Energy costs represent one of the largest operating expenditures for logistics facilities, often second only to labour. Yet many operators have limited visibility into how their energy is consumed, where waste occurs, and what improvements would deliver the greatest return. An energy audit provides the answers — and the roadmap for action.
What Is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a systematic assessment of a facility’s energy consumption, identifying how energy is used, where it is wasted, and what measures can be implemented to reduce consumption and cost. Audits range from desktop reviews of energy bills and building data to comprehensive on-site investigations involving detailed measurement, monitoring, and analysis of individual systems and processes.
What Does an Energy Audit Examine?
A comprehensive energy audit for a logistics facility typically examines the building envelope (insulation, air tightness, glazing, and doors), lighting systems (type, control strategy, operating hours, and daylight utilisation), HVAC systems (heating, cooling, ventilation, and controls), electrical distribution (power factor, harmonics, and distribution losses), compressed air systems (if applicable — often one of the most wasteful systems in industrial buildings), refrigeration systems (for temperature-controlled facilities), and building management systems (control strategies, setpoints, and scheduling). For each area, the audit identifies the current energy consumption, benchmarks it against best practice, and quantifies the potential savings from improvement measures.
Common Findings in Warehouse Energy Audits
In our experience, the most common energy-saving opportunities in logistics facilities include lighting upgrades from fluorescent or high-pressure sodium to LED with intelligent controls (typical savings: 50-70%), HVAC optimisation including improved controls, maintenance, and scheduling (typical savings: 20-40%), building fabric improvements such as replacing damaged or missing insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading rapid-action doors (typical savings: 10-25%), and the installation of renewable energy systems, particularly rooftop solar PV which is well-suited to the large roof areas of warehouse buildings.
The Return on Investment
Energy improvement measures typically deliver payback periods ranging from 12 months (for low-cost measures like BMS optimisation and lighting controls) to 5-7 years (for larger investments like solar PV or HVAC replacement). Many measures qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowances or other government incentives that can further improve the financial return. The cumulative effect of implementing a package of measures identified through an energy audit can reduce a facility’s total energy consumption by 30-50% — delivering savings that compound year after year.
FcMig’s Energy Consulting Service
FcMig’s engineering consulting team provides comprehensive energy audits for logistics facilities across the UK. Our audits are conducted by qualified energy assessors who understand the specific operational characteristics of warehouses, distribution centres, and sorting facilities. We deliver clear, prioritised recommendations with realistic cost estimates and payback calculations, enabling our clients to make informed investment decisions about their facility’s energy performance.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Contact FcMig to discuss your supply chain infrastructure requirements.