Preparing and presenting an energy audit report

An audit report is the final output and the basis for management decisions, so it must be clear, factual and action-oriented.

Contents of the report

1. Title page and executive summary: one or two pages stating the main findings, total savings (kWh, fuel, money), investment and payback.
2. Introduction: objective, scope, method, audit team, dates.
3. Facility description: products, processes, operating hours, energy sources and tariff.
4. Energy use analysis: monthly bills, load profile, energy balance, specific energy consumption, benchmark comparison.
5. Findings by system: boiler, motors and pumps, compressed air, lighting, HVAC, power factor, with measured data and efficiency.
6. Energy conservation measures (ECMs): each with description, saving, cost, payback; grouped as no-cost, low-cost and high-cost.
7. Action plan: priority, responsibility and time schedule; monitoring and verification plan.
8. Appendices: measurements, calculations, instrument list and calibration, drawings.

Presentation to management

• Begin with the summary: total savings and payback in the currency and units that the management uses.
• Present ECMs in order of payback; no-cost and low-cost measures first, with quick wins showing results.
• Use charts: pie chart of energy use by end-use, bar chart of monthly consumption, Sankey diagram, and a table of savings.
• Be specific and honest about assumptions and uncertainty; state also non-energy benefits (maintenance, comfort, reduced emission).
• End with a decision request and an implementation plan.