04/02/2026
DecarbonisationWith energy costs continuing to rise and sustainability targets becoming more and more important, a commercial energy audit is one of the most valuable steps your business can take. Understanding where energy is being used, and where it is being wasted, provides the foundation for meaningful cost reductions and improved environmental performance.
Whether you are looking to reduce operational expenses, meet Net Zero commitments or simply gain better control over your building's performance, this guide explains how a business energy audit is conducted effectively.
What is a commercial energy audit?
A commercial energy audit is an assessment of how your building consumes energy. The process examines your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, insulation and other key systems to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Energy audits for businesses typically result in a detailed report containing recommendations that can help you:
- Reduce energy costs by targeting specific areas of waste
- Align with ESG and sustainability objectives
- Improve building comfort for employees and occupants
- Meet regulatory requirements and improve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings
Preparing for your business energy audit
Thorough preparation ensures your audit delivers actionable insights. Before the assessment begins, you should gather the information that will help auditors understand your building's current performance.
Collect historical data
Compile at least 12 months of utility bills, maintenance records and occupancy information. This data reveals consumption patterns and highlights seasonal variations that may indicate inefficiencies.
Define your objectives
Set clear, measurable goals for the audit. You might aim to reduce energy costs by a specific percentage, achieve a particular EPC rating or identify quick wins that can be implemented within a set timeframe.
Engage key stakeholders
Involve facility managers, operations teams and leadership early in the process. Their insights into how the building operates day-to-day can prove invaluable during the assessment.
Conducting the energy audit
The audit itself typically involves several distinct stages, each designed to build a comprehensive picture of your building's energy performance.
Site inspection
A walk-through inspection evaluates your HVAC systems, lighting, water heating, building envelope and insulation. Auditors look for visible inefficiencies such as air leaks, outdated equipment or poorly insulated areas.
Data collection
Advanced tools including thermal imaging cameras, energy monitoring devices and IoT sensors gather real-time data on system performance. This quantitative information supplements the visual inspection and helps prioritise areas for improvement.
Occupant feedback
Speaking with employees or tenants provides valuable context about how systems are actually used. This feedback often reveals operational inefficiencies that technical assessments alone might miss.
Analysing your audit findings
Once data collection is complete, the information must be translated into actionable recommendations. A thorough analysis includes:
- Identifying consumption patterns and pinpointing where energy is being wasted
- Evaluating the efficiency of individual systems such as HVAC, lighting and heating
- Performing cost-benefit analysis to calculate the return on investment for recommended upgrades
- Developing a prioritised action plan with both quick wins and longer-term improvements
The resulting audit report should provide a clear breakdown of energy use by category, a performance review of each system and a roadmap for implementation.
Implementing recommendations
An audit only delivers value when its recommendations are acted upon. Successful implementation typically involves sharing findings with relevant stakeholders, beginning with high-impact improvements that offer the best return on investment, and allocating budget for system upgrades or new technologies.
Many businesses find that starting with low-cost or no-cost measures, such as adjusting temperature setpoints or improving operational practices, generates quick savings that can fund more substantial upgrades.
Maintaining energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is not a one-time achievement. Regular monitoring ensures improvements remain effective and helps identify new opportunities as your building's use evolves. Consider using energy management systems to track consumption in real time, scheduling follow-up reviews every six to twelve months and adapting your strategy as new technologies become available.
How can BTG Eddisons can help with my energy audit?
Our decarbonisation and building consultancy teams have extensive experience helping businesses conduct effective energy audits and implement the resulting recommendations. To discuss how a commercial energy audit could benefit your business, call us on 0800 051 2593 or complete the form below.
