Energy audit of refrigeration installations: a competitive advantage for Belgian companies
In the Belgian economic context, companies in the food, catering and retail sectors face major challenges: cost control, compliance with standards, energy efficiency and environmental commitment. Energy audits of refrigeration facilities are becoming a strategic tool for meeting these challenges. More than just a technical inspection, they enable Belgian companies to transform their refrigeration facilities into real levers for competitiveness.
Frigotec, a recognised specialist in professional refrigeration, assists retailers and restaurateurs in conducting a comprehensive energy audit of their refrigeration systems, guaranteeing economic, technical and environmental benefits.
Why conduct an energy audit of refrigeration systems?
A. Optimising operating costs
Refrigeration systems account for a significant portion of the energy bills of shops and restaurants. An energy audit of refrigeration systems can detect excessive consumption, heat loss and undersized or obsolete equipment.
According to studies, operating costs account for more than 70% of the total cost of refrigeration systems over their lifetime. Through energy audits of refrigeration systems, Frigotec helps its Belgian customers identify effective solutions: replacing compressors, optimising control systems, improving insulation or installing connected cooling technologies.
B. Respecter les normes et éviter les sanctions
Refrigeration installations must comply with strict standards, particularly with regard to fluorinated gas emissions and energy efficiency. In Wallonia, for example, the Walloon Government Decree of 12 July 2007 imposes conditions on fixed installations for the production of cold or heat.
L’audit énergétique des installations frigorifiques proposé par Frigotec garantit que les commerces et restaurants belges restent conformes à la réglementation, limitant ainsi les risques de sanctions ou de surcoût liés à une remise en conformité tardive.
C. Enhancing the company’s image
Today, consumers and partners value responsible companies. Conducting an energy audit of refrigeration systems allows retailers and restaurateurs to communicate their efforts in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. Frigotec supports its customers in promoting this strategic approach, thereby strengthening their brand image.
What is an energy audit of refrigeration installations?
An energy audit of refrigeration systems is a methodical process aimed at analysing, evaluating and optimising a company’s refrigeration systems. It comprises several stages:
- Inventory and data collection: identification of equipment, refrigerant, age of installations, operating conditions and thermal loads.
- Measurements and readings: temperature, power consumption, pressure, flow rate, and efficiency.
- Analysis and diagnosis: detection of losses, inefficiencies and overconsumption.
- Optimisation proposals: replacement or improvement of equipment, smart regulation, heat recovery, integration of connected systems.
- Monitoring and verification: implementation of solutions, monitoring of gains and reporting.
Thanks to an energy audit of refrigeration installations, Frigotec provides a comprehensive and pragmatic overview tailored to the specific needs of Belgian retailers and restaurateurs.
Key steps in an energy audit of refrigeration systems
A. Preparation and framing
Frigotec begins by defining the objectives: which facilities will be audited? What type of products are stored? What are the objectives in terms of savings or performance?
B. Data collection
Technical diagrams, energy bills and historical records are analysed. Sensors continuously measure actual performance. This step ensures that the energy audit of refrigeration systems is based on reliable data.
C. Analysis and diagnosis
Frigotec identifies heat loss, excessive consumption, inefficient circuits and obsolete equipment. An energy audit of refrigeration installations allows corrective actions to be prioritised in order to maximise return on investment.
D. Recommendations and action plan
The energy audit report for refrigeration systems details the solutions to be implemented, the expected savings and the ROI. This may include replacing compressors, upgrading condensers or installing a remote control system.
E. Implementation and monitoring
Frigotec supports retailers and restaurateurs in implementing recommendations, monitoring progress and verifying actual gains. An energy audit of refrigeration systems is not limited to diagnosis: it translates into concrete and measurable actions.
The benefits of an energy audit of refrigeration installations
A. Reduction in consumption and costs
The measures identified during the energy audit of refrigeration facilities enable optimisation of electricity and gas consumption, significantly reducing costs in the long term.
B. Extended equipment lifespan
Regular monitoring and optimisation of installations extend their service life, reducing breakdowns and interruptions to business.
C. Compliance and risk reduction
Belgian and European standards are complied with thanks to the energy audit of refrigeration installations, avoiding penalties and additional costs.
D. Brand enhancement
Communicating about an energy audit of refrigeration installations carried out by Frigotec enhances the credibility and responsible image of Belgian companies.
E. Increased competitiveness
Cost control, energy performance and compliance with standards make energy audits of refrigeration installations a strategic lever for differentiation in the Belgian market.
Belgian specificities and challenges
- Regulatory context: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels-Capital impose specific rules for refrigeration installations.
- Market structure: many installations are old or sub-optimised, offering significant potential for improvement through energy audits of refrigeration installations.
- Energy challenges: Belgium’s energy transition promotes high-performance facilities.
Overall strategy: energy audits of refrigeration facilities are part of a broader approach to sustainability and digitalisation of facilities.
The Frigotec approach to energy audits for refrigeration installations
Frigotec offers comprehensive support:
- Customised research and data collection.
- On-site measurements and accurate diagnosis.
- Quantified recommendations and action plan.
- Implementation, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance.
- Promotion of shares for external communication and marketing purposes.
The energy audit of refrigeration installations thus becomes a concrete, cost-effective and communicable process.
7. Best practices and challenges
- Involvement of management and teams.
- Collection of reliable data and regular monitoring.
- Realistic recommendations tailored to the Belgian context.
- Measuring results and making continuous adjustments.
- Internal and external communication promoting the audit.
Energy audits of refrigeration systems are a strategic competitive advantage for Belgian retailers and restaurateurs. With expert support from Frigotec, they can reduce costs, extend equipment life, comply with standards and improve brand image. Investing in an energy audit of refrigeration systems is no longer an option: it is a strategic choice to secure and develop your business in the Belgian market.
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