Energy audits have long been recognized as a useful tool to help companies identify ways to reduce their energy consumption and cut their costs. Yet, despite their availability, the actual implementation of energy-saving measures suggested by the energy audits remains disappointingly low. This is where the Audit2Action (A2A) strategy steps in. By addressing the barriers that prevent businesses from acting on audit results, this strategy is shaping the future of energy efficiency across industries.
The Problem: Why Are Companies Failing to Act on Energy Audits?
Energy audits often reveal significant opportunities for businesses to cut energy consumption, reduce costs and support their sustainability goals. However, several barriers stand in the way of businesses turning the audit into actual implementation:
- High upfront costs: despite energy-saving measures leading to long-term savings, the initial investment can be a burden for many businesses.
- Lack of resources: Companies may struggle with the human resources, time or expertise required to implement energy-saving measures.
- Behavioral inertia: Resistance to change, especially in established routines and operations.
- Insufficient information: Many businesses lack technical knowledge of the potential benefits beyond energy savings, which can make energy efficiency appear like a low priority.
Reasons for non-implementation (i.e. perceived barriers) according to 31 companies surveyed by AUDIT2MEASURE
The Audit2Action Strategy: From Audit to Implementation
The Audit2Action strategy was designed to tackle these barriers and it aims to close the gap between the insights gained from energy audits and their implementation. The strategy provides businesses with a structured, practical framework to adopt energy-saving measures recommended by the audits.
The A2A strategy is based on the following pillars:
- Benchmarking System for Energy Savings
To help companies prioritize which ESMs to adopt, the strategy introduces a benchmarking system based on key performance indicators (KPIs). This system evaluates measures not only by energy savings but also by other benefits such as cost-effectiveness, reduced maintenance needs and improved working conditions. - Extended Database of Energy-Saving Measures
The A2A strategy offers an extended database that categorizes energy-saving measures by technology (e.g., lighting, HVAC, etc.) and ranks them according to the energy savings achieved, their economic performance and Non-Energy Benefits. This makes it easy for businesses to identify the most impactful solutions tailored to their operations. - Capacity Building and Support
The A2A strategy includes a capacity-building program designed to train both management and operational staff on energy efficiency practices. Workshops, bilateral meetings and e-learning programs equip employees with the skills they need to implement energy-saving measures effectively. - Non-Energy Benefits
The A2A strategy has a specific focus on Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs). These are the often-overlooked advantages of energy-saving measures that go beyond reducing energy consumption. NEBs include:- Reduced waste and improved raw materials efficiency.
- Lower maintenance costs.
- Improved worker safety and comfort.
- Enhanced product quality and production reliability.
- Improved relations with customers and suppliers.
Research shows that when NEBs are included in the decision-making process, the value of energy efficiency projects can be up to 2.5 times higher.
Removing Barriers: How A2A Helps Businesses Implement Energy-Saving Measures
To ensure companies can overcome barriers and fully realize the benefits of ESMs, the Audit2Action strategy provides a range of support mechanisms:
- Technical Support: The A2A strategy offers expert advice on how to measure energy efficiency, calculate potential savings and implement energy-saving measures.
- Financial Support: with high upfront costs often seen as a major obstacle, the strategy highlights financing options such as subsidy schemes, energy performance contracts (EPCs) and other funding opportunities. It also helps businesses calculate financial KPIs (payback time, NPV, IRR) for each energy-saving measure.
- Regulatory and Legal Guidance: the strategy simplifies the complex regulatory landscape by offering advice on how to comply with relevant national laws and policies.
- Behavioral and Cultural Change Support: the strategy offers guidance on how to encourage energy-efficient behavior at all levels, ensuring that ESMs are not only implemented but sustained in the long term.
The Audit2Action strategy is a game-changer for industries looking to make real progress on energy efficiency. By addressing the technical, financial and cultural barriers to implementing energy-saving measures, A2A helps companies unlock the full potential of their energy audits.
For more information and access to the tools and resources of the AUDIT2MEASURE project, visit the Knowledge Exchange Space (KES).
