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 immediate, automated cost savings whilst also providing actionable data for both ESOS reporting and sustainability investment planning.
SOLUTION
Emma AI’s ability to provide real-time data and identify energy-saving opportunities with no capex made it the perfect fit.
INITIAL DATA ANALYSIS
One year of half-hourly data was analysed, revealing the potential for savings to be made.
IMPLEMENTATION PILOT
Proven savings were demonstrated across 193 stores in a three-month period, validating the savings projections.
ROLL-OUT TO FULL ESTATE
Emma AI’s automated energy monitoring rolled out across the estate, giving stores opportunities to realise further savings.
“The savings generated during the pilot with Emma AI were so compelling that rolling it out across our estate was the natural next step.”
Energy Manager
CARD FACTORY
CURRENT STATUS
Emma AI is now established across the Card Factory estate, with year-on-year performance showing measurable reductions in energy use and cost.
The current focus is on improving store engagement, strengthening data quality, and targeting remaining opportunities across the estate to drive further savings.
BENEFITS
Card Factory cut consumption by 644 MWh, saving £173,923 in year one.
Emma AI delivered measurable savings using existing meter data, with no new hardware required.
Insights were sent to stores, generating replies and clearer operational visibility.
Emma AI identified a further £160,210 of issues to target across the estate.
RESULTS
SUMMARY
The pilot’s success has led to Emma AI being deployed in over 1,000 Card Factory stores, with full estate coverage in sight as the final 191 sites are added. Year-one results show a 6% reduction in energy consumption, equivalent to 644 MWh and an estimated £173,923 saving.
Looking ahead, the partnership will focus on improving store engagement, maintaining reliable meter data, and identifying further opportunities for efficiency. The collaboration demonstrates how data-led energy management can deliver immediate savings while supporting longer-term sustainability goals across a large retail network.
“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
EMMA AI - the energy management platform
