Energy Audit Checklist For Manufacturing Plant

An energy audit involves conducting an in-depth inspection of buildings, equipment, and operating procedures in order to identify opportunities for cutting energy costs. Energy audit firms offer these services to businesses and organizations looking to bolster their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profiles.

Lower-hanging fruit includes turning off machines when not needed and documenting system schedules to identify inefficiencies, while more costly opportunities require further study, engineering and modeling of potential changes before being upsold to clients.

1. Equipment
Equipment used by a business plays an integral role in how much energy it uses; for instance, smelting and chemical production require more energy, while fabricating and assembly processes use far less.

An energy audit helps businesses pinpoint areas in which they can reduce energy use, not only saving costs but also contributing towards meeting environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

An energy audit typically involves touring a facility to identify potential energy savings opportunities. A digital checklist enables auditors to easily collect infrastructure, shift and utility data while conducting inspections; then using this data to compile professional reports for sharing with stakeholders. Digital checklists also make tracking audit data and maintaining accountability easier than ever.

2. Operational practices
Energy audits help identify the factors driving up energy usage. Once an audit has been conducted, the information gathered can serve as the foundation for creating recommendations to reduce energy costs and save money.

Starting by reviewing your factory’s production schedule and workflow is an effective way to identify opportunities to shut off equipment when not necessary. Cogeneration uses byproducts from processes to produce electricity or other resources you require – another great way to reduce energy waste!

Locating leaks around windows, doors and roof materials is one way to reduce heating and cooling costs. Assessing your manufacturing plant’s infrastructure and performance may reveal areas for potential improvement; using SafetyCulture makes data collection and auditing much simpler.

3. Building design
Structure, materials and design all have an effect on energy consumption in buildings. A professional energy audit can identify areas for potential improvement that could reduce power usage.

An HVAC system that is too large for its intended application can lead to excessive energy use, insulation levels should also be assessed and leaks need to be checked carefully as they waste both water and energy. Therefore, thorough inspection should take place.

Lighting systems consume significant energy resources. Installing efficient lighting solutions and reducing their usage time will significantly enhance energy efficiency.

Investment in facility upgrades can reduce power consumption, increase facility productivity and draw new talent to your plant. A thorough energy audit can help determine how best to make these adjustments and save money on energy costs.

4. HVAC system
HVAC systems in manufacturing plants can also benefit from energy efficiency enhancements, with professional energy auditors conducting an in-depth evaluation to pinpoint where energy usage is highest as well as component by component analysis to identify areas requiring improvement.

Energy audits can take various forms, from walk-through assessments to in-depth process reviews. An energy walk-through (ASHRAE Level 1) audit provides a quick initial look for potential energy savings by gathering infrastructure, shift and energy data as well as creating an immediate recommendations list.

An energy audit that includes more in-depth testing may include conducting a blower door test or airtightness check to identify how much energy is lost through leaks in the building envelope, as well as comparing its energy usage against similar facilities.

5. Lighting
Lighting accounts for a considerable portion of energy usage at any facility, making lighting one of the main focus points during an energy audit. An effective lighting system is integral for cutting costs while improving employee productivity at your site.

At an energy audit, an auditor will conduct a walk-through inspection of equipment, building insulation, doors and windows, HVAC systems and more to evaluate their efficiency. They may also conduct airtightness testing with blower door testing to ascertain just how tightly built an area is or identify leakages within it.

DataMyte Digital Clipboard provides inspectors with an all-in-one solution that simplifies inspection processes while improving inspection results and increasing energy savings.