Let’s be real: commercial buildings are energy guzzlers. Whether you’re running a shopping centre, a medical practice, or a high-rise office in Melbourne’s CBD, electricity bills can eat into your profits faster than you’d think. Air conditioning alone can swallow half your power bill in summer — and that’s before you’ve even touched the lights, lifts or laptops.
Quick answer? You can save energy in commercial buildings by optimising lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, automating your controls, and changing staff habits. These tweaks not only save money — they make your building smarter and more comfortable to be in.
Let’s get into it.
What’s driving up electricity use in commercial buildings?
Energy use in commercial buildings is mostly driven by:
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
- Lighting (especially old fluorescents or halogens)
- Plug loads — computers, printers, servers
- Refrigeration and hot water (in retail or hospitality)
A 2023 report by Energy.gov.au found that HVAC alone can account for up to 52% of energy consumption in Australian commercial buildings. Now, imagine the impact of even a 10% reduction across that category — you’re looking at thousands saved annually.
How can you reduce HVAC-related energy waste?
The air con wars are real — and costly. One team wants it Arctic. Another’s wearing three jumpers. The solution? It’s not about compromise. It’s about control.
Here’s how:
- Set temperature ranges: 20–22°C in summer, 18–20°C in winter.
- Install smart thermostats: Automate climate control based on usage patterns.
- Service systems regularly: Dirty filters and faulty sensors increase energy demand.
- Zone your HVAC: Only heat or cool occupied areas.
A Parramatta-based law firm saved 18% on their electricity bill after installing occupancy-based sensors that adjusted HVAC output based on real-time foot traffic.
What role does lighting play in energy efficiency?
Lighting is the low-hanging fruit. Older buildings still running fluorescent tubes or halogen downlights are essentially burning cash.
Upgrade options:
- Switch to LEDs — 80% more efficient than halogens
- Add motion sensors in bathrooms, storerooms, meeting rooms
- Use daylight sensors to adjust artificial light levels as needed
- Encourage staff to switch off manually — yep, the old-school reminder still works
And don’t forget exterior lighting. Car parks, building signage, and security lights can run all night. Timers and sensors will keep them in check without compromising safety.
Are smart building systems worth the investment?
Yes — if you want to save big in the long run.
Building Management Systems (BMS) or “smart” platforms can automate lighting, HVAC, blinds, and even plug loads. They respond in real time to occupancy, daylight, temperature, or schedules.
Example:
A medium-sized commercial tower in Adelaide used BMS analytics to identify energy spikes overnight. Turns out, a cleaning crew was running heaters and leaving all the lights on. They made one policy change and saved $5,600 over winter.
This is Cialdini’s Authority in action — data-driven oversight builds accountability across teams.
How can staff behaviour influence energy bills?
People power matters more than we think.
Energy-efficient systems can still be wasted if staff override them. Here’s how to build habits that stick:
- Train new employees on energy-conscious practices.
- Use signage at switches and thermostats.
- Encourage “last one out” rituals — shut lights, close blinds, power down screens.
- Run team challenges or give small incentives for energy-saving ideas.
One local council ran an “Energy Champion of the Month” contest. Winners got a coffee voucher. Silly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Are there energy savings hiding in plain sight?
Always. Common blind spots include:
- Old fridges or vending machines humming 24/7
- Printers in standby mode that still draw power
- Double doors left open during winter or peak summer
- Hot water units heating overnight when nobody’s around
A simple walk-through with a thermal camera or power meter can be eye-opening. Better yet, get a professional audit — many energy providers offer them free or subsidised for businesses.
FAQ: Commercial Energy Efficiency Simplified
Q: What’s the fastest way to save energy without big upgrades?
A: Swap out halogens for LEDs and tweak thermostat settings — done in a day, pays off for years.
Q: How often should you check your energy use?
A: Every quarter. Trends reveal leaks, faulty systems, or changes in usage that creep up over time.
Q: Do energy monitoring apps actually help?
A: Yes. Even simple plug-and-play meters can identify hidden power hogs and help benchmark improvements.
Final thought
Anyone who’s stared down a four-digit electricity bill knows it feels personal. But here’s the good news: commercial buildings don’t need to bleed energy. They just need to be managed with intent.
Small actions add up. Behaviour shifts matter. And over time, the buildings that consume less don’t just cost less — they become better places to work, shop, or visit.
Want to know more about how to reduce retail store energy bills? There’s tech, insight and support ready to help you make smart changes that stick.