Clear answer, explained.
Energy audits are not a one-time event. Facilities change — production volumes shift, equipment ages, operations expand, and energy pricing evolves. An audit baseline that was accurate in 2020 may not reflect current consumption patterns accurately enough to support a capital decision in 2025. Reviewing the baseline periodically ensures the facility's energy planning is grounded in current data.
The three-to-five year interval is a practical guideline, but specific triggers often make an earlier audit worthwhile: a significant increase in electricity costs without operational explanation, a major HVAC or equipment replacement that changes the facility's load profile, a building expansion or change of use, or the approach of a BEPS compliance deadline that requires a documented baseline.
Post-implementation audits — conducted after major ECMs have been installed — confirm that identified savings are being realised and identify whether additional opportunities have emerged. For facilities that have implemented efficiency measures and added solar, a follow-up assessment validates performance and identifies whether changing operations have created new optimisation opportunities.
What this means in practice.
- An ASHRAE Level 2 audit every three to five years is a reasonable baseline for most C&I facilities
- Significant operational changes, equipment replacements, or building expansions are triggers for an earlier audit
- Rising electricity costs without operational explanation are a signal that an updated baseline is needed
- BEPS compliance deadlines make a current, documented energy baseline essential
- Post-implementation audits confirm that ECM savings are being realised after measures are installed
- Facilities that have added solar and efficiency measures benefit from periodic reassessment as operations evolve
Best-fit environments.
- Your last energy audit was several years ago and operations have changed significantly
- Your electricity costs have increased and you cannot identify the cause from utility billing data alone
- You are approaching a BEPS compliance deadline and need a current energy baseline on record
- You have implemented efficiency measures and want to confirm the projected savings are being achieved
