An energy audit inspects and analyses the energy used by the building. The analysis is used to determine how and by what measures could the building save energy. A good energy audit provides the client with clear recommendations for action, based on realistic economic indicators.
The energy audit analyses the heat, electricity and water consumption of the property. The energy audit looks at what energy is used for and how the energy and water used by the property can be optimized to keep the property in good conditions. It is almost always worthwhile to carry out an energy audit in a property, as there is almost always something that can be done to improve efficiency.
Initial information for the energy audit
For the energy analysis, a site visit is carried out to check the data of all major HVAC systems equipment, their condition, operating profiles, controls and automation settings. Prior to the energy audit site visit, the auditing expert will request technical documentation from the site to support the audit. The material available in advance will help to gain a quicker understanding of the energy efficiency measures that are appropriate for the building.
The greatest potential for energy savings lies in buildings with clear cyclical patterns of use and large air volumes. These include offices, shopping malls and warehouses. For example, ventilation and A/C systems are normally sized to the maximum capacity required, but actual demand varies considerably. Adequate control and management of air conditions in the buildings generally results in very profitable investments.
Energy audit done well – what does it entail?
An energy audit will be carried out if necessary. Improving the energy efficiency of a building can be done at different stages of the building’s life cycle. A good energy audit takes into account the client’s plans and intentions for their property. On request, an energy audit can focus, for example, on the identification of technical changes to the building, especially to eliminate repair debts, or even on the budgeting of measures to be identified in the context of a future renovation.
A good energy audit takes into account the whole picture, not just a single element. It is quite common for an investment to be very profitable when looking at a single change, but to become unprofitable when looking at the whole.
An example of this is heat recovery from exhaust air. Exhaust air heat recovery systems can be considered very profitable. A good surveyor will be able to see that the exhaust air in question does not always have to be at full capacity. The heat recovery equipment being screened may lose half of the energy recovered, with a significant reduction in the return on investment.
From analysis to energy audit report
The energy audit produces an audit report that includes the energy efficiency potential of the property, expressed in clear recommendations for action. The report will also provide more details on the building’s technology and how and why the recommended measures will save energy.
The recommended measures should be clear enough not to require further clarification. A high need for further clarification usually indicates that the time allocated for the study has run out or that the appropriate expertise has not been available to carry out the energy audit.
The quality of the energy audit report depends very much on the skills of the expert involved. The differences between expert reports can be considerable. A good energy auditor is able to take into account the different systems of a building as a whole. It is therefore important that the energy audit takes a sufficiently holistic view of the property. A good energy audit will have considered the recommendations for measures to achieve a good result, and will have thought realistically about what can be contracted for the property.
Mandatory and voluntary inspections and energy subsidies in Finland
Large companies are subject to a mandatory energy audit. A company is defined as a large company and subject to an energy audit if it meets one or more of the following conditions:
- More than 250 employees
- Turnover of more than 50 million euros per year
- Balance sheet over 43 million euros
In addition, the company structure can be used to determine whether a company is considered large on these specified conditions. The definitions of a large company subject to energy auditing obligations will change during 2025. The new definition will only take into account the amount of energy used by the company and not the current personal and business figures.
In addition to buildings, the energy audit of a large company will have to take into account its industrial, commercial and logistical activities. The energy audit of a large company includes a number of target audits, in accordance with the government decree. Mandatory inspections required by law are not eligible for subsidies.
All other energy audits are voluntary. Voluntary energy audits are eligible for energy subsidies (paid by Business Finland) However, energy aid is not available for energy audits of less than € 4000 (VAT 0%).
Differences between an energy audit and a heating system comparison
The simplest way to improve the cost-effectiveness of energy use is to change the heat source of the building. For all sites, changing heat sources is not a viable option, not even for geothermal heat.
In a heating efficiency comparison, a professional will go through the amount of heating energy consumed by the property and calculate how that amount of energy and power demand could be produced by different forms of heating.
An energy audit always includes a heating benchmarking. The energy audit also identifies the potential for minimising heating and electricity demand. After the energy audit, heating system can be determined according to actuals needs for the building. That leads to better sized heating systems for buildings (usually smaller) and lower investment costs.
The heating system comparison does not take into account if the heating system is wasting energy. The heating system may be oversized if energy saving measures are taken only after the heat source has been replaced. The heating system may also be undersized if, for example, the site lighting is replaced by LED lighting after the heat source has been replaced.
Getting started with an energy audit
It pays to carry out an energy audit in a property, as there is almost always room for improvement.
The right choice of surveyor has a significant impact on the feasibility and realism of the measures proposed. It is advisable to commission an energy audit at a fixed, pre-agreed price. If you are not sure whether an energy audit is suitable for your needs, it is worth asking the potential provider about the content. We are happy to tell you about the content of our energy audits!
It is easy to start saving energy reliably through an energy audit. According to Motiva, an energy audit is a sure way to find energy efficiency measures. We are happy to show you our expertise in energy audits. We are an impartial player that values transparency and excellence. This is also reflected in our recommendations for measures.
