An energy audit is a diagnosis performed on one or more buildings in order to set up an energy optimization program. The audit evaluates the energy performance of the building and identifies its sources of energy loss. It formulates recommendations that combine comfort and building performance.
For large companies, the business energy audit is made mandatory by the current laws . What are the obligations of large companies? Who can they call on to perform energy audits?
The mandatory energy audit framework
The mandatory energy audit is governed by the European directive 2012/27/EU. Since the introduction of the DDADUE law, it concerns large companies meeting certain criteria. These companies are required to submit to it every 4 years.
The regulation thus provides a framework for the actions carried out by these companies to reduce their energy consumption and initiate the energy transition. For the company, it is also an excellent way to save energy.
The mandatory energy audit is the subject of a report submitted to the audit contractor, summarizing all the data collected on the building as well as the list of recommendations.
Then, large companies are required to submit a complete file on the ADEME website. The data entry must take place within 6 months after the audit has been performed. This file informs the organization about the energy profile of the company, i.e. the scope selected, i.e. the sum of the needs and uses of energy in the business energy audit, but also the copy of the certificate of compliance and the summary of the mandatory energy audit.
In the event of non-compliance with the obligation to conduct a statutory energy audit, companies incur a penalty of up to 2% of their revenues. This penalty may be increased to 4% in the event of a repeat offence.
Who is concerned by the mandatory energy audit?
The companies concerned by the mandatory energy audit correspond to a precise profile. They meet at least one of the following 3 criteria:
- have more than 250 employees;
- or an annual sales revenue of more than 50 million euros;
- and a balance sheet of more than 43 million euros over 2 consecutive years.
Among large companies, some may be subject to a mandatory audit exemption. These are the companies that have obtained ISO 50001 certification for their entire scope. Indeed, the law considers that the iso standard already contributes to the improvement of the energy performance of compa
Whom should you call to perform a mandatory energy audit?
The mandatory energy audit must necessarily be performed by an accredited professional with the OPQIBI qualification. This qualification must be delivered by an approved organization.
The auditor can be internal to the company, or be an external service provider whose profession is to perform audits. By using a service provider, you can be sure that your mandatory energy audit will follow key steps that will allow you to benefit from recommendations, and potentially a solution that is truly in line with your need to optimize your energy efficiency.
To do this, you can mandate an organization such as AFNOR, ICERT or LNE. These different organizations are familiar with the regulations of the energy sector. Calling on a professional to perform a mandatory energy audit guarantees you compliance with the NF EN 16247-1 standard.