Non-SME Audit

Energy Audits For Non-SME´s

Quick Guide

This information is only intended to give a brief insight to the requirements of energy audits for non-SME’s, and is thus to be read in conjunction with the full guidelines as issued by EWA (Energy & Water Agency) that can be downloaded from this page

What is an Energy Audit?

An Energy Audit is a process necessary to identify energy losses within commercial & industrial buildings and operations, in order to identify remedial actions, which may include change of behaviour, improvements in routines and investments in technology, making the business more sustainable and efficient. Energy Audits are not restricted to electrical energy consumption, but also cover other areas of business operations, such as water, travel, and the use of fuels. Waste disposal is not normally part of an Energy Audit unless there is energy use/waste in relation to it that needs to be considered.

Who does Energy Audits?

Energy Audits are carried out by registered technical persons, who have undergone the necessary training, and are listed in the REWS (Regulator for Energy & Water Services) Register as energy auditors (https://www.rews.org.mt/#/en/a/81-providers-res-and-energy-audits). Other persons may be qualified to do audits subject to conditions as described in the guidelines.

Who is obliged to carry out an Energy Audit?

The Energy Efficiency Regulations (SL 545.33) binds non-SMEs to carry out an energy audit at least once every 4-years. Non-SMEs are enterprises that do not fall within the Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) group, as defined in Title I of the Annex to Commission Recommendation 2003/361 of the 6th May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Further information is available in the guidelines.

Can a non-SMEs be exempted from carrying out the Energy Audit?

Exemptions apply where enterprises are implementing an internationally recognised Energy or Environmental Management System, or where energy consumption is below 50,000kWh/annum. Requests for exemptions together with supporting documents are to be sent in good time to EWA as per information provided in the Exemption Guidance Note.

How is this obligation fulfilled?

Companies need to submit the completed Summary Report Standard Template (available for download below) along with the Energy Audit Report Declarations to the Energy & Water Agency by the closing date which is 5-Dec-2023. The filled in templates are to be submitted via email at the address provided. The full Energy Audit Report is to be made available to the Agency upon request. EWA must have access to the detailed reports to fulfil its legal responsibility of verification, to confirm that the audits are carried out in line with the relative legislation.

What happens once the Energy Audit is done?

It is strongly recommended that audits are read, understood, and a plan of action is developed from its findings. The recommendations given in the report will make the enterprise’s operations more sustainable ultimately resulting in financial benefits.

Is there any financial assistance to help in the implementation of recommendations?

Recommendations may be low cost and quick wins but may also incur a financial investment which is either within easy reach of the enterprise or requires support. In the case of the latter, several schemes are available at various government entities to facilitate this investment. EWA can be contacted to guide enterprises further on this aspect.