3 October 2014: Standards Australia has published three new Australian energy audit standards. The Australian Standards replace AS/NZS 3598:2000, Energy audits, and assist organisations to decide on the appropriate type of audit for their activities.

Energy audits are an integral part of the energy management process. They determine how efficiently energy is being consumed, identify energy and cost saving opportunities, and highlight potential improvements in building services and occupant comfort.

“These important energy audit documents are designed to allow organisations to better assess the energy performance of their activities” said Dr Bronwyn Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Standards Australia.

The suite of three new Australian Standards provides separate instruction for the energy audit of: commercial buildings; industrial and related activities; and transport related activities. The three documents include:
 AS/NZS 3598.1, Energy audits, Part 1: Commercial buildings
 AS/NZS 3598.2, Energy audits, Part 2: Industrial and related activities
 AS/NZS 3598.3, Energy audits, Part 3: Transport related activities

Representatives of government, industry and professional organisations constituted the Standards Australia technical committee EN-001 Energy Auditing, which was responsible for preparing the energy audit documents.

“It was important to seek and attain consensus amongst stakeholders for these updated documents and I’m pleased that our committee was able to achieve this,” said Mr Albert Dessi, Chair of EN-001 Energy Auditing.

“The documents represent a standard system which makes undertaking energy audits more efficient and effective, enabling better energy performance,” Mr Dessi said.

The documents constitute part of the program of work undertaken by the Standards Australia’s EN-001 Energy Auditing, funded and supported by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, State Governments and the Government of New Zealand.