Enhancing industrial efficiency with energy audits

05 November, 2024

In an era where energy prices continue to fluctuate unpredictably and sustainability increasingly takes centre stage in corporate priorities, understanding the dynamics of energy consumption has never been more critical.

Energy audits serve as a fundamental first step in pinpointing areas where energy is wasted or consumed inefficiently. They offer a comprehensive assessment of energy usage across various operations, illuminating opportunities for improvement while providing actionable recommendations. For industries reliant on energy-intensive processes—such as manufacturing and production - the insights gained from these audits can lead to substantial savings in both energy consumption and associated costs. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to broader environmental goals that are becoming pivotal in contemporary business strategies.

Historically, many existing pump systems were not designed with energy conservation as a core consideration. Consequently, businesses may be missing out on considerable potential savings. In fact, if pump systems are initially designed with an emphasis on energy efficiency and if pumps are appropriately sized and applied, energy savings can frequently exceed 50%. This statistic underscores the imperative for businesses to re-evaluate their current systems and practices.

At the heart of this energy audit initiative is the BPMA’s Certified Pump System Auditor (CPSA) scheme. This programme provides a robust foundation of knowledge and expertise necessary for conducting thorough energy audits specifically within pump systems. It is noteworthy that pump systems often represent one of the largest energy consumers in industrial operations; however, they also present an exceptional opportunity for efficiency gains.

Through the CPSA scheme, industry professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to assess pump systems comprehensively. They are trained to identify inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions to optimise performance. This goes beyond merely highlighting areas of waste; certified auditors offer a strategic perspective on enhancing overall system performance. The result is not only direct energy savings but also improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs, which collectively drive long-term operational resilience.

Candidates who undergo the CPSA-accredited training carry out the Pump System Audit in accordance with ISO/ASME 14414:2019. This standard delineates the requirements for conducting and reporting the results of a comprehensive energy assessment of pumping systems. It evaluates every aspect of the pumping system, from energy inputs to the work performed, with the aim of determining current energy consumption and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Wayne Rose, Director and CEO of the BPMA, has articulated the value of an energy audit: “Pump systems are fundamental to the functioning of many industrial operations, but they also represent a significant opportunity for energy savings.” He added: “The CPSA scheme is designed to provide the industry with highly qualified professionals who can deliver real, measurable improvements in energy efficiency. We urge all businesses to take advantage of this and make energy audits a priority.”