Statutory energy audit: what are the requirements for large companies?

Every 4 years, large companies must perform an audit of their energy consumption. This diagnosis must lead to an action plan to reduce their energy consumption.

It can be the starting point for a strategic approach based on the implementation of an energy management system.The energy audit can be performed internally within the framework of European Directive 2012/27/EU, but it is recommended that it be conducted by an expert.

The content of the regulatory energy audit

The regulatory energy audit has been created to encourage companies with the most energy-intensive activities to consider an energy approach aimed at reducing their energy consumption and thus increasing their energy performance. Performing an audit is in fact a relevant first step to detect energy losses that could be avoided or reduced through work or installation of energy management equipment.The regulatory energy audit generally follows the same steps as most energy audits that can be performed by non-compulsory firms, for a strategic purpose for example.It consists of a total review of the building in order to collect as much data as possible and then compare them with each other. The energy audit is then followed by a work plan or energy improvement program. An audit report summarizing all the information and recommendations is produced.Some specificities are integrated into the mandatory energy audit compared to other energy audits. Indeed, large companies are required to perform energy audits for at least 80% of their energy bills.They must then submit a complete file on a dedicated platform on the ADEME site. The third wave of regulatory energy audits is scheduled for 2023. The companies concerned will have 6 months to submit their file from the date the diagnosis is performed. The file must include answers concerning :

the definition of the scope selected, corresponding to the needs and uses of energy in the company;
a summary of the energy audit report;
a copy of the certificate of conformity;
an independent audit report for each building audited, if the company owns several buildings.

Which companies are concerned by the obligation?

The directive on energy efficiency of October 25, 2012 defines the type of companies concerned by the obligation to perform a statutory energy audit. Subsequently transposed into French law by the DDADUE law, the legal framework requires companies with more than 250 employees, a turnover of more than €50 million or a balance sheet of more than €43 million over 2 consecutive years to submit their buildings to a statutory energy audit.

However, some companies are exempt from regulatory audits: those that have obtained ISO 50001 certification. The implementation of ISO 50001 certification for the entire scope of the company can allow both to anticipate the obligation to perform audits, but also to implement a more sustainable energy and environmental solution.

Who can conduct a regulatory audit?

The mandatory energy audit is regulated by French law. It must be performed by an accredited service provider. The auditor is certified by an accredited organization. An internal auditor of the client company can perform the audit provided that he or she has the same level of qualification and meets certain conditions of impartiality.

Bodies such as AFNOR, ICERT or LNE are able to implement your statutory energy audit by following the key stages of its performance and with the aim of providing you with an assessment of recommendations to achieve energy savings and make your investments profitable.

The audit must in all cases be performed in accordance with NF EN 16247-1, as well as the specific standards NF EN 16247-2 Buildings, NF 16247-3 Processes and NF EN 16247-4 Transport.