What are the ways businesses can save energy?

Energy management isn’t just about reducing bills – it’s about making your business more resilient, sustainable, and efficient. In today’s landscape of rising costs and tightening regulations, energy management has become a business-critical function.

1. Switch off what’s not in use

Many businesses waste energy simply because equipment is left running unnecessarily. That includes:

• Lighting in unused areas
• Computers and monitors outside working hours
• HVAC systems operating overnight or at weekends
• Vending machines, water coolers or displays running 24/7

Start by identifying what can be powered down when not in use – and automate it where possible.

Also read: How can businesses save energy?

2. Fine-tune controls and settings

Most buildings have existing systems that can be optimised – no need to install new equipment.

Focus on:

• Adjusting HVAC schedules to reflect actual occupancy
• Setting appropriate heating and cooling setpoints
• Aligning lighting controls with daylight and working patterns
• Avoiding system conflicts (e.g. heating and cooling at the same time)

Even small changes in control logic can lead to significant savings.

3. Use real-time energy monitoring

Smart energy management systems give you visibility over where energy is being used, and wasted, across your estate.

Real-time platforms like EMMA AI can:

• Detect energy spikes or unusual usage
• Identify inefficiencies that manual checks miss
• Help you act faster to reduce waste and costs

Explore more: What are energy management systems?

4. Maintain and upgrade equipment

Poorly maintained systems consume more energy. Make sure your maintenance routines include:

• Checking for air leaks or blockages
• Replacing filters regularly
• Updating outdated controls
• Fixing faulty sensors

In the longer term, investing in energy-efficient equipment, such as LED lighting or variable-speed drives, delivers ongoing savings.

5. Train your people

Technology alone won’t deliver results. Staff awareness and engagement are essential.

Support your team with:

• Energy-saving policies and training
• Clear guidance on shutdown procedures
• Encouragement to report inefficiencies
• Visibility of performance (e.g. dashboards or KPIs)

See also: Why energy management is important

6. Use data to inform future decisions

Once your business is monitoring usage and reducing waste, the next step is to use that data to:

• Build business cases for investment
• Forecast future usage and savings
• Set and track net zero targets
• Demonstrate compliance with regulations

Learn more: How to manage your energy data

Next steps

Energy savings aren’t one-offs – they’re ongoing. With the right systems and support, businesses can make lasting reductions in energy use and operating costs.

Want to know where your biggest opportunities are hiding? Get in touch with Optimal Monitoring.

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