What are the challenges and barriers to implementing energy audit recommendations in plant operations?

1 Benefits of energy audits

Energy audits can provide many advantages to plant operations, such as detecting and correcting energy wastage and inefficiencies, optimizing equipment performance and maintenance, and enhancing environmental compliance and sustainability. Additionally, they can promote energy security and resilience, as well as save money and improve profitability. By conducting regular energy audits, plant operators can gain invaluable insights into their energy usage patterns, compare their performance to industry standards, and prioritize the most cost-effective and feasible energy efficiency measures.

2 Challenges of implementing energy audit recommendations

Despite the potential benefits of energy audits, many plant operators struggle to implement the recommendations from the audit reports. Common challenges include limited budget and resources, lack of technical skills and knowledge, organizational barriers, and regulatory and market barriers. For example, energy efficiency projects often require upfront capital investment that may not be available or justified by the expected payback period or return on investment; they may involve complex technical aspects that require specialized expertise and training; and they may face resistance or indifference from senior management, staff, or stakeholders who are unaware of the benefits, incentives, or best practices of energy efficiency. Additionally, energy efficiency projects may be hindered by regulatory or market factors such as low energy prices, high transaction costs, or lack of standards or policies that support energy efficiency.

3 Strategies to overcome the barriers

In order to overcome the challenges and barriers to implementing energy audit recommendations, plant operators can pursue external funding and financing, build internal capacity and competence, foster organizational culture and commitment, and leverage regulatory and market opportunities. These sources of funding may include grants, loans, tax credits, rebates, or performance contracts. Plant operators can also invest in developing the technical skills and knowledge of their staff, contractors, or consultants. Additionally, they can engage with senior management, staff, and stakeholders to raise awareness and create buy-in for energy efficiency goals. Lastly, they can take advantage of energy efficiency standards, labeling, reporting schemes, voluntary agreements or partnerships.

4 Best practices for energy audit implementation

To ensure the successful implementation of energy audit recommendations, plant operators should plan ahead and set realistic and measurable targets. Moreover, it is important to monitor and evaluate progress and results of energy efficiency projects, using appropriate indicators, tools, and methods. Additionally, plant operators should learn from their own experience and feedback, as well as from other similar plants or facilities, in order to improve their energy efficiency performance and practices.

5 Resources for energy audit implementation

Plant operators can access several resources and tools to help them implement energy audit recommendations. These include energy audit guidelines and standards, such as the ISO 50002 or ASHRAE Level 1, 2, or 3 audits, as well as energy audit software and tools like the DOE's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Database or the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Additionally, they can learn from energy audit case studies and best practices that demonstrate successful implementation of energy efficiency projects in various plants or facilities, such as the DOE's Better Plants Program or the EPA's ENERGY STAR Industrial Showcase.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?