In order to have an overview of a company’s energy situation, it is important to monitor its consumption. Carrying out an energy analysis enables you to detect over-consumption and determine the measures you need to take to improve. With a view to continuous improvement, regular monitoring is essential.
Monitoring the energy situation
Record and monitor the consumption
Use a consumption spreadsheet (example) to get an overview of the energy situation and to create the framework for analysing and monitoring consumption.
Consumption data can be consulted from:
invoices
meters
or, if applicable, by making a request to the network operator or energy supplier (a request can be made via the energy supplier’s online portal).
Compare consumption with actual needs
Identify consumption indicators, e.g. energy consumption per surface area.
Take stock of energy-consuming machinery, noting details such as age, power, operating hours, etc.
Comfort heat consumption should be calculated using degree days
To go further:
Introduction of an automated consumption monitoring system
Analysis of the energy consumption of a building, business or organisation. The analysis aims to determine the level of efficiency of each consumption item and leads to an assessment of potential savings.
Carrying out an energy audit in accordance with standard EN-16247 enables a company to carry out a detailed analysis of its energy situation. Based on the results of this analysis, energy-saving measures are identified.
Environmental study to assess the impact of the company’s activity on the environment, according to the chosen focus area(s) (water, energy, circularity, etc.).
A quantified action plan: the study is supplemented by various recommendations (investments, implementation of best practices, etc.) to reduce this impact in the short or long term.
An energy management system, such as ISO 50001, enables companies to systematically monitor the management of resources and energy. This solution also aims to evaluate and optimise resources.
Application for subsidies
State subsidies
Please note: incentive effect to be complied with when applying for subsidies (state or otherwise) and subject to meeting the eligibility conditions
In order to respect the “incentive effect”, no binding commitment (cost estimation signed; payed a deposit) can be made BEFORE having received the tentative settlement from the State or the electricity and natural gas supplier following an assistance
The Fit 4 Sustainability programme co-finances an environmental audit + action plan on one or more of the topics selected by the company (energy, greenhouse gases, waste, water, etc.).
Assistance of up to 50%, 60% and 70% of the fees for carrying out an environmental study (energy audit and/or carbon assessment) + detailed, costed action plan to reduce consumption/GHGs (medium- and long-term investment, ROI, etc.) – open to SMEs and large companies (except those required to carry out a statutory audit).
Flat-rate €5,000 grant for small and medium-sized businesses for projects to reduce their environmental impact, costing between €6,650 and €25,000 excluding VAT.
N.B.: State subsidies cannot be combined for the same project.
Support from electricity and natural gas suppliers
As of 2015, natural gas and electricity suppliers are obliged under the Commitment Mechanism to generate energy savings among their consumers. Since then, energy suppliers have been offering monitoring and advisory services as well as subsidy programmes for consumers to implement energy efficiency measures.
The providers offering this service to companies are as follows:
