Which study applies to your organisation?
In Belgium, legislation sets out clear obligations for energy efficiency. Depending on your energy consumption and your company profile, an energy plan, an energy study, an energy audit or an energy balance may be required. Sweco supports you from analysis through implementation, fully compliant with Flemish regulations.
Energy plan for energy-intensive companies
Companies with an annual energy consumption above 0.1 PJ are required to draw up an energy plan and update it every four years. This plan analyses the energy performance of existing installations and sets out concrete measures to improve energy efficiency.
As part of an environmental permit application, an energy study is mandatory when a modification to an installation results in an increase in primary energy consumption of at least 10 TJ per year.
Energy policy agreements (EPA)
Energy-intensive companies can voluntarily join the Flemish Government’s energy policy agreements. These agreements encourage continuous improvement in energy efficiency and contribute to regional climate targets. Conditions differ depending on whether or not the company is subject to ETS obligations. Sweco supports both categories, from strategic advice to reporting and follow-up.
Energy audit for non energy-intensive companies
Companies whose annual final energy consumption is between 0.05 PJ and 0.1 PJ are required to carry out an energy audit.
Large companies or non-SMEs with an energy consumption below 0.5 PJ also fall under this obligation. The audit maps energy consumption in a structured way and identifies cost-effective energy-saving measures.
Energy balance for SMEs
SMEs whose annual final energy consumption is between 0.02 PJ and 0.05 PJ must prepare an energy balance. This provides a clear overview of energy flows and forms the basis for targeted optimisations and future investments.
Support from Sweco
As an accredited energy expert, Sweco supports companies in preparing energy plans and energy studies that are subject to approval by the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA).
Thanks to our multidisciplinary expertise, we also provide support for energy audits and energy balances. Unsure which obligations apply or which category your company falls into? Our experts are ready to advise you.
Analysis and prioritisation
We start with a technical description of the processes and installations, complemented by energy balances of relevant energy flows such as electricity, natural gas, steam and cooling water.
Based on the Pareto principle, we identify the main consumption drivers and the energy-saving potential. This results in an initial list of energy efficiency measures, which we then review with you to assess technical and economic feasibility.
Techno-economic assessment
The most promising measures are assessed through a detailed techno-economic analysis. Where needed, we carry out additional measurements such as temperature, pressure, flow rate or electricity consumption.
Each measure is evaluated based on its saving potential, complexity and return on investment, including payback time, while taking into account the impact on your organisation’s operations.
Implementation and follow-up
In consultation with you, we determine which measures to implement. All decisions are documented in clear techno-economic factsheets.
Sweco Belgium can support you in technical discussions, verification, monitoring and implementation. Within the framework of an energy policy agreement, we also provide annual monitoring of your energy consumption, with a focus on continuous improvement and measurable results.
Our contacts
Davy Didden
Team Manager Energy for Industry
Ellen Krott
Senior Energy Consultant
Jasper Daniels
Senior Energy Consultant
Jonathan Orbie
Senior Energy ConsultantPhotography: Bram Goots | Faye Pynaert | Tom D’haenens
