Reducing retail energy waste with Emma AI.
Card Factory
Card Factory is the UK’s leading retailer of cards, gifts, and celebration essentials, with 1,000+ stores and a growing online presence.
Overview
Our client was actively looking to reduce energy costs and support sustainability commitments. The aim was to deliver automated cost savings whilst also providing actionable data for both ESOS reporting and sustainability investment planning.
Solution
Emma AI analysed existing meter data to identify energy-saving opportunities, with no new hardware required.
-
Initial data analysis
One year of half-hourly data was analysed, revealing the potential for savings.
-
Implementation pilot
Proven savings were demonstrated across 193 stores in a three-month period, validating the savings projections.
-
Rollout to the wider estate
The successful pilot led to wider deployment, bringing automated energy analysis and practical recommendations to more stores.
Current status
Emma AI is established across the Card Factory estate. The focus is on improving store engagement, strengthening data quality and targeting remaining opportunities to drive further savings.
Benefits
6% energy reduction
Card Factory cut consumption by 644 MWh, with estimated year-one savings of £173,923.
Fast, software-led rollout
Emma AI delivered measurable savings using existing meter data, with no new hardware required.
Store-level action
33,214 insights were sent to stores, generating 4,924 replies and clearer operational visibility.
Next-phase opportunity
Emma AI identified a further £160,210 of issues to target across the estate.
Year-one results
Automated analysis and store-level action delivered measurable reductions in energy consumption and cost.
- 6%
- reduction in energy consumption
- 644 MWh
- energy saved in year one
- £173,923
- estimated year-one cost savings
Summary
The pilot’s success led to wider deployment across Card Factory’s retail estate. Year-one results show a 6% reduction in energy consumption, equivalent to 644 MWh and an estimated £173,923 saving.
The partnership continues to focus on store engagement, reliable meter data and further efficiency opportunities. Reducing unnecessary consumption helps lower costs while supporting Card Factory’s sustainability commitments.
“The platform provided clear, actionable insights that allowed us to cut energy consumption and drive efficiency, delivering an impressive return on investment in just a few months.
With Emma AI now in place across our estate, we’re confident we can continue reducing costs while improving our sustainability efforts.”
Energy Manager CARD FACTORY
Making overnight energy waste visible
This example shows a reduction in overnight baseload — the electricity consumed while the store is closed.
Could your stores be wasting energy?
Discover how Emma AI turns meter data into practical actions to help your teams reduce energy waste, costs and carbon emissions.