As businesses across the UK look ahead to 2026, energy efficiency and sustainability remain at the top of the agenda. Rising energy costs, stricter reporting requirements, and increasing environmental awareness are driving organisations to adopt smarter energy management strategies.
Upgrading systems and processes not only reduces operational costs but also helps businesses meet carbon reduction targets and strengthen compliance. If you’re planning your sustainability roadmap for the year ahead, here are the top five energy management upgrades to consider.
- Advanced Energy Monitoring Systems
Real-time energy monitoring is no longer optional for organisations serious about efficiency. Modern monitoring systems provide granular insights into electricity, gas, and water usage across multiple sites. By tracking consumption continuously, businesses can identify inefficiencies, pinpoint equipment consuming energy unnecessarily, and make data-driven decisions.
Upgrading to an advanced monitoring platform enables proactive maintenance, reduces the risk of downtime, and ensures that your energy-saving measures are effective. When paired with automated reporting, it also simplifies compliance with schemes like SECR and ESOS.
- Optimising HVAC and Building Controls
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are among the largest energy consumers in commercial and industrial buildings. Many systems operate inefficiently due to outdated controls, poorly scheduled usage, or unnecessary overcooling or overheating.
Investing in smart building controls and upgrading HVAC systems can yield substantial savings. Programmable thermostats, occupancy sensors, and predictive control algorithms ensure that energy is used only when needed. This upgrade not only lowers utility bills but also improves workplace comfort.
- LED Lighting and Smart Lighting Controls
Lighting remains a major contributor to energy consumption in offices, warehouses, and production facilities. Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce electricity usage.
For even greater efficiency, pairing LED upgrades with smart lighting controls, such as motion sensors, daylight harvesting, and automated scheduling, ensures lights are only on when required. This combination maximises energy savings while extending the lifespan of your lighting infrastructure.
- Solar PV and Energy Storage Integration
Renewable energy adoption continues to accelerate, and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offer both environmental and financial benefits. For businesses with rooftop space or other suitable areas, investing in solar generation can reduce reliance on the grid, lower electricity bills, and improve sustainability credentials.
Integrating solar PV with energy storage systems allows surplus energy to be saved for peak demand periods, further enhancing cost savings and resilience. Pairing this with robust monitoring and operations and maintenance (O&M) services ensures that your solar assets deliver optimal performance year-round.
- Upgrading Industrial Equipment and Motors
In industrial settings, older machinery often consumes significantly more energy than modern alternatives. Replacing or retrofitting inefficient motors, compressors, pumps, and production line equipment can yield quick returns on investment.
Coupled with energy management software, these upgrades allow you to monitor performance continuously and identify areas for further improvement. Reducing “silent loads”, equipment that consumes energy while idle, can further improve efficiency and cut unnecessary costs.
As you finalise your 2026 sustainability plan, these five upgrades should form the backbone of your energy strategy. Advanced monitoring, smart building controls, LED lighting, solar integration, and equipment optimisation not only reduce operational costs but also strengthen compliance, enhance environmental credentials, and support long-term resilience.
At TEST Consulting, we help businesses implement these upgrades and more, using data-driven insights to maximise energy efficiency and sustainability. By combining our expertise with smart technology platforms, we ensure every investment delivers measurable impact and supports your long-term carbon reduction goals.
Start 2026 with smarter energy management and turn your sustainability plan into tangible results.
Find out how our expert team can help:
Tel: 0113 467 7650
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