An energy audit can be carried out on buildings, processes, or systems. It is a three-step process which involves preparation, a site visit and reporting.

The audit report will help you to understand:

• How much energy your business uses

• The equipment and processes that use the most energy

• What actions you should take to save energy, and their estimated cost and impact

Benefits of an energy audit:

• Understand energy use: Learn where you use energy, where you waste energy, and what you can do to be more efficient.

• Save money: Identify the no-cost and low-cost changes you can make to achieve immediate savings.

• Reduce risk: Lower your exposure to energy price and carbon tax increases to enhance your competitiveness.

• Enhance your brand: Reduce your energy related carbon emissions and enhance your brand and reputation.

Eligibility

Businesses applying to the scheme must be:

• non-obligated entities

• tax compliant

• registered in the Republic of Ireland

• spend at least €10,000 on energy (exclusive of transport energy costs) per year at the site being audited

• There is a limit of 1 audit voucher per Applicant/Company

Definition of non-obligated entities

Non-obligated entities are organisations that do not have to complete an energy audit under Article 8 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (transposed into Irish legislation in SI426). Non obligated entities are either:

• small and medium enterprises (SMEs), or

• public sector bodies with a useful floor area less than 500m2 and spending less than €35,000 per year on energy

Application process

You can apply online and the voucher will be issued to you automatically provided that you meet the eligibility requirements.

The application process is as follows:

1. Register and complete the SEAI Online Application Form.

2. The energy voucher will be automatically issued to you via email.

3. Watt Footprint will allocate an energy auditor to your business and schedule a site visit.

4. The audit takes place.

5. Watt Footprint will issue a report and a proposal of recommended energy saving measures.

Information courtesy of https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/small-and-medium-business/supports/energy-audits/