Choosing an energy consultant: 5 decisive factors for companies in 2024

In today’s fast-moving environment of quickly changing energy regulations and growing environmental concerns, companies are faced with the increasing need to optimize the use of their energy resources. Relying on an energy consultant can make all the difference and assure not only regulatory compliance, but also reduced environmental impact and significant cost savings. How to choose the right consultant in 2024? Here are five decisive factors to consider.

First, let’s look at the most common tasks taken on by a corporate energy consultant.

An energy consultant can provide an organization with all-around support on all energy management, efficiency and diagnostic needs, and supports businesses and organizations in navigating the often rapidly changing regulatory horizon.

It thus handles all energy-related issues, from supply to energy management systems.

He or she can guide companies in making more informed decisions about procurement and facility efficiency interventions, helping to identify areas of risk and possible opportunities.

The energy consultant begins his or her work by conducting an energy audit, with the aim of assessing the energy efficiency of the company’s premises or buildings.

During this assessment, the consultant may also conduct an analysis of energy utility bills and inspect present equipment.

Following the energy audit, the consultant will prepare a detailed report that can return a comprehensive snapshot of critical areas and opportunities for improvement from an energy standpoint, the first step for any energy efficiency and energy consumption reduction intervention.

Experience in the relevant sector

The first indicator to evaluate when choosing an energy consultant to accompany your company through a path of energy analysis and energy efficiency is the experience of the consultant, or consulting firm, in the sector relevant to our company.

It is important to choose a professional who has proven experience and in-depth knowledge in your company’s specific sector: this will enable the consultant to anticipate sector-specific needs and critical issues and design a path that takes these factors into account.

For example, the energy needs of a manufacturing company will be different from those of a shopping mall.

A consultant with experience in your relevant sector will be able to guide you by proposing tailored, effective and feasible solutions.

How to assess experience?

• By reviewing the client portfolio he or she has worked with previously and the projects he or she has managed, to assess possible alignment with your company
• by verifying that he or she has professional certifications and specific training on topics related to energy efficiency and energy analysis.
• Requesting briefing materials and case studies, to view examples of similar projects already successfully completed.

Knowledge of regulations and incentives

The energy regulatory landscape is rapidly changing, with new laws and updates to existing regulations often changing the current situation.

The horizon of tax incentives and rebates also requires continually keeping up with updates and information.

A good energy consultant should always be up-to-date on local, national and international regulations, as well as any specific situations inherent in the relevant industry.

This will enable him or her to have a clear view of the state of the art regulatory framework and incentives your company could access to invest in energy efficiency and renewables.

Finding out how the consultant keeps abreast of regulations and incentives, and whether he has already assisted other companies in accessing grants, calls or tax incentives can be a way to get a clear idea of his expertise in the field.

Effective energy audit

As we have already seen in a previous article on energy audits, the latter is the starting point for any energy efficiency intervention.

The consultant you decide to hire should be able to prepare a detailed assessment of the company’s energy consumption, identifying areas of inefficiency, criticality, possible dispersion and proposing targeted interventions in order to reduce the impact and emissions and contain energy waste and dispersion.

The energy audit is the starting point for obtaining any energy certifications such as ISO 50001 – Energy Management System.

Customized and innovative solutions

Not only every industry, but also every business has its own and often unique needs, so it is essential that an energy consultant is able to focus on them properly and propose tailored solutions.

In addition to isolating interventions aimed at improving energy efficiency, a trained energy consultant should also propose innovative and cutting-edge solutions, such as the adoption of cloud and AI technologies to manage analysis, monitoring, and efficiency operations.

In addition to a push toward innovation, a trained consultant should be able to direct the company toward integrating energy from renewable sources, a path that is increasingly being traveled in the present and will increasingly shape the horizon of energy demand and production.

Transparency and costs

Transparency is a key issue. The consultant should be able to provide a clear explanation of the costs associated with their services and potential proposed interventions.

This means providing detailed quotes that distinguish between costs and benefits, with unambiguous information regarding savings expectations and payback time.

With these guidelines, you will be able to guide you in choosing an energy consultant for your company-a strategic decision that will significantly influence how your company navigates its way within a complex regulatory landscape, and toward a future that is increasingly focused on environmental sustainability and increasing corporate social responsibility.