Audit your business energy use

A professional auditor can personalise your energy audit to prioritise specific savings for your business. The audit template on this page is broader but allows you to identify opportunities to save if you aren't able to engage a professional.

Business energy audits can help you:

identify the items that use the most energy in your business
find ways to reduce your energy use and save money.

How to complete the audit

Work through the questions for each type of energy use. You don't need to have sole responsibility for the audit. Sharing audit tasks with your staff can show them you value their input and help them commit to any recommended changes.

All hours audits

A walk-through audit outside of business hours can identify equipment that could be turned off when not being used. For example, overnight or on weekends. You could also vary when you do walk-throughs to reveal how your energy use changes over the day.

Heating, ventilation and cooling

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Do you maintain your heating and cooling appliances?	Yes	No	Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and have your appliances serviced regularly. This could include regularly cleaning filters, fan blades, grills and condenser coils.
Is your appliance new and been selected for your building/situation?	Yes	No	When replacing an appliance, consider the size of the space and what it is used for: Talk to a heating or cooling specialist about what is efficient and effective for your business. Energy rating labels rank efficiency by stars - more stars equals better energy efficiency.
Do you only heat or cool areas that are being used?	Yes	No	Close doors to unused rooms so you only heat or cool the smallest possible area. If you have a ducted system, use the zones to limit the areas heated or cooled.
Are air-conditioned spaces effectively zoned?	Yes	No	Check that vents and thermostats are considered when workspaces are moved around - for example, moving office dividers can mean a vent no longer cools the space it was meant to.
Are ventilation fans turned off when bathrooms are not in use?	Yes	No	Install timers or motion detectors to stop unnecessary energy use.
Are windows or doors closed and sealed in air-conditioned spaces?	Yes	No	If you have a reverse cycle air conditioner installed, check that external doors and windows are closed and gaps sealed by: looking for daylight around the edges of doors or windows looking for gaps around skirting boards feeling for draughts with a wet finger. For larger openings, install automatic door closers, vinyl strip doors, high-speed insulated or rapid roll doors, or PVC impact doors.
Does your appliance have a thermostat or the ability to set a temperature?	Yes	No	Install a plug-in electronic thermostat, which will automatically turn the unit off when the desired temperature is reached.
Is the temperature on your appliance correctly set?	Yes	No	Set the temperature to what is comfortable for most people: winter - 18°C to 21°C summer- 24°C to 27°C 1°C warmer or cooler can increase the running costs of your appliance by up to 10%. Limit access to temperature controls so individuals can't set different temperatures.
Are thermostats placed in appropriate locations?	Yes	No	Make sure thermostats are located away from: draughts direct sunlight areas of low air movement external walls heat sources. Thermostats can interfere with temperature readings.
Have timers been connected to appliances?	Yes	No	Install timers so appliances only run only when required. For example, they turn off automatically after hours, weekends and public holidays. Motion detectors can also start or shut down appliances automatically.
Can staff manually override air-conditioning timers when working outside normal hours of business?	Yes	No	Understanding how to manually override timers and use the correct steps to switch off appliances can help people like cleaning staff save your energy.
Are you on flat rate pricing tariffs?	Yes	No	Switch to time-of-use tariffs and shift heating and cooling to when you're charged at a lower tariff. Automated scheduling can reduce your peak demand.
In summer, do you shade windows to keep the building cool?	Yes	No	Close curtains and shade windows facing the sun. External shading can reduce unwanted heat. Install reflective screens or transparent low-emissivity coatings to reduce heat transfer.
Are the outside units of heating and cooling appliances shaded?	Yes	No	Protect external units from the elements - For example, add shade from direct sunlight in summer months. But make sure airflow around the unit is maintained.
Are your ducts insulated?	Yes	No	Insulate ductwork . This is particularly important when ducts are located in un-airconditioned areas. For example the roof cavity.
Have you installed variable speed drives (VSD)?	Yes	No	A VSD will adjust the speed of the motor on your cooling and heating systems so it matches your business' need, which is not constant. Talk to a specialist about whether a VSD can be installed into your existing system. New inverter air conditioners generally use VSDs.
Is the area in front of the appliance clear?	Yes	No	Make sure the spaces around appliance vents are not obstructed so that air can flow freely.
Do staff refrain from using personal heating appliances?	Yes	No	Personal heaters can be expensive to run, so find out why they're needed and resolve the problem. If the need persists, request timers are installed so personal heaters aren't left by accident.
Are ceiling or portable fans used to complement appliances?	Yes	No	Ceiling and portable fans are the cheapest types of cooling appliance to run. They create a wind-chill effect. In winter, ceiling fans can help by pushing warm air down from the ceiling.
Do you make the most of natural cool breezes?	Yes	No	Open windows and doors to allow natural cool breezes to cool your site. Use window and screen door locks to keep the site secure.
Do you use the economy cycle on your air-conditioning unit.	Yes	No	The economy cycle uses outside air to cool when external temperatures are close to set temperatures, while purging the hot air.

Water heating

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Do you maintain your water heating appliance and fittings?	Yes	No	Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and have your appliances serviced regularly. Fix dripping taps fixed as soon as possible. Not only do they waste water, leaking hot water taps waste energy too.
Have you considered different energy sources to heat the water?	Yes	No	Many new technologies and fuel sources are now available. For example, gas, solar, electric, heat pumps. Investigate the options available when your current water heater needs replacing.
Have energy saving devices been fitted to save hot water?	Yes	No	Water-saving taps, shower heads, flow restrictors, temperature controls (instant gas) and timers all help reduce the amount of hot water being used. Your business might be eligible for free or discounted energy efficiency activities through the Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS).
Are hot water saving practices encouraged?	Yes	No	Remind staff to use cold water if hot water isn't necessary. If staff take showers at the site, promote shorter showers and set the temperature between 39°C and 41°C.
Are external water heater pipes insulated?	Yes	No	Insulate pipes with foam tubing, known as lagging, to prevent heat loss.
Is your water heater set to the correct temperature?	Yes	No	Many installers will set the temperature to 50°C on instantaneous water heaters. You could turn it down so the temperature is comfortable but specific to the intended use. Stored hot water must be kept at a minimum of 60°C: Lower temperatures can allow harmful bacteria (Legionella) to grow. Higher temperatures use more energy.
Is your water heater the right size?	Yes	No	Check that the size of the tank on your storage water heater matches the hot water demand? Continuously heating a large tank for a small amount of hot water will increase your energy use.
Is your commercial or industrial boiler energy efficient?	Yes	No	Talk to a commercial water heating expert about ways to make your hot water system more efficient or options to replace it.

Lighting

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Are work areas appropriately lit?	Yes	No	A lighting expert can check that the number and type of lights are appropriate for the work areas. You could also hire a lux meter - measures the amount of light distributed over an area. An electrician can de-lamp light fittings, or install dimmer controls in areas that are over lit. Make sure you tell staff about these changes so they don't replace globes.
Is task lighting used where appropriate?	Yes	No	Task lighting allows staff to set the lighting level for a specific job or workspace. Photosensors can detect the amount of natural light in a room and adjust artificial lighting accordingly.
Have fluorescent lamps been replaced by more energy efficient options?	Yes	No	T5 fluorescent and LED tubes are more energy-efficient than the standard T8. Replace fluorescent tubes and the fittings. Any work must be completed by a licensed electrician.
Have halogen or standard lamps and downlights, including emergency signage been replaced with more energy efficient lamps?	Yes	No	Change your lights to LEDs or other energy efficient options to save energy. Make sure you check with a licensed electrician about which downlights can be changed by you and which need to be professionally changed.
Have ballasts used in fluorescent lighting been upgraded to more energy efficient options?	Yes	No	Install low loss or electronic ballasts. These control how much electricity goes into the fluorescent tubes.
Have low and high bay lights been upgraded to more energy efficient ones?	Yes	No	Upgrade high and low bay lights for longer life lighting. This can also reduce maintenance costs.
Is natural light used during the day?	Yes	No	Move workspaces closer to the windows but make sure windows are cleaned and clear of shading to let the light in. Install skylights or transparent roof panels. Skylights are rated with a U-value and SHGC-value. You should look for the lowest values for each. Remember to consider the amount of heat transfer for these options. Deciduous trees can provide shading in summer and allow natural light in winter.
Are lights in unused areas turned off?	Yes	No	Turn off lights in unused areas. Install motion sensors in rooms so lights are automatically turned off when the area is vacant.
Is your lighting zoned?	Yes	No	If large areas are controlled by a single light switch, ask a licensed electrician to split it into smaller zones that can be lit individually.
Are signs installed around the workplace to remind staff to turn lights off?	Yes	No	Simple and clear signs near light switches can remind staff to turn lights off when they are finished in the area or at the end of the day. Consider running the CitySwitch Green Office ‘switch-off’ campaign with your team.
Do facility managers or cleaners have a lighting switch off process to follow?	Yes	No	Arrange for lights to be turned off at the end of the day by cleaners or facilities managers, depending on who is last in the workplace.
If you have a freezer or cool room, are lights switched off overnight or when not in use?	Yes	No	Turn these lights off when not needed. Cool rooms have a sensor so lights only come on if the door is open.
Are lamps and fittings cleaned and maintained regularly?	Yes	No	Schedule cleaning of light fittings and lamps so light output is maximised.
Have you put controls on external lighting to limit the amount of time they are on?	Yes	No	Install sensor lights or motion detectors so lights turn on with movement and turn off after a set period. Timers can also be installed on outdoor lights.
Have you looked at power factor correction as a way to reduce your lighting energy use?	Yes	No	Power factor correction will synchronise the voltage and current supplied to a load. Speak to a licensed electrician about whether this is an option for your business.

Refrigeration, cooking and kitchen

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
When you purchase a new kitchen appliance or machine will you consider the size needed and an energy efficient model?	Yes	No	Some electrical products come with an energy rating label - the more stars, the more energy efficient. Talk to an expert about what equipment will use the least amount of energy for its purpose if it doesn't have an energy rating label. Also consider size - A large oven that only does small batches of cooking can result in wasted energy.
Have older, smaller appliances been replaced with energy efficient ones?	Yes	No	Replace smaller appliances like kettles with more efficient ones before they stop working.
Are fridges and freezers turned off when not needed?	Yes	No	Turn off fridges and freezers during extended shut down periods. For example, holiday closures Turn off unused or backup equipment during low production periods. For example, deep fryers, microwaves, hotplates.
Is signage installed around the workplace to remind staff to turn appliances off when not required?	Yes	No	Simple, clear signs near the appliance can remind staff to turn it off when not in use.
Are timers installed on equipment used for set time periods?	Yes	No	Install plug-in timers to turn off appliances when not in use. This suits items such as coffee machines and water coolers.
Do facility managers or cleaners have a switch off process to follow?	Yes	No	Arrange for the last person to leave each day to check for appliances that haven't been turned off by staff.
Are fridges and freezers located in cool, well ventilated areas and out of direct sunlight?	Yes	No	Move fridges and freezers that are placed in hotter locations to shaded areas where air is well circulated.
Are fridges and freezers serviced?	Yes	No	Keep condenser units and fridge coils clean. Defrost your freezer regularly, especially if frost build-up is greater than 5 mm. An auto defrost function should do this automatically.
Do the door seals of ovens, fridges, freezers and cold rooms seal properly?	Yes	No	Replace door seals if they are ineffective. Door seals can prevent cool or heat losses.
Are other kitchen and cooking equipment and surfaces kept clean and maintained?	Yes	No	Check that things such as door latches and burners are kept in good working condition to maintain efficiency.
Is your fridge temperature set between 3°C and 5°C?	Yes	No	Adjust your fridge temperature to between 3°C and 5°C: Higher temperatures can promote bacteria growth lower temperatures use more energy. Calibrate the thermostat to ensure it is reading the correct temperature.
Is your freezer temperature set between -15°C and -18°C?	Yes	No	Adjust your fridge temperature to between -15°C and -18°C. Calibrate the thermostat to ensure it is reading the correct temperature.
Have you considered whether natural refrigerants can be used for your refrigeration equipment?	Yes	No	Talk to a refrigeration expert to see if your existing equipment can make the switch to more efficient natural refrigerants. If you have any point-of-sale refrigeration units (for example drink fridges), talk to the supplier to see if they can offer natural refrigerants.
Are fridges kept full?	Yes	No	A full fridge is easier to keep cool than an empty one. Jugs of water make good fillers.
Are energy efficient kitchen practices encouraged and followed?	Yes	No	Reduce kitchen energy use by: only opening fridge, freezer and oven doors for the minimum time required using smaller appliances — for example, instead of using a stove top you may be able to use a microwave, kettle, slow cooker, electric fry pan or sandwich press limiting preheating times cooking in large batches using equipment to their fullest capacity cooking at the lowest temperature for the task using pot lids to keep heat in only boiling the amount of water needed for the job defrosting food overnight.
Is the cooking equipment insulated?	Yes	No	Some appliances (for example warming cabinets, fryers, coffee machines) come with insulation to help keep the heat in. Replace non-insulated equipment with insulated alternatives.
Are food display cases covered overnight?	Yes	No	Using well-fitted blinds or thermal covers outside business hours can help reduce the amount of energy used.
If your business has different energy price tariffs, are appliances run tariffs are lower?	Yes	No	By running appliances, such as ovens or dishwashers, at off-peak times can save on energy costs. If its overnight, see if the appliance has a delay time option.
Have you investigated installing Variable Speed Drives (VSD) for cooking equipment that use motors? For example commercial mixers and refrigeration.	Yes	No	A VSD will adjust the speed of the motors to match the load required. Talk to a specialist about whether a VSD can be used with existing equipment.
Do you usually run your dishwasher with a full load and at the lowest temperature?	Yes	No	Washing a full load means fewer washes overall. You can further reduce energy use and costs by reducing the water temperature.

Factory and warehouse equipment

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Are motors, fans, pumps and compressors serviced and maintained?	Yes	No	Regularly check equipment to make sure it's reliable and to minimise overall operating costs. For example: make sure equipment is clean, aligned correctly and that wiring connections are not loose check that moving parts and bearings are functioning and lubricated find and repair leaks, cracks or other damage.
Have you investigated the most energy efficient equipment to replace existing equipment?	Yes	No	Develop an equipment upgrade plan. Research the total life-cycle costs (ie, energy, maintenance and purchase). Preparing for equipment failure can reduce delays and make sure the most cost-effective and energy efficient models are selected.
Where an air compressor is used, is the lowest possible air pressure used and is distance between compressor and outlet short?	Yes	No	The lower the air pressure, the less energy is consumed. To reduce air losses and energy use, shorten the distance between the compressor and outlet.
Are air compressors kept in cool environments?	Yes	No	Cool air is easier to compress. Locate compressors in cooler areas of your premises.
Are motors, pumps and fans correctly sized?	Yes	No	Over and under-sizing can mean more energy is used than needed. A licensed electrician or specialist can help you work out the best equipment for your needs.
Is equipment, such as pumps, fans or compressors, turned off when not in use?	Yes	No	Encourage staff to turn off equipment or have shut down lists for the end of the day. Install sensors or timers. You could also check if existing controls can be programmed to automatically turn equipment off after inactivity.
Where fans are used, are they set the lowest speed required?	Yes	No	By using the lowest fan speed for the job, you will use less energy overall.
Have variable speed drives (VSD) been installed to help match motor demand for equipment such as pumps, fans, precision tools?	Yes	No	A VSD will adjust the speed of the motors to match the load required and save energy. Talk to a motor specialist about whether a VSD can be used with your existing equipment.
Has upgrading or replacing existing motors with more efficient motors been investigated?	Yes	No	In Australia, some motor types are covered by Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). For more information see Electric Motors on energyrating.gov.au or speak with a licensed electrician or specialist for advice on making the right purchase.
Has power factor correction been considered on appropriate equipment and appliances?	Yes	No	Power factor correction is a way to synchronise the voltage and current supplied to a load. It can be used on large equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use. Speak to a licensed electrician about whether this is an option for your business.
Is the tension on belt drives examined regularly and adjusted if needed?	Yes	No	If the belt drive tension is too loose or tight, the compressor and motor could be using more energy than needed to operate.
Have the electric motor belt drives been reviewed to ensure the most energy efficient and suitable option is being used for the job?	Yes	No	Belt drives transmit power. Review the types of belt drives your appliance uses - for example V-belt, cogged belt, notched belt, to make sure drive is appropriate for the task.
Is equipment that will be adversely affected by heat gains or losses, such as suction lines, insulated?	Yes	No	Insulation will reduce the amount of heat loss or gain, making the overall system work more efficiently. Look at having equipment hoses and pipes insulated where appropriate.
Are energy efficient cleaning methods used?	Yes	No	Hand sweeping is an energy efficient way to clean, however, if not suitable, look at the best option for your business that uses the least amount of energy. Electric powered cleaners such as a blower may be most cost effective for this job.
Have other ways to optimise motors been investigated and implemented?	Yes	No	Investigate ways to effectively manage the motors being used in your business. This could include: reducing or eliminating the need for a motor switching motors off when not needed implementing process control devices replacing components of the motor with energy efficient alternatives using smart motors or multi-speed motors.

Computers, printers and other IT equipment

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Does all IT equipment have energy savings features enabled?	Yes	No	Activate automatic sleep mode on printers, personal computers, monitors, and copiers to reduce the amount of energy being used.
Is IT and other equipment regularly serviced and maintained?	Yes	No	Regular servicing any machine or appliance can make them work more efficiently and use less energy.
When new IT equipment is purchased, is energy efficiency considered?	Yes	No	When buying a new piece of equipment, try to buy the most energy efficient model that will get the job done. Remember to look at the energy rating label, if it carries one. The more stars, the better. For more information on energy rating labels, see page 23.
Is the use of standby power minimised by turning equipment off at the power point?	Yes	No	Make it easier to turn equipment off at the source. For example, power boards can be used for hard to reach switches, or plug-in timers can be used to switch equipment off at a set time. A smart power board that can turn off slave appliances when the master appliance is turned off can also help turn a number of appliances off at once. For example, the computer can be the master and the monitor, printer and scanner can be the slaves.
Are computers, monitors and other equipment turned off when not in use (for example overnight/weekends?)	Yes	No	Screen savers do not save energy. Ask staff to ensure their computers and monitors are turned off when not in use to save energy. Alternatively, see if the equipment can be configured to automatically turn off or go into sleep mode after extended periods of non-use. Consider an out of hours energy audit to find out what is being left on when the building is unoccupied.
Are laptops used instead of desktops?	Yes	No	Laptops generally use less energy than desktops. Consider changing any computers over where possible.
Are photocopiers, printers and multi-function devices located in a well-ventilated area?	Yes	No	Place this equipment in well ventilated areas. This type of equipment can generate heat and make your air conditioner work harder.
Are the number of printers and photocopiers matched to occupancy?	Yes	No	Consolidate the number of printers and photocopiers available. This can often be done without affecting productivity.
Is printing only used when needed?	Yes	No	Introduce a paperless environment to minimise the the use of the printer. Access codes to start the printer can also reduce the amount of wasted printing.
Are battery chargers for phones, tablets and other personal devices disconnected once the device is charged?	Yes	No	Encourage staff to disconnect their device and turn the charger off once it's charged. Most chargers still use a little bit of power once the device is fully charged.

Clothes washers and dryers

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Do you usually run your washing machine with a full load?	Yes	No	Washing a full load means fewer washes overall.
Do you usually run your washing machine at the lowest temperature?	Yes	No	Reduce the water temperature to reduce energy use and costs.
Can you dry your washing naturally? For example, towels, sheets and blankets.	Yes	No	Dry items on a washing line or clothes airer when possible. Check that your clothes dryer is in a well-ventilated space and clean the lint filter often.
Do you use the energy and water rating labels to compare running costs when you purchase new appliances?	Yes	No	Energy and water efficient models will cost you less over the life of the appliance. Also consider size – larger units cost more to run. Heat pump clothes dryers can save a lot of energy and cost less in the long term. Use the energy rating labels to help make your decision.

Building materials

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Does the building have insulation?	Yes	No	Install insulation in the ceiling, walls and floor. Most building insulation is measured by an R-value. Window insulation is measured by its U-value. Talk to a licensed installer to work out the best insulation option for you.
Are windows kept shaded in summer to keep the site cool?	Yes	No	In summer, close curtains and shade windows facing the sun to minimise heat entering the premises. External shading is also an effective way of reducing unwanted heat from entering the building.
Are windows kept unshaded in winter so the sun can heat the site?	Yes	No	Use the sun to heat in cooler months, particularly through windows facing the sun. It can also be used as a free source of natural light.
Have you sealed gaps around doors or windows?	Yes	No	Use weather stripping, gap filler or draught excluders to prevent draughts. Make sure your choice can tolerate the location and temperature changes.
Are other areas draught proofed?	Yes	No	Shut or turn off openings such as vents and exhaust fans when not in use. Make sure any unused chimneys are also sealed. Installing a reusable chimney balloon means you can remove the seal if you wish to use the chimney again.
Is the building’s roof a light colour and does it have adequate ventilation?	Yes	No	Dark roofs absorb heat. Painting a roof white or a pale colour will help reflect heat from the summer sun. Install a whirlybird or vent in the ceiling to reduce the heat build-up in your roof cavity. Vents that can be closed in the winter are ideal.
Do you have a building management system?	Yes	No	A building management system can help you set the temperature for the season. Review its performance regularly.
Have you incorporated energy efficiency design principles for renovations or new builds?	Yes	No	Investigate energy efficiency design principles and building materials that will impact energy performance.
Do external doors automatically close?	Yes	No	Carry out maintenance on external doors to reduce the amount of heat loss or gain. Check door latches and gaskets are working. Install: automatically closing doors. ‘Rollfast’ doors or clear plastic strips in factories and warehouses. automatic door closers or strip curtains to walk-in doors.
Do you own the building site?	Yes	No	If you are leasing, work with the owner to make the building more energy efficient. Inform them about Building Upgrade Finance - access to cost-effective loans to improve the energy, water and environmental efficiency in commercial buildings.

Metering and billing

What do you do in the workplace?			What you can do to save energy
Have you reviewed your metering and determined if any large energy consuming equipment can be sub-metered?	Yes	No	A review will help you consolidate appliances, upgrade to a smart meter, or add sub-meters to equipment that uses a lot of energy. Note: installing a distributed energy resource or metering could trigger an automatic change in your demand tariff and should be investigated first.
Do you keep your own meter readings?	Yes	No	Read your meter regularly to track how much energy is being used and how changes you make affect use. Talk to your retailer to understand how to read your particular meter. Remember gas meters record in cubic feet (ft³) or cubic meters (m³), however, you are billed in megajoules (MJ).
Have you connected your meters to an app or a display so energy use can be easily monitored?	Yes	No	Talk to your retailer about upgrading your meter to a smart meter and any related costs. You might be able to retrofit your meter with an energy monitoring system. Talk to a licensed electrician about this option.
Are you getting the best out of your energy offer for your needs?	Yes	No	If your business is classed as a small energy customer - uses less than 160 MWh per year - visit the Energy Made Easy website to compare different energy offers available. Things to consider include: Are you on the best electricity and gas tariffs? Do you need to change your meter to take up the offer and what is the cost? How can you use different pricing models and components, such as demand charges or time-of-use pricing, to save money? Can you have your demand charge level reset if you are consistently using less energy? Have you considered shifting electricity use to off-peak periods to take advantage of cheaper tariffs? What is the billing cycle? Are there any discounts and what are the conditions to receive them? Are there any additional fees to consider? How long is the offer for and what happens when it finishes? What happens if you add solar generated energy to the business?
Has heat recovery been investigated to save energy?	Yes	No	Collect and reuse waste heat that is generated through your business operations. For example, from refrigeration and air-conditioning units. You might be able to generate power or preheat combustion air for ovens, boilers and furnaces.
Have you considered alternative energy sources?	Yes	No	Alternative energy sources, such as bio-fuels, might be appropriate for your business. Engage an energy expert to look at the options and associated costs for you.
Have you considered generating your own energy?	Yes	No	Solar photovoltaic systems are a viable long-term investment. If you rent the site, or it's not suitable for solar panels, a power purchase agreement is another opportunity to access renewable energy. Engage an energy expert to look at the options and associated costs for you. Note: installing a distributed energy resource or metering could trigger an automatic change in your demand tariff and should be investigated first.
Have you considered energy storage options to help manage your demand?	Yes	No	Energy storage, such as batteries can help you manage energy demand and associated supply charges. Thermal storage for businesses that manage larger quantities of hot or cold liquid or ice could also help manage your demand.

What happens next

Step 1
Before you make changes
Make sure you record your current energy profile, such as how much you consume out-of-hours or at peak times. This will be your starting point to compare how changes have impacted your business over time.
Step 2
Check for government and community initiatives for businesses
Many improvements can be made without specialist tools or knowledge but some will require a licensed, qualified specialist or tradesperson.
Check for programs, finance and initiatives that can help businesses save energy, time and money.
Step 3
After changes
Measure how much you've consumed since you made changes. Compare 'before' and 'after' to see the impact on your energy use.
You might need to make further changes. For example, make minor adjustments to settings or behaviour based on the use of new equipment.
Step 4
Keep staff informed
Tell staff about the changes you are making and and promote a shared responsibility for saving energy. The more engaged your staff are, the more they’ll support energy saving opportunities.
Where savings are made, acknowledge people who helped make it happen.

Related information

Documents

Do your own business energy audit guide (2.4 MB PDF) - Department for Energy and Mining

On this site

Provided by: Department for Energy and Mining

Page last updated 13 March 2024