The Power of Energy Audits and Energy Audit Savings
An energy audit is a structured, expert-led review of your energy consumption across buildings, equipment, transport, and processes. It identifies inefficiencies, quantifies potential improvements and prioritises actions based on ROI.
Depending on your business type and size, you could save:
| Sector |
Annual Energy Spend |
Typical Identified Savings |
Typical Payback |
| Manufacturing (mid-size) |
£500,000 |
£80,000–£120,000 (16–24%) |
1–3 years |
| Logistics & Warehousing |
£300,000 |
£45,000–£70,000 (15–23%) |
1.5–2 years |
| Office-Based/Professional Services |
£100,000 |
£10,000–£25,000 (10–25%) |
1–2 years |
| Multi-site Retail |
£750,000+ |
£100,000–£180,000+ (13–24%) |
1–3 years |
In one recent case, a Celtic Dynamics client in the food manufacturing sector implemented low-cost measures identified in their ESOS audit, from lighting upgrades to compressor optimisation, and saved over £95,000 in the first 12 months alone.
Where Are the Savings?
An energy audit doesn’t just show you how much you’re using, it shows you where you’re losing money. Here are some typical areas where we find hidden inefficiencies:
Lighting
- Switching to LED lighting can cut lighting energy use by 60–80%.
- Smart controls and daylight sensors reduce unnecessary usage.
HVAC & Building Controls
- Poorly controlled heating or cooling systems can waste 15–25% of total energy.
- Smart BMS systems can optimise zones, usage times and set points.
Compressed Air & Equipment
- Leaky compressed air systems waste energy and increase maintenance costs.
- Process and machinery upgrades often deliver 10–30% efficiency gains.
Idle Equipment
- Standby power across equipment can represent 5–10% of a facility’s total use.
- Behavioural changes and automation can deliver fast wins.
Transport & Fleet
- Optimising delivery routes or upgrading to electric vehicles cuts both fuel costs and emissions.
- Telematics and driver training programmes can deliver 5–15% savings.
Beyond Savings: Added Value of an Audit
While the financial savings often justify the audit alone, the additional benefits can be just as valuable:
- Avoid regulatory fines (e.g., ESOS non-compliance)
- Strengthen ESG and sustainability reporting
- Enhance investor and stakeholder trust
- Support Net Zero and SECR requirements
- Improve B Corp or BREEAM submissions
Many organisations also unlock access to funding or tax relief by implementing energy-saving measures identified in their audit — especially for renewables or energy-efficient equipment.
Real Implementation. Real Results.
Audits are only the beginning. At Celtic Dynamics, we don’t stop at analysis, we help turn insights into impact. Our Action Plan Activation and project management services ensure recommendations are implemented effectively, delivering:
- Clear timelines and priorities
- Procurement and contractor coordination
- Monitoring and verification of actual savings
- Integration with broader ESG or Net Zero strategy
Example: A logistics firm implemented HVAC optimisation, lighting controls, and driver training, saving over £60,000 annually and cutting Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 18% within 18 months.
