An energy audit is systematic review of the building, facility or an organisation’s energy usage. It identifies where the energy is being consumed and where there is wastage. It suggests actions to reduce consumption and cost. The findings are presented in a report with actions sorted by priority (based on identified parameters typically cost and energy savings).
Energy audits typically can range from a walkthrough assessment to a detailed engineering study.
There are broadly 3 levels of audits:
TEA delivers all three levels. The sections below explain the different levels of energy audit in detail.
Businesses need a practical, focused strategy to reduce carbon, save energy, and increase profits. An energy audit quickly identifies ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions and provides you with plan that includes practical next steps, costs and funding options. If you are a micro enterprise, SME or large organisation in any sector, a TEA audit will give you a roadmap to the deliver climate action and cost reduction.
The EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) requires large enterprises and qualifying public sector buildings to undergo a structured energy audit every four years. In Ireland this statutory programme is known as the Energy Auditing Scheme (EAS), and it is given force in domestic law by SI 426 of 2014, as amended by SI 646 of 2016 and SI 599 of 2019. The SI 426 energy audit covers at least 85% of an organisation’s total energy consumption across buildings, industrial processes, and transport. Findings must be reported to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Annex VI of the EED was revised and new minimum criteria for Energy Audits have been outlined.
Consumption Based Obligation
Energy audit obligations are now determined by total energy consumption. Any enterprise with an average annual consumption between 10 TJ and 85 TJ (2.7–23.6 GWh) is in scope, regardless of SME or Large Industry status.
Newly Obligated Companies
Organisations newly captured under the revised criteria must complete their first energy audit by 11 October 2026, and every four years thereafter. From 2026 onward, three‑year average energy use determines obligation.
Existing Obligated Companies
Companies already completing mandatory energy audits must continue the four‑year audit cycle, even if they no longer meet the new thresholds.
Near the Threshold?
Enterprises close to the consumption threshold are encouraged to implement efficiency measures to reduce energy use and potentially fall outside the scope of the obligations.
A compliant SI 426 energy audit is far more than a data-collection exercise. It provides a structured assessment of where and how energy is used, the key drivers of consumption and a prioritised set of cost-effective improvement recommendations.
Buildings & Facilities
Industrial Process
Transport & Fleet
Recommendations Report
An Investment Grade Audit (IGA), also known as a Level 3 energy audit goes significantly beyond the SI 426 standard. Where the standard audit satisfies your legal obligation, an IGA provides the rigorous technical and financial analysis that building owners, finance providers, and senior decision-makers need to confidently commit to capital investment.
The IGA builds a calibrated energy model of your building using real measured data, then evaluates each potential energy conservation measure (ECM) in depth, from LED lighting and HVAC optimisation to building envelope improvements and renewable energy systems with detailed cost, savings, payback, and risk assessment for each measure.
When is an IGA the right choice? An IGA is particularly valuable when planning a significant retrofit or capital programme; seeking external finance or a green loan; entering an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) with an ESCO; or applying for SEAI deep retrofit or public sector funding.
Feature
Level 1: Walk-through Energy Audit
Level 2: General Energy Audit
Level 3: SI426 & IGA
Energy use assessment
Significant energy users (SEU) in the organisation. Initial Identification, Qualitative assessment
SEU’s in the organisation. Detailed study with Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs) investigated for performance tracking
As per Level 1 and 2, plus a minimum of 85% – 100% of energy consumption; transport considered; risk analysis and financial analysis.
Financial modelling
Simple pay back
Simple pay back
Life-cycle cost, NPV, IRR
Risk Assessment
Not required but can be provided
High level
Detailed uncertainty analysis
Energy Modelling
Basic Calculations
Advanced Calculations
Heat Load S.R. 50 Calculations / Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM)
Grant and private funding support
Yes
Yes
Foundation for capital works grant applications
An SI 426 Energy Audit is a compliance-focused audit mandated by Irish law to fulfil EU Energy Efficiency Directive requirements that commenced in 2012. An Investment Grade Audit (IGA) is an engineering-heavy assessment designed to produce precise financial and operational data for major capital funding or internal board approval.
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