In tough times, cutting energy costs could be your easiest win
With rising costs of living, unstable energy prices, and an unpredictable economy, business owners everywhere are feeling the squeeze. Overheads are up, consumer spending is tightening, and staying profitable has never been harder.
Cutting avoidable expenses is one of the fastest, most effective ways to stay afloat, yet many business owners don’t realise how much they’re overspending on energy. That was the case for Mulbury, an art studio, gallery and retail business based in Highett, Melbourne.
Hidden inefficiencies
Mulbury operates out of a warehouse-style space with double brick walls and a high tin roof. The building has a 12kW rooftop solar system, efficient heat pump hot water units, ceiling fans, and water tanks. Amongst the other sustainable practices used, they use recycled materials to make their products, manufacture them to last a lifetime and utilise sustainable packaging for all shipping (even the labels are compostable). So on the surface, things looked good.
However, the energy review by Green Moves found that making several small but impactful changes could deliver real savings.
● Electricity tariffs: The business was on an unnecessarily expensive energy plan. They could slash costs dramatically by switching to a cheaper tariff (using the free Victorian Energy Compare website).
● Unnecessary refrigeration: Several fridges were being left on continuously, despite only being used once a month for events. Turning them off when not in use would significantly cut energy waste.
● Oversized hot water system: One of the two heat pump hot water units was unnecessary and larger than needed. This could potentially be removed or repurposed in future.
● Lighting upgrades: While some lighting was already LED, others were older halogen and fluorescent models. Upgrading these over time would increase efficiency even further.
None of these changes required major capital works – just appropriate practical advice and a willingness to take action.
Real savings, with more to come
Altogether, the changes identified during the assessment could save Mulbury $2,273 per year without impacting operations. That’s money back in the business during a time when every dollar matters.
While the business has been busy and hasn’t yet implemented all recommendations, they’re keen to make more changes as time allows, especially once the solar system is paid off.
The review showed that even a seemingly sustainable business can benefit from an expert audit. As Gerard put it: “Absolutely worth it”, and yes he would recommend an energy assessment to other small businesses looking for savings.
What other businesses can learn
Many small businesses don’t realise how much they could save just by reviewing their energy plan or switching off unused equipment. And while Mulbury had already taken some big steps toward sustainability, the real impact came from reviewing day-to-day use and habits, and acting on expert advice.
Could you business be overspending on energy?
Green Moves helps small businesses uncover real, practical ways to reduce energy use and save money. Book a review and discover where your easiest wins are hiding.
