ASSESSING THE INTEGRATION OF ENERGY AUDIT AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WITHIN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE FRAMEWORKS

Abstract

Energy efficiency and management practices are increasingly being integrated into sustainable finance frameworks as organizations seek to reduce energy consumption, costs, and emissions. However, comprehensive analysis of the implementation and impacts of energy audits and management under these frameworks has been limited. This research conducts an assessment of how energy auditing and management practices are being incorporated into sustainable finance policies, tools, and reporting methodologies. The study utilizes a mixed methods approach combining broad quantitative benchmarking and qualitative case studies. First, an extensive benchmarking framework is developed to assess and compare the integration of energy audit and management provisions across major sustainable finance frameworks, standards, and guidelines. Quantitative data is compiled and analyzed to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Next, an in-depth qualitative case study analysis is conducted on a select group of organizations to develop a nuanced understanding of motivations, implementation challenges, and measurable impacts related to adopting energy management practices within sustainable finance commitments. Cases represent diverse sectors, geographies, and sustainable finance frameworks. Data collection involves sustainability reports, internal documents, and key informant interviews. This dual-pronged assessment methodology allows for a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape as well as targeted insights to inform the effective integration of energy management activities into sustainable finance efforts. The benchmarking provides a systematic overview of the field, while the case studies add a rich, practical understanding of real-world implementation. By evaluating integration depth, extent of implementation, motivations, challenges, and impacts, this study generates actionable intelligence to advance energy management as a key component of sustainable finance frameworks and commitments. The analysis provides both specific recommendations and a framework to inform future integration efforts by governments, standard setters, reporting organizations, and practitioners.