How to get a business energy audit to save money and boost efficiency

Running a small business means watching every penny, and those pence per kilowatt hour rates quickly turn into pounds on your business energy bills. Especially if your premises and people aren't the most energy-efficient.

A business energy audit is a smart way to take control of your energy usage, spot areas where you're wasting money, and find simple ways to become more efficient.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know about business energy audits, including what's involved, how they can help, how to get one, and whether it’s worth the effort for your business.

What is a business energy audit?

A business energy audit is a detailed review of how your business uses energy. It looks at everything from lighting and heating to appliances and equipment. They're designed to spot where energy is being wasted and recommend cost-saving improvements.

Depending on your business size and setup, an audit might involve:

• Analysing your past energy bills
• Checking insulation, windows and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Reviewing how staff use equipment
• Suggesting changes to your energy contract or supplier

You can carry out a basic audit yourself or bring in a professional to do a full assessment.

What are the benefits of an energy audit?

If you’re running a small business, an energy audit can deliver a whole range of benefits — from cutting costs to boosting your green credentials.

• Lower energy bills - Audits often reveal hidden energy drains, like equipment left on overnight or inefficient lighting. Fixing these can help cut the amount you spend on business electricity and gas.
• Improved efficiency - An audit can help you make the most of your energy usage. That means fewer wasted hours heating empty rooms or powering idle machines.
• Better budgeting - Understanding your energy usage helps you forecast more accurately. This can mean no more unexpected bill spikes or nasty surprises.
• Greener business practices - Cutting down on energy use is good for the planet. If you’re working towards net zero, or simply want to show customers you care, an audit is a solid first step.
• Easier compliance - Some sectors must meet strict energy efficiency rules. An audit can highlight where you’re falling short and what you can do about it.

What are the drawbacks of an energy audit?

While energy audits are generally worthwhile, you need to consider the drawbacks, especially if you’re running a tight operation.

• Upfront costs - Professional audits aren’t always free. Depending on the size of your business and the level of detail you want, prices can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. To avoid these costs, you can carry out you own audit or see if your business energy supplier offers free or subsidised audits.
• Time commitment - Even a basic audit can take time, especially if you need to track down paperwork, give access to your site, or involve multiple team members.
• Implementation costs - You might uncover issues that are costly to fix, like poor insulation or outdated machinery. You’re not obligated to make changes, but big upgrades can add up.

How long does an energy audit take? 

A basic audit might be complete in a few hours, but a full professional review could take several days, depending on your business size.

Will an audit disrupt my business?

Auditors will generally work around your schedule, so there should be little or no disruption.

Who should get an energy audit?

You don’t need to be a large corporation to benefit. An energy audit can be particularly useful in the following circumstances:

• Your bills have suddenly gone up, and you’re not sure why
• You’ve moved to new premises
• You use energy-intensive equipment
• You’re interested in switching to a greener supplier or installing renewable tech

An energy review can even help small offices, restaurants, and shops make meaningful, money-saving changes.

How to get a business energy audit

There are a few different routes you can take, depending on your budget, time and goals.

1. Do it yourself

For small spaces with straightforward energy use, a DIY audit can be a great starting point.

Here’s what to do:

• Gather your last 12 months of energy bills
• Walk around your site and note where energy is used and wasted
• Look for quick wins. Think draughts, lights left on, equipment in standby mode
• Use free online energy calculators to estimate usage and savings

It won’t be as in-depth as a professional job, but it can still reveal quick and easy ways to cut usage and save money.

2. Use your energy supplier

Some business energy suppliers offer audits as part of their service, especially if you’re a current customer or switching to a new tariff. These might include:

• Remote energy reviews based on your bills
• On-site visits with tailored recommendations
• Access to usage-tracking software or apps

Check your account dashboard or speak to your supplier to see what’s on offer.

3. Hire an independent energy assessor

For a more thorough review, hire a qualified energy auditor or consultant. They’ll assess your building, equipment and habits, then deliver a detailed report with recommendations.

Look for professionals accredited by:

• CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers)
• Energy Institute
• ESOS-qualified assessors (for larger businesses)

This option is best if you’re planning a big upgrade or want to apply for energy efficiency funding or grants.

What happens during a professional audit?

A full audit typically involves three main steps:

1. Data collection - The auditor will gather data about your energy usage — past bills, meter readings, building layout and equipment lists.
2. Site inspection - They’ll visit your premises and check insulation, lighting, heating systems, controls and processes. They'll also observe how your staff use energy in daily tasks.
3. Report and recommendations - You’ll receive a written report outlining where you’re using (and wasting) energy, practical, tailored recommendations, and estimated cost savings and payback periods

Some auditors will also help you implement changes or monitor progress afterwards.

How much does a business energy audit cost?

Business energy audit costs vary depending on your business size and the depth of the audit. Here’s a rough guide:

Audit Type	Typical Cost Range
Basic DIY audit	Free
Supplier audit	Free – £200 (if charged)
Independent audit	£300 – £2,000+

For micro and small businesses (under 10 staff), you might only need a basic site walkthrough costing £300–£500. Large and industrial businesses and those with multiple sites will cost more.

What happens after the audit?

Once you’ve got your report, you then need to put the recommendations in place. You business energy audit report should include:

• A list of low-cost, quick fixes (like switching bulbs or sealing draughts)
• Medium-term upgrades (like new heating controls or better insulation)
• Long-term investments (like solar panels or energy-efficient machinery)

You don’t have to do everything at once, so focus on the changes that have the biggest impact and lowest cost. You might also consider:

• Switching to a cheaper business energy deal
• Fit a smart meter or usage tracking tools. If your business is high-consumption, you'll probably already have a half-hourly meter
• Applying for green business grants or tax incentives

How to cut your business energy bills

Most small businesses will benefit from an energy audit. Even a basic audit can highlight quick wins and set you up for bigger savings down the line. If you want to cut costs, reduce waste and show customers you care about sustainability, a business energy audit is a smart move.

Being more energy-efficient is a great way to lower your energy bills. Once an audit has revealed how and where you can save energy, getting into good energy habits should help keep costs down in the long term. It's also a good idea to make sure your business is paying the cheapest possible rates for business gas and electricity.

To start your business energy comparison, call our business energy experts on 0800 140 4667 today.