake of treating an audit as a formality instead of using it as a tool to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

To make an informed choice, three main factors should be considered.

Companies should consider what their main goal is in conducting the audit:

The size of the company directly affects audit obligations and the scale of possible savings resulting from the audit.

• Large enterprises

According to EU and national regulations, companies employing more than 250 people or generating annual turnover over 50 million euros and a balance sheet total over 43 million euros are required to carry out an energy audit every four years. In their case, the most common solution is a full enterprise energy audit, which includes a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption and process optimization recommendations.

• Small and medium-sized enterprises

Although they are not obligated to conduct an audit, it can be a key tool for identifying energy losses and optimizing costs. For companies that have never conducted an audit before, a good starting point may be the Walk Through audit. It’s a quick and less costly analysis that helps identify potential areas for improvement.

Each company is at a different stage of energy management – from those just starting to analyze their consumption to those actively implementing optimization strategies. The level of energy awareness and actions already taken should influence the choice of audit.

If a company hasn’t previously conducted detailed analyses or implemented savings projects, it’s worth starting with a basic Walk Through audit that will identify key loss areas and potential savings. Companies with more experience and implemented energy-saving measures may benefit from an energy efficiency audit, which enables more advanced process optimization and sets further savings goals.

The audit should be tailored to the company’s current level of energy management – the more conscious the approach, the greater the benefits from in-depth analysis and precise recommendations.

Not every company needs the same audit – it is crucial to match it to the size of the company, energy consumption, and business goals. A misguided approach to audits, treating them as unnecessary expenses or formalities, leads to wasted potential savings and limits competitiveness.

Audits are not a cost but an investment in the future – it is worth approaching their selection strategically and with full understanding of the benefits they can bring.

Companies that treat audits as a formality often miss out on real savings and improved energy efficiency. Defining the purpose and scope of the audit is key to success. What are the benefits of a well-conducted audit?

Detecting energy loss – where is your energy going?

One of the key outcomes of an audit is identifying where energy is being lost. This may result from:

• outdated installations and low-efficiency equipment,
• heat losses in production processes,
• poor management of lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning,
• type and efficiency of energy sources,
• excessive losses in compressed air systems or cooling circuits.

Identifying such problems allows for actions that eliminate losses, directly reducing operating costs.

Examples of actions resulting from an audit include:

• optimization of heating and cooling systems,
• modernization of electrical equipment,
• reorganization of lighting systems,
• optimization of compressed air systems,
• adjusting cooling system parameters to actual needs.

Process optimization – adapting systems and equipment to actual needs

Companies often operate equipment inefficiently – e.g., by oversizing HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), using suboptimal machine settings, or lacking proper process automation. An audit allows for a detailed analysis of actual company needs and adjusts system operations so that energy is used exactly where it is needed – without waste or unnecessary costs.

Examples of actions resulting from an audit include:

• adjusting boiler, pump, or fan operating parameters,
• introducing energy management systems that automatically adapt equipment performance to current needs,
• implementing intelligent control of lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Investment support – easier access to funding and grants

Many companies planning energy upgrades need a solid foundation to apply for grants or preferential financing. An audit provides data on energy consumption and recommended actions, which can be crucial for applying for funding from EU, national, or environmental programs.

Thanks to the audit, a company can:

• justify the need to invest in new technologies,
• obtain support for upgrading energy systems,
• reduce project implementation costs through grants and tax reliefs.

Strategic approach to efficiency – planning long-term savings initiatives

Energy efficiency is not a one-time effort but a long-term process. An audit forms the foundation for developing an efficiency improvement strategy that includes both quick actions with immediate savings and long-term investments.

As part of the strategy, you can:

• set energy consumption reduction targets for the coming years,
• implement continuous monitoring and control of efficiency indicators,
• plan an infrastructure modernization schedule.

A conscious approach to energy management ensures that the company not only meets legal requirements but also becomes more competitive and resilient to changing energy prices.

The benefits of energy audits cannot be overstated – from direct savings and efficiency improvements to better chances of obtaining financing. Companies that actively implement auditors’ recommendations can significantly improve their profitability and avoid problems associated with rising energy costs.

Choosing the right audit is the first, but extremely important, step toward improving energy efficiency and achieving real savings. This process should be well thought out and tailored to the company’s specific context, rather than treated merely as a legal obligation. An energy audit is a tool that allows you to identify losses, optimize processes, and open the door to strategic investments in modern solutions.

Why is it worth acting consciously?

• financial savings – lower energy consumption means lower bills and greater profitability,
• greater competitiveness – more efficient energy management means not only lower costs but also a better company image and market advantage,
• better legal compliance – the audit helps meet legal requirements without the risk of penalties or additional costs,
• opportunity for growth and innovation – audit recommendations may highlight new areas for investment, such as process automation or the use of renewable energy sources.

Conscious energy management is an investment that pays off multiple times. If your company wants to optimize energy use, improve profitability, and increase resilience to rising energy prices, it is worth starting with a reliable analysis. Contact experts and choose the audit that fits your needs – it’s the first step toward a more efficient and sustainable business.