Choosing an energy consultant for commercial buildings
A practical checklist for property owners and portfolio managers — what to look for, what it costs, and the questions to ask before you sign.
Energy mapping and advisory have been regulated in Norway since 1 October 2024 under the energy management regulation (energiledelse-forskriften). We have supported large property owners — Storebrand, CBRE, Marriott, Mustad, Thon, DNV — and here we answer the questions we get most often.
What does an energy adviser do?
An energy adviser maps where energy is used in the building, identifies which measures are truly cost‑effective, and follows them through execution and operation. The difference between a good and a mediocre adviser is how much of the report turns into real savings. Always ask for references with measured results from delivered projects, not just a list of assignments.
What does energy mapping cost?
For a typical 5 000–10 000 m² office building, a thorough energy mapping usually costs between 80 000 and 200 000 NVA, including site inspection, data analysis and report. The price varies with complexity, number of technical systems, whether the building has existing EOS data, and whether the adviser will include profitability calculations or only meet the regulatory requirement. Always ask the quote to specify what is mandatory and what is extra.
How long does the process take?
From signed agreement to final report: typically 6–10 weeks. Site inspection and data collection take 1–2 weeks, analysis 3–5 weeks, and reporting and quality assurance 1–2 weeks. Measures from the report can be implemented immediately where conditions allow — for example operational optimisation — while investment measures are typically phased in over 12–36 months.
What distinguishes a good adviser from the rest?
Three clear signals to look for: 1) Measured results from delivered projects — kWh/m² before and after, not just percentages. 2) A multidisciplinary team (HVAC, building automation, sustainability) under the same roof, not subcontractors. 3) Willingness to enter performance‑based contracts — advisers who guarantee savings trust their numbers. Also look for certifications such as BREEAM AP, ISO 50001 auditor, and membership in Enova’s adviser network.
Should the adviser and the contractor be the same party?
It depends on project size. For energy mapping and initial strategy: no — independence protects against bias toward selling one’s own services. For retro‑commissioning, operational optimisation and energy plant room design: often yes, because the learning loop from implementation back into design is one of the most valuable parts of a project. Check that the adviser has clear procedures to avoid conflicts of interest when both roles are combined.
What questions should I ask before I sign?
Ask specifically for: 1) Three delivered projects with measured energy reductions (kWh and percent). 2) Who will actually do the work — named engineers, not just a company name. 3) How the adviser handles data from EOS, BMS and billing history. 4) Whether the quote includes profitability calculations and Enova applications, or if these cost extra. 5) Guarantees — what happens if the measures do not deliver as promised?
Where do I find a qualified adviser?
Enova publishes a list of advisers who have submitted approved Enova applications — a good starting point. Industry organisations such as Rådgivende Ingeniørers Forening (RIF) and NEMITEK have membership lists. For larger portfolios, we recommend pre‑qualifying 3–4 suppliers through a mini‑competition, testing them on a defined case building before awarding a framework agreement.