Benchmarking energy use is one of the most effective ways to reduce retail store energy bills across a chain of locations. It’s not just about lowering costs—it’s about identifying what “normal” energy use looks like, so you can spot when something goes off track.
And anyone who’s managed multiple stores knows—if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it.
What does energy benchmarking mean in retail?
In simple terms, energy benchmarking is comparing how much energy your stores use—against each other, industry standards, or over time. It answers questions like:
- Is Store A using more power than Store B, even though they’re the same size?
- Did our electricity use spike after we changed our trading hours?
- Are newer stores running more efficiently than older ones?
The goal? Find outliers. Then dig into why they’re using more energy.
Why is benchmarking energy use important for multi-site retailers?
Let’s say you run a chain of ten stores. If one location quietly uses 20% more electricity than the others, that’s thousands of dollars lost each year—possibly due to a faulty thermostat, outdated lighting, or even a staff habit like leaving lights on after close.
Energy benchmarking helps:
- Spot inefficient stores early
- Justify upgrades with data
- Create fair store-level performance goals
- Build a culture of accountability across locations
Cialdini’s principle of Consistency kicks in here. When managers know their store’s performance is being compared, they’re more likely to stay mindful of energy habits.
How do you benchmark energy use across your stores?
You don’t need a fancy system (though it helps). Here’s a step-by-step approach to get started:
1. Gather consistent data
- Collect energy bills for each site over the past 12 months
- Make sure they’re for the same billing cycle (monthly or quarterly)
- Record total kWh used, peak/off-peak breakdowns, and supply charges
2. Normalise for store differences
Not every store is the same size or layout. Normalise usage based on:
- Square metres (kWh/m²)
- Trading hours
- Refrigeration units or HVAC load
- Number of staff or POS terminals
This way, you’re comparing apples with apples.
3. Build a benchmarking table
| Store Name | Floor Area (m²) | Monthly Usage (kWh) | kWh/m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Store A | 200 | 2,400 | 12 | Aircon runs 7am–7pm |
| Store B | 220 | 3,000 | 13.6 | Needs lighting upgrade |
| Store C | 180 | 1,800 | 10 | New LED fitout |
This table gives you a clear view of who’s efficient—and who’s costing you money.
What metrics should retail chains track when benchmarking?
Here are some of the most useful energy KPIs:
- Energy Use Intensity (EUI): kWh per square metre
- Energy Cost Intensity: $ spent per m² or per revenue dollar
- Base Load: Minimum overnight consumption (should be low)
- Peak Load: Highest daily or seasonal spikes
- Time-of-Use (TOU): Cost breakdown by peak/off-peak hours
Tracking these over time helps identify operational issues, like poor insulation, unnecessary lighting, or mismatched HVAC schedules.
Are there tools to help automate benchmarking?
Yes—and if you’ve got five or more locations, it’s worth it.
Top options:
- Energy management systems (EMS): Tools like Wattwatchers or Energy Insights by Jemena let you track and compare usage across multiple locations in real time.
- Smart meters: These provide 15- or 30-minute interval data for deeper insights.
- Retail chain dashboards: Some providers offer customised portals for franchises or groups, combining billing, performance, and alerts.
Pro tip: Set up automated reports that flag usage anomalies—like Store C suddenly using double its average kWh during winter.
What’s a good benchmark to aim for?
There’s no universal answer, but here are some general benchmarks for Aussie retail (based on Energy.gov.au):
| Retail Type | Typical EUI (kWh/m²/year) |
|---|---|
| Fashion/Apparel | 250–350 |
| Supermarkets | 700–1,200 |
| Convenience Stores | 500–900 |
| Electronics | 300–500 |
| Pharmacy | 350–600 |
Aim for the lower end of the scale—but remember, context matters. A store in Darwin will naturally have higher aircon use than one in Hobart.
FAQ: Energy Benchmarking for Retail Chains
Q: Do I need to install new meters in each store?
Not necessarily. Start with your energy bills. But smart meters help if you want real-time, detailed insights.
Q: Can benchmarking help identify faulty equipment?
Yes. A sudden usage spike can indicate a fridge or HVAC unit struggling to function.
Q: Is benchmarking a once-off task?
No—it’s a continuous process. Set monthly or quarterly reviews to stay ahead.
Final Thought
Benchmarking your energy use is a bit like stepping on the scales. At first, it just gives you a number. But over time, it shows a pattern—and that pattern drives better decisions.
For retail chains looking to reduce retail store energy bills, energy benchmarking is the quiet superpower. You won’t always see it on a balance sheet—but you’ll feel it where it counts: in tighter operations, smarter upgrades, and fewer nasty bill shocks.