Conduct an energy audit
An energy audit is usually one of the first steps in an energy management programme. It shows how efficiently energy is being used and highlights opportunities for energy cost savings. It can also show ways to improve productivity. Energy audits take a thorough look at particular facilities, processes or technologies.
Audit aims
The main goal of an energy audit is to improve profitability. Sometimes an audit may be done in response to energy shortages or environmental issues. An audit shows energy use as costs, and recommends cost-effective energy options. The report lists ways to save and will help you to develop an action plan.
A good audit gives you benchmarks to compare options, allowing you to weigh the cost of improvements against future energy cost reductions.
Funding for detailed scoping studies
If your annual energy spend is more than $1 million, you can apply for up to 100% of the cost of a scoping study, up to $10,000. The study determines whether a site or process would benefit from a detailed energy audit.
Your scoping study must meet the standards of a level one audit defined in the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3598:2000: Energy Audits. It must also include a site visit and provide enough information to show whether a full audit is needed, as well as identifying the potential for demand response and co-generation opportunities.
Grants for energy audits and design audits
You can apply for up to half the cost of these audits, up to $50,000 (less the cost of any detailed scoping study grant). Regardless of the audit cost, grants are limited to 3% of your annual energy bill. You can only apply for an audit grant every three years. To be eligible for an energy audit you need an annual energy spend of at least $100,000. To be eligible for a design audit, your building area must be at least 1,000m².
Energy audits must be equivalent to level two (for an audit of the whole facility) or level three (for an audit of particular parts of a facility, process or technology) audits, and be in accordance with the standard AS/NZS 3598:2000: Energy Audits. They should also examine demand response and co-generation opportunities. To qualify for a grant, the audit must be a comprehensive energy audit of a business site, or significant energy using part of a site.
Fleet audits
If you have a fleet of more than 50 vehicles you can apply for up to 50% of the cost of a Fleet Check audit up to $10,000.
Who should do audits
Auditors must be accredited by the Energy Management Association of New Zealand (EMANZ) or a similar recognised body. Auditors not yet accredited may be used if they are submitting the audit as a step towards accreditation. The EMA must review the audit to ensure it meets the standard required.
For accredited energy auditors >> search our Find an Expert directory.
