An energy efficiency audit is necessary for a business when applying for white certificates or seeking financing for energy efficiency improvements. Whether it is a preliminary audit (before financing) or an audit conducted after implementing modernizations, the procedure determines the amount of energy savings achieved through planned or implemented upgrades. The energy efficiency audit also verifies assumptions and specifies actual energy savings. The report is submitted to the Energy Regulatory Office and serves as a document confirming the achievement of energy savings in the company.

Energy efficiency audit is conducted according to the requirements specified in the executive act to the Energy Efficiency Act*. In the case of each company, the audit procedure may vary, but key elements remain consistent in every case:

1. Establishing the baseline state – involves determining the current energy consumption values in the specific area. This stage involves data gathering, often requiring on-site visits and cooperation between the auditor and the audited entity.
2. Analysis of energy-saving possibilities – this is typically a crucial stage of the audit. Through comprehensive analysis and calculations based on the gathered data, potential areas for energy savings are identified, and the amount of saved energy is estimated.
3. Proposing modernization possibilities – based on the conducted analysis and collected data, suitable modernization measures that can reduce energy consumption in the company are proposed. In consultation with the business owner, financial capabilities are considered, and preliminary planning of modernization works is done, aiming to minimize disruptions to the company’s operations.
4. Economic analysis – in the early stages of the audit, energy savings are determined, and at this stage, the audit provides information about the costs that can be expected during the implementation of modernization measures and the estimated payback period of the investment.

*Regulation of the Minister of Energy dated October 5, 2017, regarding the detailed scope and method of preparing the energy efficiency audit and methods of calculating energy savings.

Energy efficiency audits are often confused with energy audits of a company. The documents can be combined, but they are two different certificates and cannot be used interchangeably. Both audits differ in several aspects. The significant differences are listed in the table.

Energy efficiency audits are the most commonly encountered audits in companies that apply for white certificates. The document is a confirmation of achieving energy savings, issued by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (URE). White certificates are a form of financing with a value of 1 toe (ton of oil equivalent), which is equal to 41.868 GJ. Their value is determined by the price set on the Energy Exchange, where they can be sold on market terms.