Energy audits are something we regularly hear about. However, that does not mean we necessarily understand what they involve or know all the details. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about them.
Who can carry out an energy audit?
An energy audit is carried out by a professional. It cannot be conducted by just anyone or by a private individual. It may only be performed by a professional auditor holding a quality certification issued by an accredited body.
What is its purpose?
It is a document that assesses a building’s energy performance and highlights areas where energy is being lost.
It also informs owners about the work required to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as the associated costs.
Purpose and process of an energy audit
This assessment can then be used to draw up a renovation plan comprising several stages and tailored to the client’s budget. The five main stages of an energy audit are as follows:
- Defining the scope of the audit
- Collecting energy data
- Detailed data analysis and identification of potential savings
- Financial assessment of potential improvements in terms of costs, savings and return on investment, in order to prioritise opportunities for improving energy efficiency
- Preparing the audit report, including the action plan
These stages are intended to achieve a number of objectives:
- Reduce the building’s energy consumption by at least 30%
- Bring the property up to the BBC Rénovation standard (low-energy building renovation)
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the long term
Together, these elements enable an accurate assessment to be made and the energy performance of buildings to be improved.
Is it compulsory?
An energy audit may be compulsory, although this is not always the case. When it is not required, the decision to carry one out is at the owner’s discretion. The criteria that make it compulsory depend largely on the type and ‘age’ of the building.
It is compulsory for buildings with a communal heating system or comprising more than 50 units, as well as for large companies.
It is also required when selling a building that is more than 10 years old.
However, it is worth knowing that if you have an energy audit carried out when it is not compulsory, you may be eligible for financial assistance or a tax credit.
An energy audit is therefore a very useful way of identifying what is wrong with a building and putting everything right.
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