Energy saving advice for retail businesses

Reducing energy consumption - heating, ventilation and air conditioning

• Set your thermostat strategically - while 18°C–21°C is often ideal, guidance suggests for a minimum of 16°C (or 13°C for physical work). Busy shops can get stuffy and colder months may call for warmer settings to keep staff and customers comfortable.
• In hot weather, lower the heating instead of relying on air conditioning or opening windows.
• Seal drafts and gaps around windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
• Lower the temperature  or switch it off entirely at night or when the store is closed, if possible. It’s a simple way to cut heating costs without affecting comfort during business hours.
• Use zoning systems to heat only the areas that are in use, avoiding wasted energy in empty spaces.

Energy efficiency in staff areas

• The Food Standards Agency advises that fridges and chilled display equipment legally need to run at 8°C or below. For extra peace of mind and better energy efficiency, aim for 5°C or lower.
• Boil only what you need, avoid filling the kettle unnecessarily to save energy and time.
• Switch off appliances, turn off your microwave and other equipment when it's not in use.
• Install lighting sensors in staff kitchens and toilets to avoid lights being left on.
• Unplug fully charged devices, don't leave laptops or phones charging longer than needed.
• Display energy-saving reminders, simple signs can help staff stay mindful of energy use.
• Close doors behind you - keeping heat in (or out) helps maintain temperature. 

Saving energy with your lighting

• Maximise daylight by placing displays near windows or using skylights to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
• Set lighting timers to automatically turn off lights during non-peak hours, such as after closing.
• Clean light fixtures and bulbs regularly to ensure maximum brightness and efficiency.
• Focus lighting on specific areas like display shelves or checkout counters, rather than lighting the entire store.
• Arrange displays and shelves to minimise the need for additional lighting in dimly lit corners.
• Use lower-wattage bulbs where possible, especially in areas that don't require bright light.
• Turn off lights in backrooms, stockrooms or other areas that are not frequently used.

These simple energy saving tips can do wonders for your retail business - helping you cut costs while being kinder to the planet. By working together with your team and focusing on smarter energy use, you can create a greener, more efficient store that customers will love. Why not start today? Small changes can add up to big savings! For even more ideas and practical solutions, take a look at our energy-saving tips.

Saving time is saving money

Meet one of our brilliant small business customers: Coco & Bloom, a successful artisan florist in Kent. Hear from founder Rebecca on her story of running a small business & how we’ve made it really easy for our customers to manage their energy anytime, anywhere. As Rebecca says, “Managing our account with EDF is really simple.”

Another way you could save your retail business money is making sure you're on the right tariff. Firstly understand the right tariff type for your business, read our blog on how to compare tariffs, then you can get a no obligation quote in just 60 seconds here. Remember with EDF you get our cheapest prices direct!