Energy audits serve as essential tools for businesses looking to reduce costs and meet environmental targets. By analysing energy consumption across systems such as lighting, HVAC, ICT and water infrastructure, audits identify inefficiencies and quantify carbon footprints – enabling data-driven decisions for operational and financial optimisation. 

“However, many organisations struggle to pinpoint inefficiencies and losses in their environments. Often, they lack comprehensive documentation such as single-line diagrams or detailed architectural schematics of their operations, which are essential for understanding the overall system layout,” says Schneider Electric buildings segment lead Thabang Byl.

“As equipment ages, its performance often declines from the original specifications. This highlights the need for an accurate snapshot of a facility's current operations. An energy audit can evaluate equipment state and system configuration to pinpoint performance issues and identify improvement opportunities.”

Suvern Moodley, Schneider Electric EcoConsult Business Development Manager – Anglophone Africa, adds that an energy audit is indispensable because it provides the critical data needed for informed decision-making.

“Through detailed analysis, examining aspects like energy consumption patterns, the efficiency of HVAC systems, and other equipment usage, companies can assign precise tariff values and project year-on-year spending. This benchmarking not only reveals the current expenditure but also highlights where energy losses can be minimised,” he says.

Targeted strategy for efficiency improvements 

“Ultimately, conducting a thorough energy audit establishes the baseline, the current state of energy usage. which is vital for designing a targeted strategy for efficiency improvements and cost-saving measures.”

By benchmarking performance and identifying areas of inefficiency, companies can derive clear insights into potential savings and a solid return on investment, laying the foundation for a way forward in optimising their operations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Schneider Electric addresses customer challenges with specialised audits from its Field Services team. These audits provide a comprehensive benchmark of operations, examining energy consumption, metering accuracy, supply integrity and harmonics.

“These insights allow us to support our customers in managing their maintenance and operational costs, as well as guiding long-term capital expenditure decisions. Achieving an accurate benchmark requires a methodical approach: entering the site with a clear perspective, systematically capturing critical data and then rigorously analysing it to uncover inefficiencies,” explains Byl.

He adds that this process helps identify issues, ranging from ageing infrastructure and missing spare parts to outdated firmware, that impact the overall performance of the system.

In the context of a brownfield project, Schneider Electric’s consultative services are instrumental in understanding where the customer stands on their sustainability or digital transformation journey.

Enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainability 

“Our ultimate goal is twofold: to enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. A comprehensive energy audit starts with establishing a reliable benchmark – a clear picture of a facility’s current status. Through meticulous monitoring and data capture before and after implementation, we can quantify CO₂ savings and overall greenhouse gas reduction,” says Moodley.

“An energy audit goes beyond data collection; it serves as the basis for a targeted action plan. We collaborate with customers to interpret results and agree on necessary interventions. The real value comes from implementing and monitoring these measures consistently.”

After executing the recommendations, a 12-month evaluation period is typically necessary. This timeframe ensures Field Services gathers sufficient data to confirm that the interventions are really effective, essentially proving that the customer's investment is translating into tangible savings.

Proactive measures prevent future expenses

He notes that the true value of energy efficiency initiatives is often in preventing future expenses. Targeted improvements help customers offset rising tariffs, showing that proactive measures lead to significant cost savings.

Byl highlights that Schneider Electric's strength comes from both its teams and a broad partner ecosystem, facilitating collaboration across various fields such as factory automation, data centre power distribution, and building management systems.

“This vast network across the Middle East and Africa ensures that we have the niche expertise needed to assess and address even the most complex systems. In essence, technical competence forms the cornerstone of operational excellence, underpinning our credibility and maintaining our clients' trust,” he says.

Ultimately, energy audits drive both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. By reducing carbon emissions and optimising energy use, these initiatives not only help meet sustainability goals but also deliver significant long-term financial benefits, proving that smart investments in energy efficiency can yield exponential returns.