This paper investigates the main factors influencing an energy auditing procedure, leading to the adoption of energy efficiency measures by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing suggestions both for enterprises and energy policy makers. Our analysis is based on a sample of 280 SMEs from 7 European countries which participated in an international project (PInE) devoted to industrial energy efficiency. Opinions learned during the energy audits are summarized in 8 key findings: (1) Energy Audits are a valuable activity for SMEs, yet (2) not a viable option for consultancy on a commercial basis. The main difficulties in carrying out an energy audit are (3) lack of data on energy consumption, (4) information barriers and (5) other soft factors such as expectations and previous experience. Economic factors (6) are significant barriers to energy efficiency. Among the energy efficiency measures (7) behaviour and control are key factors. Finally (8) an appropriate method for energy auditing is key to success.
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