This article is provided by BRC Associate Member Optimised.
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Rising utility costs over the past decade have significantly impacted the operational budgets of building operators. As energy prices continue to rise and the market experiences increased volatility due to regional conflicts, many sectors—including retail—are feeling the strain. This has led to higher operational costs, which can divert funds that might be better invested in core business activities.
One effective way to address these challenges is through comprehensive energy audits across a company's site. These audits involve a physical site inspection of a building or portfolio as well as detailed analysis of energy usage against previous utility data. This approach helps identify areas for energy and cost savings within everyday operations, common issues across sites and opportunities for improvement.
Importantly, many organisations are committing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in response to investor, stakeholder and consumer pressure as the UK moves towards its net zero goals. Reducing operational energy consumption can support this transition, reducing the amount that would need to be offset by onsite or offsite renewable generation and exposing further energy transition and decarbonisation opportunities.
Here, we will explore how retailers can enhance the value of energy auditing and analysis through five key steps, drawing on insights from our experience with our leading UK retail clients.
Data is fundamental to understanding your current position and defining practical actions for improvement. We begin by collecting half-hourly energy data from the past year, either directly from internal systems or through your energy supplier. This data will help create a comprehensive annual energy profile across all sites that considers both occupied and out-of-hours usage.
Where possible, we will profile energy data against suitable metrics and KPI’s.
During the physical site survey, collaborate with your team to evaluate building usage and processes. Identify existing equipment, such as lighting, motors, heat sources, building fabric, and automatic control systems. Engaging with the on-site staff will provide valuable insights into completed or planned energy projects, usage patterns, and any known challenges.
After gathering the on and off-site data, the next step is to compile the information into a detailed report outlining the current situation and recommendations for energy savings. This report could include a thorough analysis of potential projects aimed at reducing energy expenditure and provide a narrative that describes each project and its benefits, along with a marginal abatement curve that quantifies expected reductions in costs, kilowatt-hours, and CO2 emissions.
Summarise your findings in a prioritised table of recommended projects, accompanied by suggested next steps.
The individual projects can be summarised in a tailored format as shown below which shows project impact compared to project dependency & risk of implementation.
Once the draft report is complete, arrange a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss findings, address any questions, and finalise the report before issuing the final version. This collaborative approach ensures that all relevant perspectives are considered and that the final report reflects a comprehensive understanding of energy use at site level.
An energy audit is an important start to assess where your site and company has opportunities for energy, cost and carbon savings. But of course, the analysis, report and recommendations will need to be actioned. Following the completion of the report, focus on identifying actionable projects that can be implemented. Tailoring energy strategies to align with business objectives ensures a practical and achievable roadmap for energy, cost and carbon efficiencies and practical decarbonisation solutions.
By following these five steps, retailers can progress through their energy transition, maximising the value derived from energy audits and analysis, leading to more effective building energy management and a greater contribution to sustainability goals.
Get Started with Optimised Today
At Optimised, we help businesses navigate the complexities of the net zero transition. Whether you’re taking your first steps or need help implementing a developed plan, our team is ready to assist.
Contact us today to schedule your Net Zero Consultation and start your decarbonisation journey. Let’s work together to optimise your pathway to net zero and beyond!