Guide · Commercial energy
What is a commercial energy audit? A practical guide
For most businesses, energy is one of the largest controllable overheads — yet few know exactly where it goes. A commercial energy audit answers that question and turns it into a prioritised plan.
What a commercial energy audit is
It is a structured review of how a building uses electricity, gas and other fuels. An auditor surveys the site, reviews bills and meter data, inspects heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and controls, and compares all of it against how the building is actually occupied.
What happens during the audit
- Reviewing 12 months of bills and, where available, half-hourly meter data
- Walking the site to inspect plant, lighting, insulation and controls
- Checking schedules and set-points against opening hours and occupancy
- Identifying equipment running out of hours, overlapping heating and cooling, and poor zoning
What you receive
A clear baseline of current consumption and a management plan that separates quick, low-cost wins — scheduling, controls, LED lighting — from larger investments such as heat pumps, solar or a building management system (BMS).
How it differs from ESOS or an EPC
An EPC rates a building's fabric and fixed services for property transactions and compliance. ESOS is a mandatory assessment for large UK undertakings. A commercial energy audit is practical and operational: it looks at how your building runs day to day and what to change. It can support ESOS and EPC work, but it is focused on action.
Turning findings into savings
An audit only pays off when the recommendations are installed and measured. We install the plan and track performance afterwards. For larger sites, BMS and KNX controls with 24/7 AI optimisation keep the building tuned as occupancy and weather change.
Is it worth it for a small business?
Yes — smaller offices, shops and venues often have the simplest wins, such as heating and lighting running when nobody is in. Ours is free, so the only commitment is an hour or two on site.