Sector guides

Food production is one of the most energy-intensive sectors in the UK economy. Whether producing baked goods, ready meals, dairy … Read more

Breweries and distilleries rely heavily on energy for mashing, boiling, fermentation control, cooling, bottling, cleaning, distillation, space heating and water … Read more

Dental practices have consistent and sometimes high energy demand due to clinical equipment, sterilisation systems, HVAC requirements, lighting, specialist suction … Read more

Energy is a major operational expense for many UK farms, particularly those using machinery, irrigation, heating, refrigeration, livestock housing or … Read more

Manufacturing is one of the most energy-intensive business sectors in the UK, with factories using electricity for machinery, motors, robotics, … Read more

Factories are among the most energy-intensive commercial premises in the UK due to constant machinery operation, industrial heating, lighting, compressed … Read more

Vehicle repair garages use substantial energy for heating, workshop equipment, compressed air, lighting, MOT bays, lifts, office areas, battery chargers, … Read more

Coffee shops and cafés use energy for espresso machines, ovens, refrigeration, dishwashers, water heating, ventilation, lighting, and customer comfort systems … Read more

Running a bakery involves energy-heavy equipment such as electric and gas ovens, refrigeration, chillers, mixers, proving cabinets, dishwashers, hot water … Read more

Kennels and catteries rely on energy for heating, ventilation, lighting, cleaning, grooming systems, laundry, and sometimes climate-controlled pet boarding spaces … Read more

Running a dry cleaning or laundrette business involves some of the most energy-intensive processes in the service industry. Whether using … Read more

Care homes are one of the most energy-intensive types of social care facilities due to round-the-clock heating, hot water usage, … Read more

Veterinary practices have unique energy demands due to their combination of clinical treatment rooms, laboratories, surgical theatres, imaging equipment, kennelling … Read more

Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive buildings in the UK due to their 24/7 operations, life-support equipment, strict air quality … Read more

General Practice (GP) surgeries may not seem like heavy energy users, but due to medical equipment, long opening hours, heating … Read more

Pubs are energy-intensive businesses due to long trading hours, kitchen operations, cellar cooling, refrigeration, lighting, heating, and in some cases, … Read more

Hotels are among the highest energy users in the commercial hospitality sector due to 24-hour operations, guest heating and cooling … Read more

Salons are steady but often high energy users due to the regular use of hairdryers, styling tools, heated water, lighting, … Read more

Educational institutions are among the most energy-intensive buildings in the non-commercial sector, due to their large floor areas, extensive lighting, … Read more

Food trucks are unique energy users. They operate in mobile settings, often with limited access to mains electricity or gas, … Read more

Takeaway businesses, whether fish and chip shops, Chinese takeaways, Indian takeaways, pizza shops, kebab houses, or fast-food outlets, are among … Read more

Energy costs for retail businesses vary widely depending on shop size, opening hours, the volume of refrigeration or display lighting, … Read more

Restaurant energy usage is among the highest of all SME sectors. Kitchens rely on power-hungry cooking equipment, long opening hours … Read more

Dog grooming salons may look small, but they are surprisingly energy-intensive. With dryers, clippers, lighting, and heating all running for … Read more

Running a gym is energy-intensive. With long opening hours, heating and cooling requirements, and electricity-hungry equipment, energy costs make up … Read more