BS EN 16247: Guiding Energy Audits and Assessments

BS EN 16247 refers to one of the key standards in the United Kingdom for energy audits and assessments. In the below article, we’ll take a look at how this standard offers a comprehensive framework for conducting energy audits and enhances sustainable development across organisations. 

What Exactly Is the BS EN 16247 Standard?

The BS EN 16247 series is a suite of European standards specifically designed to facilitate energy audits across various sectors. Not only does it encompass a range of practices for assessing energy use, but it also provides methodologies for identifying and implementing energy efficiency measures. ISO 50001, an international standard for energy management, is also closely aligned with BS EN 16247. 

To target different aspects of energy auditing, the standard is structured into several parts. Let’s take a look at these below.

BS EN 16247-1: General Requirements

The BS EN 16247-1 is the foundational part of the series, laying down the general requirements for performing an energy audit. It has been designed to cover essential principles, auditor competencies, and the methodologies to be employed during the audit process. Overall, it serves as the bedrock for the subsequent, more specialised parts of the standard, ensuring consistent and high-quality auditing.

BS EN 16247-2: Energy Audits in Buildings

Part 2 of the series provides detailed guidelines for conducting energy audits in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It addresses the assessment of energy consumption patterns, building envelopes, HVAC systems, and lighting, among other components, to identify actionable measures for enhancing energy efficiency.

BS EN 16247-3: Industrial Processes

The third installment focuses on industrial processes, offering a roadmap for auditing energy use within industrial settings. It aims at dissecting manufacturing processes, equipment, and systems to spotlight inefficiencies and recommend improvements. This part is crucial for industries striving to optimise energy use, reduce operational costs, and mitigate environmental impacts.

BS EN 16247-4: Transportation

With transportation being a significant energy consumer, Part 4 of the standard targets energy audits in this sector. It outlines methodologies for examining fleet management, vehicle performance, and operational practices. The goal is to enhance fuel efficiency, decrease energy expenditures, and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

BS EN 16247-5: Organisational Energy Audits

The series culminates with Part 5, which extends the auditing process to an organisational level. It provides a framework for comprehensively understanding and managing an company’s energy consumption across all its activities and facilities. This holistic approach is instrumental for organisations committed to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship across their operations.

As an example, let’s consider a hypothetical case study:

Company XY, a manufacturing facility in the UK, conducted an energy efficiency assessment following the guidelines of BS EN 16247. The assessment revealed that by implementing energy conservation measures such as upgrading their equipment and optimising their production schedules, the company could reduce their energy consumption by an estimated 20%. This would result in significant cost savings and a substantial reduction in their carbon footprint.

Key Takeaways

• BS EN 16247 is a significant energy efficiency standard in the UK.
• It is a series divided into five parts, each targeting a different aspect of energy auditing.
• It provides guidelines for conducting energy audits and assessments.
• The standard emphasises the importance of sustainable energy practices.
• Integration with ISO 50001 enables effective energy management.
• Implementing energy conservation measures can lead to improved energy performance.

Conclusion

By providing a detailed framework for energy audits across various sectors, the BS EN 16247 enables businesses to identify inefficiencies, reduce energy costs, and comply with regulatory mandates such as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). This commitment to energy optimisation not only enhances environmental stewardship, but also positions organisations for greater operational excellence and sustainability in an increasingly eco-conscious world.

FAQs

1. What is BS EN 16247?

BS EN 16247 is a UK standard that provides guidelines for energy audits and assessments. It sets the framework for evaluating energy performance and identifying energy-saving opportunities in buildings and industrial processes.

2. Why are energy efficiency standards important?

Energy efficiency standards like BS EN 16247 are important because they help businesses and organisations improve their energy performance and reduce their environmental impact. By following these standards, companies can identify and implement measures to reduce energy consumption, save costs, and contribute to sustainability goals.

3. What are the key guidelines outlined in BS EN 16247?

The key guidelines outlined in BS EN 16247 include conducting comprehensive energy audits, assessing energy consumption patterns, identifying energy-saving opportunities, and recommending suitable energy conservation measures. These guidelines ensure a systematic approach to energy management and facilitate the implementation of sustainable technologies.

4. What is the relevance of ISO 50001 in the UK energy management?

ISO 50001 is an international standard for energy management systems. It helps organisations establish and maintain processes to improve energy performance and reduce energy costs. In the UK, ISO 50001 is relevant because it aligns with BS EN 16247 and provides a structured framework for achieving energy efficiency goals and complying with energy management guidelines.

5. How can energy efficiency assessments help in identifying energy savings potential?

Energy efficiency assessments, as prescribed in BS EN 16247, help identify energy savings potential by evaluating the energy performance of buildings and processes. These assessments analyse energy consumption patterns, identify areas of energy waste, and recommend measures to optimise energy efficiency. By conducting thorough assessments, businesses can uncover potential energy savings opportunities and implement effective energy conservation strategies.