Why energy auditors are important in a sustainable environment

I recently attended a short course for energy auditor certification at the Meralco Power Academy. What I have learned from this short course is not only about the conduct of audits but also the importance of the adaptation and implementation of an energy management system in respective companies.

When Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act was signed into law in 2019, the Department of Energy set up guidelines for the implementation and requirements of an energy management system in all companies. Companies that consume below 499,999 kilowatt-hour are categorized as nondesignated establishments, while those consuming between 500,000 kWh and 4,000,000 kWh per year are categorized as Type 1 designated establishments (DE). Establishments consuming above 4,000,001 kWh are categorized as Type 2 DE.

For Type 1 DE, companies are required to have a certified energy conservation officer and should be audited every three years by an energy service company or a certified energy auditor. Companies are also required to submit reports, including the annual utilization report and annual energy conservation report. Type 2 DE, according to the law, requires having a certified energy manager and follows the same audit process as Type 1 DE.

Energy audits require professionals, especially in the field of engineering, who have a vast knowledge of conducting audits within companies. It is a multidisciplinary audit that needs to include crucial analysis in helping respective factories, plants, and offices efficiently manage and conserve the use of electricity. The real figure that can be saved lies in the electricity cost, based upon the recommendations of the energy auditor. The energy auditor may examine the consumption of electricity and energy sources derived from electricity, fuel, bunker fuel, and wood. The data extracted by the energy auditor from the company helps analyze significant energy usage to determine consumption and concentration of energy use.

The energy auditors should analyze the correlation of production output, areas, and services that contribute to the cost of electricity per unit, square meter, or kilogram. They should establish a baseline and recommend programs to top management to ensure a reduction in energy consumption and savings. The task is gargantuan, but the energy auditor profession is a must, especially when addressing the pressing problem of climate change and the continuous lack of electricity supply from sources. Efficiently managing and reducing energy consumption will counter this detrimental problem.

Every one kWh saved can reduce carbon footprints by almost one pound. If 200 factories could save at least 100 kWh, and with the help of energy auditors who rigorously recommend energy-saving programs, it would amount to 20,000 kWh (P160,000 at P8/kWh), which is almost equal to 20,000 pounds of carbon footprints reduced per hour. This continuous improvement would lead to a sustainable environment and improved air quality achievable within a lifetime.

BAYANI B. BANZUELA
bayani01banzuela@gmail.com