From Energy Audits to Action: Advancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings in Mauritius – Session 1 – 10.06.2026

Trupti Yargattimath presented the key findings from UNEP-CCC’s review of energy audits conducted under the Global Platform for Urban Climate Neutrality (GPUC) project. She identified recurring weaknesses such as assumed baselines, limited use of engineering calculations, non-transparent savings estimates, and insufficient calibration against utility data. Emphasising the importance of evidence-based analysis, she argued that auditors should move away from generic assumptions and adopt more rigorous methodologies because “better audits lead to stronger business cases which ultimately unlock bankable energy efficiency projects for Mauritius.” Her presentation focused on practical improvements for lighting, HVAC and refrigeration systems, including lumen-based LED replacements, recording seasonal efficiency indicators such as COP and SEER, transparent payback calculations, and calibration of energy models against actual electricity bills.

The webinar also introduced a new Building Energy Performance Analysis Tool, demonstrated by Amiirah Muddhoo. Developed specifically for the Mauritian context, the tool supports auditors in collecting, validating and analysing energy consumption data across building systems, including lighting, cooling, refrigeration, motors and renewable energy generation. Amiirah explained that the tool was designed to improve consistency, transparency and accuracy in audit reporting, while helping auditors establish robust energy baselines and more credible savings estimates.

The final technical session was delivered by Zhuolun Chen, who presented comprehensive procurement guidelines for energy conservation measures in public and commercial buildings. Drawing on international standards and best practices, he argued that procurement processes should focus on performance outcomes rather than equipment alone, stressing that “procurement should reward lifecycle value and performance risk reduction, not just the lowest upfront price.” His presentation covered LED lighting, efficient air conditioning systems and refrigeration technologies, while also highlighting the importance of commissioning, measurement and verification, lifecycle costing, and appropriate procurement models including EPC and ESCO approaches.

The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session addressing audit methodologies, the practical use of the analysis tool, renewable energy integration, and the role of comfort levels and fuel switching in energy efficiency projects. Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasised that transparent, data-driven energy audits are essential for creating investable projects, supporting Mauritius’ emerging ESCO market, and achieving national energy and climate objectives. The session formed the foundation for a second-day workshop focused on hands-on application of the tool and practical implementation of audit recommendations.