Business Energy Conservation in Retail Settings

Retail is an industry that consumes energy at a remarkable rate, especially in food-stocking stores. With bright lights for presentation, constant background music and of course, refrigeration, retail stores are really feeling the impact of the energy crisis in 2025. That’s not to mention the various reasons for the overarching cultural opinion of high streets getting worse – the financial impacts of which can be severe. Business energy conservation has never been more important for retailers trying to maintain operations. 

This blog offers some guidance on reducing the monthly energy cost for small retail stores, so you can keep your doors open for years to come, even in a volatile energy environment.

Optimize lighting

This is perhaps the most common piece of advice to help a business save energy, and for good reason. Replacing typical halogen bulbs with LEDs is an absolute must, while arranging the store to utilise natural lighting can also make a huge difference. A more comprehensive investment can be installing motion sensors and daylight sensors to adjust lighting based on traffic and natural light availability. 

Rethink refrigeration

Refrigeration generally accounts for between 30-60% of all electricity used in retail settings. If your retail shop energy rates are too high, the fridge could be the perfect place to make savings. The options here include: 

• Upgrading to higher-efficiency units
• Regularly cleaning the fridge’s condenser coils
• Ensuring any fridge doors are properly sealed
• Defrosting the freezers regularly
• Optimising the settings to avoid overcooling and over expending energy
• Installing night blinds and covers to insulate temperature on open displays
• Don’t feel the need to overfill your fridges
• Turn off fridge lights whenever possible

HVAC heroism

Retail settings need to be kept at temperatures with customers inside – it’s an important part of providing and overall agreeable experience – especially in food storage settings. Tools like programmable thermostats will adjust heating and cooling based on store hours and occupancy, ensuring temperatures aren’t unnecessarily altered outside of operating hours. 

Again, much like fridges regular maintenance is your friend when it comes to HVAC systems. Older, less functional systems will work harder to set temperatures, therefore expending more energy. Filter cleanings and duct inspections will go a long way!

Zoning your HVAC applications across the store setting can also be useful, ensuring heating and cooling is only enacted the right way based on the specific needs of each area.

Proper insulation and ventilation

Properly ventilating the setting and allowing for good ventilation during the summer can make all the difference. Make sure to invest in both fast fix solutions and more permanent alterations to the business fabric. These changes will work in conjunction with HVAC improvements to make a significant difference to temperature-based expenditure. 

Changing tariffs or going renewable

While not strictly a form of business energy conservation, changing tariffs or leaning into renewable energy, such as wind power, could be the adjustment that your business needs financially. The former could illuminate that you’ve been paying inflated costs, while the latter is more energy-efficient and sustainable by nature! 

For more information about how changing tariffs or leaning into renewable energy could benefit your retail business, please contact our team!