The term "energy audit" is broadly used and sometimes misconstrued. There is nothing wrong with a broad interpretation, providing the reader understands something of the scope and intent of the writer. Within this project many pamphlets, books, etc. were included under this term. Each was evaluated under a consistent format based upon consideration of 62 factors, plus a more subjective input when describing usability of application. Thus "energy audit" was defined as a procedure/form designed to aid in energy auditing. The completeness of the energy audit was determined by the way in which it handled the 62 factors.

As this nation and the world became more cognizant not only of the quantity of energy we utilize but also of the need to know in which areas of our economy that energy is utilized, the concept of auditing energy usage became established. Unfortunately, in the rush to account for energy usage, no cohesive pattern of auditing procedures was developed. Instead, a plethora of forms and procedures was prepared, often just for specific tasks. The result is the inability to compare the results of one audit to another with any sense of confidence.