How to Uncover Commercial Energy Waste

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5 Hidden Energy Drains in Commercial Buildings and How to Fix Them

In most commercial buildings, energy waste doesn’t come from dramatic system failures. It comes from dozens of small inefficiencies that quietly add up across every hour, every department, and every day.

Whether you manage a warehouse, council facility, healthcare centre or a busy office, chances are you’re paying for energy you don’t need to be. And with electricity prices showing no signs of dropping, every kilowatt saved matters.

Here are five common energy drains we see in commercial sites, and how to fix them before they cost you even more.

1. Lighting Left Running After Hours

If your building still relies on manual switches and fixed schedules, it’s likely that lights are being left on when they’re not needed. Storage rooms, corridors, and even open-plan offices often stay fully lit overnight or during daylight hours.

Fix it:

• Install motion sensors in low-traffic zones
• Set timers for common areas
• Upgrade to energy-efficient LEDs to cut costs instantly

2. Overactive HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential—but they’re also one of the biggest culprits when it comes to wasted energy. We often find buildings where systems are running too long, fighting each other (cooling and heating at once), or heating unused areas.

Fix it:

• Use smart zoning to control heating/cooling per area
• Install occupancy sensors to reduce run times
• Schedule seasonal reviews to optimise setpoints

3. Equipment on Default or 24/7 Settings

Fridges, printers, vending machines, exhaust fans—many run continuously, even when not in use. And just because something has always been set up that way doesn’t mean it’s the best approach.

Fix it:

• Audit non-essential equipment to identify idle-time usage
• Add timers or programmable outlets where possible
• Consider staged shutdowns outside operating hours

4. Leaky Buildings and Poor Insulation

Gaps around windows, doors, and in the building envelope lead to air leaks that undermine your heating and cooling. And in older buildings, insulation often doesn’t meet modern standards, meaning HVAC systems have to work harder than they should.

Fix it:

• Get a building performance assessment to identify loss points
• Seal gaps and draughts
• Explore insulation upgrades for long-term savings

5. No Visibility into Energy Use

Perhaps the biggest challenge? Many building operators don’t know what’s consuming power, where, or when. Without data, it’s almost impossible to make informed changes or justify energy-saving investments.

Fix it:

• Start with simple sub-metering or smart energy monitoring
• Identify trends and peak usage times
• Consider a staged rollout toward a Building Energy Management System (BEMS)

Start Small. Save Big.

At SJ Electric, we work with organisations across Australia to identify low-effort, high-impact opportunities to improve building performance. From lighting upgrades to full BEMS installations, our team can help you reduce operating costs, improve sustainability reporting, and unlock long-term savings.

Book a Free Energy Check-In

 

 

Disclaimer:
The content of this blog is for general information only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. While SJ Electric has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your circumstances. Regulatory requirements such as the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) may vary depending on the nature of your organisation, and we encourage readers to consult with qualified professionals before making decisions based on this information. SJ Electric disclaims any liability for loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.

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Posted on 14 JUL 2025