Decarbonising the Industrial Sector with Audit Plus
The industrial sector, including manufacturing and energy-intensive processes, accounts for roughly 50% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This makes targeted energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures essential to meet both EU Green Deal objectives and national climate goals. In Ireland, such initiatives align closely with the Climate Action Plan, which aims for a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Audit Plus+ Results
In this context, Lawler Sustainability participated in the EU LIFE Audit Plus+ Programme, providing companies in energy-intensive industries (EIIs) with free energy audits and identifying strategies to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. These audits highlight quick wins as well as longer-term strategies, giving clients multiple pathways to improve efficiency, achieve compliance with regulations, and advance their sustainability objectives.
So far, our team has completed 15 audits under the Audit Plus+ Programme, demonstrating the potential and scalability of this approach.
Key results include:
- Total annual cost savings identified: €10+ million
- Highest annual savings with a single strategy: €1,017,476
- Total grant funding identified: €23+ million
- Highest grant funding for a single strategy: €8,242,933
- Total annual CO₂ savings identified: 20,574 tCO₂
- Highest CO₂ saving from a single strategy: 8,502 tCO₂ annually
These findings show that targeted energy audits can unlock substantial financial and environmental benefits. Industrial clients operating across sectors such as food and beverage, steel, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and packaging were able to identify opportunities to access multi-million-euro grant funding while simultaneously reducing emissions and improving energy performance. Collectively, the audits identified over €10.5 million in annual energy savings and more than 20,500 tonnes of CO₂ reductions per year, demonstrating how focused interventions can make a measurable contribution to Europe’s net-zero journey
What this means for industrial organisations ?
At a corporate level, Audit Plus+ provides companies with a clear roadmap to reduce operational costs, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen sustainability credentials. By identifying both quick-win measures and longer-term strategic initiatives, businesses can make informed investment decisions that maximise financial returns while minimizing environmental impact. Access to substantial grant funding reduces upfront costs and accelerates implementation. Beyond immediate savings, participating in such audits enhances corporate reputation with stakeholders, investors, and customers, demonstrating a tangible commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance. Ultimately, Audit+ empowers companies to embed energy management and decarbonisation into their long-term corporate strategy, turning climate action into a source of competitive advantage.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, the success of the Audit+ Programme highlights the importance of collaboration across industry, policymakers, and technical experts in accelerating decarbonisation. As energy markets continue to evolve and technologies such as heat recovery, process electrification, and advanced monitoring systems become more accessible, early adopters will be best positioned to capture long-term value. Continued participation in initiatives like Audit+ supports a shift toward continuous improvement, ensuring that carbon reduction remains an ongoing priority rather than a one-off exercise.
Our commitment
Lawler Sustainability remains firmly committed to supporting Irish industry through this transition. By combining technical expertise, in-depth policy knowledge, and access to funding opportunities, our team helps businesses translate sustainability ambitions into tangible, measurable action. Each completed audit strengthens Ireland’s industrial base, improves energy resilience, and contributes to the development of a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable economy for future generations.
In conclusion, these results highlight the strategic importance of energy audits for industrial companies in Ireland and across Europe. By combining financial savings, grant opportunities, and carbon reductions, Audit Plus+ demonstrates how companies can drive measurable environmental impact while enhancing operational performance, supporting both national and EU climate ambitions.
For more information on how grant funding schemes like the Audit Plus+ scheme can help your industrial organisation click the learn more button below.