Cutting costs: energy-saving strategies for commercial buildings

Energy efficiency has become a top priority for commercial building owners and operators. With rising energy costs and growing pressure to achieve sustainability targets, commercial building owners and operators need to adopt energy-saving strategies to stay competitive and future-proof their operations. In this post, we’ll explore effective strategies to reduce energy consumption, optimise building systems and measure the success of these initiatives.

Energy consumption patterns in commercial buildings

Commercial buildings are often significant energy consumers, contributing heavily to overall energy use in the UK and globally. A report found that energy wastage is estimated to have cost UK businesses an eye-watering £33.9 billion in 2022, with up to 30 percent of all commercial energy going to waste.

With rising energy costs putting pressure on businesses, reducing wastage is a critical priority. To implement targeted cost-saving measures, it’s vital to first understand energy usage patterns, including peak consumption periods and areas of waste.

What contributes to more energy usage in commercial buildings

Major contributors to energy use in commercial buildings include:

• HVAC systems: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning often represent the largest energy expenditure, as maintaining indoor comfort for staff and visitors is critical.
• Lighting: Offices, common areas and outdoor spaces rely heavily on extensive lighting systems.
• Hot water systems: Essential for toilets, kitchens and other facilities.
• Plug loads: Devices and appliances plugged into outlets.
• Office equipment: Computers, printers and other electronic devices contribute to overall energy use.

By leveraging data-driven insights and analysing energy consumption trends, organisations can identify opportunities for improvement, optimise usage and reduce waste.

Top energy-saving strategies for commercial buildings

Optimising energy usage in commercial buildings requires a blend of quick wins and long-term planning. The following strategies have proven effective for improving energy efficiency:

1. HVAC optimisation

Optimising HVAC systems has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption. Regular maintenance ensures systems operate at peak performance and upgrading to energy-efficient models offers long-term savings. Programmable thermostats and smart controls, combined with insulation for ducts and the building envelope can prevent energy loss and ensure temperatures align with occupancy patterns.

2. Energy-efficient LED lighting

Replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with LED alternatives significantly lowers energy usage while increasing the lifespan of lighting systems. Conducting a lighting audit can help identify areas where improvements are needed. Occupancy sensors and automated controls can further reduce energy waste by ensuring that lighting is only used when necessary. Besides saving energy, LED lighting also enhances indoor environments, reducing eye strain and improving employee well-being.

3. Smart building technologies

Smart building technologies offer innovative solutions for real-time energy management. IoT-enabled sensors can monitor occupancy levels, adjust HVAC settings and manage lighting, ensuring that energy use aligns with actual building activity. Smart HVAC systems automate climate control based on weather conditions and occupancy patterns, while smart building management systems centralise data and optimise energy use across all systems. These technologies not only cut energy consumption but also provide actionable insights for continuous improvement.

Practical energy saving tips for commercial buildings

Small changes in daily operations can make a substantial difference in energy efficiency. Starting with simple changes can help to drive early results and build support for longer-term efficiency measures. Some areas to consider include:

Implement a “lights-off” policy when areas are not in use

Encouraging a “lights-off” policy ensures that lights are switched off in areas when not in use, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Regular reminders and communication can help maintain this habit, contributing to significant energy savings in the long run.

Encourage energy-saving habits among employees and tenants

Energy consumption is heavily influenced by occupant behaviour. Training, workshops and clear communication can encourage employees and tenants to adopt energy-saving habits, like minimising unnecessary heating or cooling, turning off devices when not in use and utilising natural light instead of artificial lighting.

For example:

• Avoid adjusting HVAC settings unnecessarily (e.g., excessive heating or cooling).
• Opt for stairs instead of using the lift to save energy.
• Turn off equipment (computers, screens, printers) or use energy-saving modes when not in use.
• Always turn off lights when not in use and use natural light wherever possible.

Insulate walls and roofing

Proper insulation of walls, roofs and windows can significantly reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling, thereby lowering energy consumption. According to the EPA, improving insulation can save up to 10% on energy bills, making it a highly effective strategy for energy efficiency.

Energy-efficient windows or well-sealed windows help to prevent heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain during summer months. Additionally, inspecting roofs for leaks and sealing electrical outlets, pipes and HVAC ducts can contribute to overall energy efficiency. Using energy-efficient building materials during renovations or construction can further enhance insulation and energy savings.

Implementing long-term energy-saving measures

Sustainable energy management requires a strategic, long-term approach. Key steps include:

• Conduct energy audits: Regular audits identify inefficiencies and help build a roadmap for improvement.
• Upgrade equipment: Replace outdated systems with energy-efficient models, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.
• Invest in renewable energy: Solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable technologies can offset energy costs and contribute to sustainability goals.
• Enhance insulation: Improving insulation in walls, roofs and windows reduces heating and cooling needs, driving down energy use.
• Educate occupants: Continual training and communication on energy efficiency can foster energy-conscious behaviour throughout the organisation.

For more information on longer-term energy management strategies, see our blog: what is energy management?

Measuring the impact of energy savings

To determine the success of energy-saving initiatives, businesses need a systematic approach to measurement and reporting.

1. Establishing a baseline: Measure energy usage before implementing changes to set a reference point for improvement.
2. Defining KPIs: Track energy use intensity (EUI), energy savings percentage and return on investment (ROI) to monitor progress.
3. Utilising monitoring tools: Real-time data from IoT sensors and energy management systems (EMS) provides actionable insights for optimising energy use.
4. Reporting results: Transparent reporting, including progress against ESG goals helps secure buy-in from stakeholders and ensures continuous improvement.

Energy management software simplifies tracking, reporting and optimisation of energy consumption. MRI’s AI-powered tools offer real-time monitoring, data-driven insights and actionable recommendations to help organisations reach their sustainability targets and drive cost savings.

Benefits of energy efficiency in commercial buildings

Energy-saving measures provide benefits far beyond just reducing utility bills. Here’s why investing in energy efficiency matters:

• Environmental impact: Lower energy consumption reduces carbon emissions, supporting corporate sustainability and ESG goals.
• Operational efficiency: Optimised systems prevent costly repairs and inefficiencies, while regular maintenance reduces utility bills.
• Reputation and compliance: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability enhances brand reputation and ensures compliance with regulations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) targets.

FAQs

How MRI Software can help landlords

MRI’s energy management software helps commercial businesses to gain total visibility and take full control over your energy consumption and costs.

MRI’s energy ROI calculator can help you determine your energy cost savings and drive greater building performance.