Strategies for Reducing Energy Consumption in Commercial Buildings

Minimising energy usage in commercial buildings is important for reducing operational costs, decreasing environmental impact, and improving sustainability. Implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies can lead to substantial energy savings.

UK business energy statistics show that the energy market is worth a combined £106 million for gas and electricity, as of 2024. This is a 72.3% increase from the 2012 value of just over £61 million.

Investing in energy-saving measures may initially seem costly, but the payback period is relatively short. Reducing energy consumption should be a cornerstone of your Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) policy.

At Ventairge, we recommend these strategies to help you take control of your energy expenses, reduce consumption, and lower costs.

• Understand Your Energy Consumption

The first step to minimise energy costs is understanding your consumption. Review past bills to identify usage patterns and spikes. If you have multiple energy meters, you can attribute consumption to specific processes or machinery.

Building an “energy map” from historical data helps pinpoint energy-intensive processes. Accessing half-hourly data can reveal high out-of-hours consumption because of equipment left on unnecessarily.

• Implement Effective Management

Data insights can highlight where changes are needed. Centralising energy-dependent processes under one system allows for better control. Assign a dedicated team to manage energy usage.

Create an optimal environment for both staff and machinery. This can be easily managed from a central point using a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), which controls heating, ventilation, cooling, hot water (HVAC), and lighting.

• Maintain Equipment Efficiently

Machinery that is poorly maintained or operating below optimal efficiency consumes more energy and is prone to downtime. A BEMS can read machine data and predict failures, preventing downtime and reducing energy usage.

• Foster Energy-Saving Habits

Office-based organisations also face high energy costs from lighting, computer systems, servers, and HVAC systems. Educate staff on energy-saving practices to help reduce costs and environmental impact.

Encourage energy-saving behavior by rewarding employees who contribute to energy reduction goals. Regularly report on achievements to motivate further reductions.

• Modernise and Upgrade

Once low-cost energy efficiency measures are in place, consider upgrading outdated equipment. For instance, replacing traditional lighting with dimmable LEDs and presence detectors can cut energy consumption and costs by up to 80%. High-quality LED lamps also improve the work atmosphere with flexible lighting levels and have a long operational life.

Upgrade inefficient motors or convert them to Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), which can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve process control, especially for large motors operating variable loads like compressed air systems.

When replacing HVAC systems, prioritise efficiency ratings and ensure systems are appropriately sized and set up for control.

• Monitor Energy Usage

Energy prices vary with demand. Consuming energy during peak periods is more expensive. Large consumers face restrictions like the Authorised Supply Capacity (ASC) for electricity and Supply Offtake Quantity (SOQ) for gas, with excess charges for exceeding these limits.

Balance energy consumption and schedule usage during off-peak hours to benefit from lower rates.

• Optimise Energy Rates

If your energy consumption is high, consider hiring an energy consultant. Energy prices fluctuate, and consultants can help you secure the best rates. Invest in half-hourly meters for accurate data mapping and analysis, aiding in effective energy planning.

Group-buying initiatives can also provide smaller users with access to lower energy prices typically available to larger consumers.

• Generate Your Own Energy

Invest in renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, biomass boilers, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. These technologies have become more accessible and cost-effective, often supported by government incentives.

Leverage Government Incentives

Government incentives encourage local and renewable energy production:

Feed-in Tariff (FiT): Provides income for every unit of electricity generated by renewable technology, regardless of on-site use, with additional payment for surplus energy fed back to the grid.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): Offers benefits for heat production through renewable sources like heat pumps and biomass boilers.

Climate Change Levy (CCL): A tax on energy consumption, with discounts available for those participating in Climate Change Agreements (CCAs).

Energy Technology List (ETL): Supports investment in energy-saving technologies, offering tax benefits through the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme.

Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

Energy management is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor and maintain your energy usage, looking for discrepancies and opportunities for improvement. Adjust your energy plan as needed to maintain and enhance savings.

By following these strategies, businesses can achieve significant energy savings and contribute to a more sustainable future.