Energy management has become a critical responsibility for facilities managers across the UK. Rising energy costs, increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, and stricter reporting requirements mean that managing energy effectively is no longer just about keeping the lights on; it’s about protecting budgets, ensuring compliance, and supporting long-term business resilience.
Facilities managers are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. With oversight of buildings, systems, and day-to-day operations, they play a central role in reducing energy use and carbon emissions across commercial and industrial sites.
Why Energy Management Matters More Than Ever
Energy prices remain volatile, placing sustained pressure on operational budgets. At the same time, many organisations are required to report energy use and emissions under frameworks such as SECR, ESOS, or wider ESG commitments. Poor energy management can lead to higher costs, increased carbon footprints, and non-compliance risks.
Effective energy management helps facilities teams take control, identifying inefficiencies, prioritising improvements, and delivering measurable savings without compromising comfort or performance.
Best Practice 1: Start with Accurate Energy Data
The foundation of good energy management is reliable data. Facilities managers should have clear visibility of energy consumption across electricity, gas, and other fuels, ideally broken down by building, system, or operational area.
Regular meter readings, sub-metering, and automated data collection help eliminate guesswork. Accurate data supports better decision-making, simplifies compliance reporting, and makes it easier to track progress over time.
Best Practice 2: Monitor, Analyse, and Act
Collecting data is only the first step. Ongoing monitoring allows facilities managers to spot unusual patterns, identify energy waste, and respond quickly to issues such as equipment faults or out-of-hours usage.
Energy monitoring systems and dashboards can highlight trends, compare performance across sites, and support benchmarking. Acting on insights, rather than reacting to bills months later, is key to sustained improvement.
Best Practice 3: Focus on High-Impact Energy Efficiency Measures
Facilities managers should prioritise measures that deliver strong returns with minimal disruption. Common high-impact upgrades include:
- LED lighting and smart controls, reducing electricity use and maintenance costs
- Optimised HVAC systems, ensuring heating and cooling operate efficiently
- Building fabric improvements, such as insulation and draught-proofing
- Smart scheduling and controls, reducing unnecessary energy use during downtime
Targeted upgrades, informed by data and audits, help maximise return on investment.
Best Practice 4: Embed Energy Management into Daily Operations
Energy efficiency is most effective when it becomes part of everyday facility management. Clear procedures, staff awareness, and regular reviews help prevent efficiency gains from eroding over time.
Engaging occupants and operational teams can also deliver quick wins, from simple behavioural changes to better use of controls and equipment.
Best Practice 5: Plan for Compliance and Carbon Reduction
Facilities managers increasingly support formal reporting requirements such as SECR or ESOS. Establishing consistent methodologies, maintaining clear records, and documenting efficiency actions throughout the year reduces pressure at reporting time.
Energy management should also align with wider carbon reduction or net zero strategies, ensuring that operational improvements contribute to long-term goals rather than short-term fixes.
Best Practice 6: Develop a Long-Term Energy Strategy
Short-term actions are most effective when guided by a clear long-term plan. A structured energy strategy helps facilities managers balance operational needs, capital investment, and future regulatory requirements.
Regular energy audits and reviews ensure strategies remain relevant as buildings, technologies, and business priorities evolve.
Supporting Facilities Managers with Expert Guidance
Energy management is an ongoing process, not a one-off project. Facilities managers who take a proactive, data-driven approach can reduce costs, improve performance, and strengthen compliance.
At TEST Consulting, we work with facilities teams to deliver practical energy management solutions, combining audits, data analysis, and strategic planning to help organisations achieve measurable, lasting results.
Find out more:
Tel: 0113 467 7650
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