What you need to know about energy audits for commercial buildings

The tertiary energy audit is an essential process for assessing the energy efficiency of tertiary buildings, such as offices, shops and hotels. It identifies sources of energy waste and proposes concrete solutions to reduce consumption, in line with regulatory obligations. Under the Tertiary Decree, it has become crucial for companies to implement such practices in order to reduce their environmental impact.

Regulations demand continuous improvement in energy performance, which makes an energy audit all the more vital. This process not only helps to comply with legislation, but also reduces operational costs and reinforces corporate environmental responsibility. Many organizations are already finding considerable benefits from audits, transforming their operations to be both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Regulatory context

Commercial energy audit regulations aim to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. They define precise obligations to ensure compliance with strict standards. These include the tertiary sector decree, the ELAN law, and the Éco Energie Tertiaire scheme.

Tertiary decree and ELAN law

The tertiary decree requires buildings in the tertiary sector to progressively reduce their energy consumption. In force since 2019, this decree requires a reduction of 40% by 2030, 50% by 2040, and 60% by 2050 compared with the chosen reference year. Owners must draw up plans to meet these targets, or face penalties for non-compliance with the tertiary decree. The ELAN law supports these efforts by strengthening the legal framework and specifying the obligations of the players involved. Adopted in 2018, it also facilitates the energy transition by improving conditions for efficient renovations.

Éco Energie Tertiaire scheme

The Éconergie Tertiaire scheme complements the decree by establishing a detailed regulatory framework. This includes monitoring indicators and targets tailored to each building's characteristics. If the decree's targets are not met, financial penalties may apply, encouraging strict compliance. The decree of November 24 reinforces this system by introducing precise measures to ensure that the expected energy savings are achieved. This framework requires regular monitoring and annual reporting of energy consumption to verify progress.

💡 Read our full report on current energy schemes

Principles of an energy audit

A tertiary energy audit helps to understand how to reduce energy consumption in buildings such as offices and hotels. This helps to improve energy performance and save money. Understanding the necessary steps and qualifications is essential for a successful audit.

Objectives and benefits

The aim of an energy audit is to identify inefficient energy sources in a commercial building. Companies can then take steps to improve energy efficiency. This reduces costs and environmental impact.

Benefits include lower energy bills and the achievement of certifications such as OPQIBI. Companies carrying out an audit often see an improvement in their annual energy performance. It also helps to comply with current energy regulations, supporting a sustainable approach.

Key stages in the process

Carrying out a regulatory energy audit involves a number of precise steps, starting with an initial assessment of the average consumption of a commercial building. The data collected helps to establish a clear energy balance. This first step shows where improvements are needed.

Next, an action plan is formulated to reduce energy consumption. This includes detailed technical recommendations, such as the installation of efficient lighting systems. Finally, ongoing evaluation follows to ensure that the changes implemented are effectively reducing energy consumption.

Qualification of auditors and service providers

Energy auditors must be qualified to deliver a reliable audit. This includes certification by bodies such as OPQIBI. Qualifications ensure that auditors are competent to carry out a proper assessment.

Companies should choose qualified providers to carry out an energy audit for businesses, guaranteeing relevant results. These experts provide precise recommendations for improving energy performance in industry, contributing to better resource management. Choosing qualified service providers also ensures that the audit complies with current regulations, enabling the company to maximize the benefits in terms of reduced energy costs and improved efficiency.

The importance of data and methodology

Commercial energy audits must be accurate and reliable if they are to deliver significant improvements in building energy performance. The quality of the data and methodologies used can help identify savings opportunities and reduce energy consumption.

Data collection and use

Data collection is crucial. It includes information on historical consumption via invoices, the uses of each section of the building, and the current energy efficiency of the installations. This data is used to create an accurate energy performance diagnosis.

A well-constructed technical file makes it easier to simulate improvement scenarios. Auditors analyze the data to diagnose inefficiencies and propose high-performance solutions. Evaluating the energy consumed under different conditions of use helps to target priority interventions.

Choice of reference year and calculation methods

The reference year is decisive in assessing potential improvement. In general, a year in which the building has been operating at full capacity is chosen. This ensures that calculations and simulations take account of normal consumption conditions.

Calculation methodologies must follow recognized standards, such as NF EN 16247, to ensure a rigorous assessment. The methodology involves a simulation of potential energy uses, making it possible to project possible savings when implementing the recommended improvements.

👉 F ind out in detail how to calculate energy consumption in view of the tertiary decree and establish a reliable basis for your compliance strategy.

Measures and recommendations

Implementing a tertiary energy audit requires specific steps to improve energy performance. Renovation work and compliance are essential to achieving the targets set.

Renovation work and energy performance improvements

To improve energy performance, it is crucial to plan renovation work. Building insulation plays a crucial role in reducing heat loss. Improving the efficiency of thermal insulation reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Improving heating and air-conditioning systems can make a significant contribution to energy savings. Installing modern, more efficient equipment is recommended. Actions to be taken also include the installation of technical management systems to optimize site energy consumption.

Compliance and action plan

Compliance with current regulations, such as the tertiary sector decree, requires a detailed action plan. This plan must integrate legal obligations aimed at reducing energy consumption. ISO certification, such as ISO 50001, can be an important objective for systematizing energy management practices.

Establishing a timetable for implementing measures is important for achieving the desired results. Identifying priorities and defining clear milestones help direct activities towards consumption reduction targets. Regularly monitoring the progress of actions also guarantees their effectiveness and compliance with established standards.

Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring and reporting are essential to improving energy efficiency in the commercial sector. These practices make it possible to measure energy consumption, analyze data, and adjust actions to meet targets.

Drawing up an annual report

As part of the energy monitoring process, the preparation of an annual report is crucial. This document includes energy consumption data for commercial buildings. It details the changes observed over time and the measures adopted to improve energy efficiency.

The report also assesses the impact of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this way, it helps identify recurring problems and offers recommendations for further improvements. A good report not only presents figures, but also analyzes trends to inform future decisions.

An energy management system, such as OPERAT, makes it easy to collect and organize the necessary information. Managers can track performance, compare results, and adjust strategies based on accumulated data. The annual report becomes the basis for decision-making and resource planning.

Taking account of regulatory and environmental developments

Regulatory and environmental developments have a direct impact on the content of monitoring and reporting. Commercial buildings must comply with current legislation governing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The management system must be adaptable to incorporate new regulations without delaying the monitoring process. On the other hand, changes can present opportunities to adopt more efficient technologies or sustainable practices.

Managers therefore need to keep abreast of changes to quickly adjust their strategies. Regular updating of monitoring processes and tools ensures that buildings meet their energy targets while complying with new standards and regulations. Collaboration with experts can help gain valuable insights and maintain ongoing compliance.

Financing and grants

In the commercial sector, a number of schemes and subsidies are available to help companies carry out an energy audit. In addition, Energy Savings Certificates (Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie - CEE) offer incentives for implementing projects designed to reduce energy consumption.

Incentives and subsidies

Financing schemes include grants covering up to 60% of the cost for large companies, particularly outside mandatory audits. The French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) plays a key role in this financial support.

Subsidies are available for improvements such as building energy efficiency and domestic hot water. These grants enable a faster return on investment thanks to lower energy costs and optimized performance. In addition, these initiatives aim to encourage an eco-responsible approach in the tertiary sector.

Energy Savings Certificates (CEE)

CEEs are another important lever for companies seeking to finance energy projects. They offer an incentive through certificates representing energy savings achieved.

Companies can sell these certificates to finance their projects. This includes improvements in lighting, heating and thermal insulation. The scheme is managed by organizations that ensure that energy reductions are achieved, offering additional security to investors. It's essential for service sector companies to explore these options to maximize the financial and energy benefits of their grants and subsidies.