Energy efficiency: efficient production and efficient use

As a consultant in electricity generation, particularly in regions where there is a shortage of electricity, one of IED's ongoing concerns is ensuring power is used sensibly and efficiently. In view of the constantly increasing energy prices, controlling energy demand will be a major challenge over the coming years. There is huge potential for reducing consumption in the industrial and service sectors – motivated by lower production costs – as well as in housing, public infrastructures, and electricity generation and transmission systems.


IED is developing its expertise in the field of energy efficiency both in France and abroad. Our activities in this area include conducting energy audits and performance analyses, putting together action plans to improve energy efficiency, as well as raising awareness and providing training to influencers or consumers.
Our consulting services cover the industrial sector, public buildings, commercial premises and housing.
Our expertise encompasses all uses for electricity (lighting, ventilation, office automation, production lines, electrical engines, compressed air, air conditioning and industrial refrigeration), but also the uses for gas and fossil fuels (heat generation through boilers and on production lines). IED also provides expertise in wood fuel and solar water heating.

Energy audit

The purpose of an audit is to assess the situation within a company or building and determine how to reduce consumption in order to reach a certain level of energy efficiency.
It is based on gathering both technical (consumption, output, etc.) and economic data (energy-related expenses, operating expenses, added value, etc.). These data are used to produce general indicators in the form of technical or techno-economic ratios such as kWh/m2/year for buildings, kWh/production unit or kWh/revenue for businesses, but also technical ratios which focus more on processes, such as kWh/m3 for the production of compressed air or the energy efficiency ratio of boilers.
These indicators are compared to specific benchmarks which are adapted to each application: baseline values for the thermal performance of buildings, specific technical benchmarks for industrial processes.

Energy studies

An energy study is a more detailed analysis which includes a technical and economic feasibility study of corrective actions to achieve significant savings.
Detailed data are gathered, measurements are taken, and a detailed critical analysis is performed in order to evaluate the technical aspects of how the equipment works and how it performs in comparison with applicable regulatory energy efficiency requirements.
A model is used to represent the current situation and evaluate the qualitative, economic and energy-related impacts of the recommended actions or solutions (IED uses specialised software such as RetScreen for studies in the industrial sector, as well as tools to simulate the thermal behaviour of buildings).

Implementation of energy efficiency programmes

Upon completion of our studies, we recommend an action plan and a programme which includes an implementation schedule and budget. IED is also able to assist its clients with:
 
 coordinating awareness-raising programmes and actions aimed at personnel and decision-makers,
 the invitation to tender process,
 monitoring works,
 verifying performance.