Last updated: 5 August 2026.
Quick answer. Before applying for an Energy Savings Certificate (CAE), a company should verify that the investment in energy efficiency makes economic sense. The article describes four steps: conducting an energy audit (comprehensive analysis of consumption, precise measurements, bill review and installation inspection); simulating savings scenarios with specialised software, estimating costs and payback periods; comparing scenarios and selecting measures by cost-benefit ratio, technical feasibility and environmental impact; and developing an action plan with quantifiable objectives, an execution timeline and assigned responsibilities. It also covers key performance indicators (KPIs) and frequently used tools that support each of these steps.
It is essential to calculate energy savings before applying for a CAE to determine whether an investment in energy efficiency makes economic sense and justifies the application for the certificate.
Below, we present a collaborative video format if it is of interest to you:
We will begin by describing four strictly necessary steps when applying for a CAE. We will break down each step with some milestones that explain the scope. We will conclude by explaining key performance indicators (KPIs) and some frequently used tools to carry out the steps, which we will subsequently describe.
Conduct an Energy Audit:
- Comprehensive Analysis: A detailed study of current energy consumption, identifying the most energy-intensive equipment, peak demand times, and potential energy losses.
- Consumption Measurement: Use measurement equipment to obtain precise data on electricity, gas, etc. consumption.
- Bill Analysis: Review energy bills from recent years to identify trends and consumption patterns.
- Installation Inspection: Conduct a visual inspection of the installations to detect potential deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Simulate Savings Scenarios:
- Simulation Tools: Use specialized software to simulate different energy improvement scenarios and calculate potential savings.
- Consider Proposed Measures: Evaluate the impact of each proposed measure on total energy consumption.
- Estimate Costs: Calculate investment costs and payback periods for each measure.
Compare Scenarios and Select Measures:
- Cost-Benefit Ratio: Prioritize measures that offer the greatest energy savings per euro invested.
- Technical Feasibility: Ensure that the selected measures are technically feasible and compatible with existing installations.
- Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of each measure and select those that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Develop an Action Plan:
- Define Objectives: Establish clear and quantifiable objectives in terms of energy savings.
- Establish a Timeline: Define an execution schedule for each measure.
- Assign Responsibilities: Designate those responsible for implementing each measure.
Si te ha interesado este artículo no dudes en leer:
How Energy Saving Certificates (ESCs) work
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Energy Consumption per Unit of Product: Allows comparison of energy consumption across different processes or products.
- Energy Intensity: Measures the amount of energy consumed per unit of production.
- Load Factor: Indicates the effective utilization of energy equipment and systems.
Useful Tools:
- Energy Management Software: Allows real-time monitoring and analysis of energy consumption.
- Tariff Comparison Platforms: Help find the best energy rates.
- Energy Savings Calculators: Allow estimation of the potential savings of different measures.
If you found this article interesting, you might also enjoy reading the following:
Quick Guide to Obtaining a CAE (Energy Savings Certificate)
Don’t be left in doubt, get in touch. We’ll be happy to help and offer you solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Because the calculation determines whether the investment in energy efficiency makes economic sense and justifies the application for the certificate. A prior estimate provides data on expected savings, investment costs and payback periods, so the company can prioritise the measures with the best return before starting the application process.
It combines a comprehensive analysis of current energy consumption, identifying the most energy-intensive equipment, peak demand times and potential losses; the use of measurement equipment to obtain precise data on electricity and gas consumption; a review of energy bills from recent years to identify trends and patterns; and a visual inspection of the installations to detect deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Specialised simulation software is used to model different energy improvement scenarios and calculate the potential savings of each one. The impact of every proposed measure on total energy consumption is evaluated, and investment costs and payback periods are estimated for each measure so that scenarios can later be compared.
Three criteria guide the selection: the cost-benefit ratio, prioritising measures that offer the greatest energy savings per euro invested; technical feasibility, ensuring the measures are compatible with the existing installations; and environmental impact, favouring measures that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The action plan should establish clear and quantifiable objectives in terms of energy savings, define an execution schedule for each selected measure, and designate the persons responsible for implementing each one. The guide complements this with key performance indicators (KPIs) and commonly used tools to track execution.
Contact
Don’t be left in doubt, get in touch. We’ll be happy to help and offer you solutions.
