Energy Management Case Studies
You want to know that we're not cowboys and we want to show you just how good we are. The best way of doing this? Some pretty awesome case studies!
Putting our best foot forward
Edgbaston Cricket Club
Edgbaston is the second largest cricket ground in the UK, but when we started working with them in 2012 they had a big problem with their energy consumption.
By taking a wider approach to their energy and carrying out an investment grade audit we were able to highlight some key energy saving measures to provide immediate results - lowering their energy costs by over 35% while also helping them to procure more than £300,000 in sponsorship.
Our work for Bone Daddies
Bone Daddies is a Japanese Soul Food restaurant with eight branches across London, serving Japanese food and contemporary culture. They’re actively growing and it was their plans to expand that introduced them to amber energy.
Find out more about the work we did with them by downloading the case study below.
Loungers Cafe & Bars
We’ve been working with Loungers since 2011, when they had just 14 sites. Now with over 100 locations all over the UK, we still provide Loungers with all the energy management services you need, from connecting new sites through to energy procurement.
Understanding the amber energy® approach to energy management
At amber energy®, we believe that effective energy management is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every business has unique operational patterns, infrastructure, and goals. Our case studies reflect a methodology that begins with a comprehensive energy audit, followed by tailored recommendations, and continues with ongoing monitoring and optimisation. This approach ensures that savings are not just immediate but sustainable over the long term.
For organisations like Edgbaston Cricket Club, the initial audit revealed not only inefficiencies in their existing systems but also opportunities for commercial partnerships. By aligning energy reduction strategies with broader business objectives, we helped them secure sponsorship deals that offset costs further. This holistic view is central to our work: energy management should support, not hinder, business growth.
We also recognise the importance of scalability. Bone Daddies, with its expanding footprint, needed a partner who could handle multi-site complexities without sacrificing consistency. Our team provided a centralised energy strategy that could be replicated across new locations, ensuring that each restaurant met the same high standards of efficiency and compliance.
How we deliver measurable results
Our process is built on data. We deploy smart metering and sub-metering technologies to capture real-time energy usage across all sites. This granular data allows us to identify anomalies, peak demand periods, and areas where energy is being wasted. For Loungers, with over 100 locations, this meant creating a central dashboard that gave their operations team visibility into every site's performance, enabling quick interventions when usage spiked unexpectedly.
Once we have a clear picture, we move to implementation. This might involve upgrading to LED lighting, optimising HVAC systems, or introducing voltage optimisation. For Bone Daddies, we focused on kitchen equipment—often the largest energy consumer in restaurants—and introduced energy-efficient appliances without compromising the quality of their Japanese soul food. The result was a significant reduction in kilowatt-hours per cover served.
Beyond hardware, we also address behavioural change. We provide training and resources to staff, helping them understand how their daily actions impact energy consumption. Simple measures like turning off equipment during idle periods or adjusting thermostat settings can lead to substantial savings. Our case studies show that combining technology with people-focused strategies yields the best outcomes.
Case study spotlight: Edgbaston Cricket Club
Edgbaston's challenge was not just high energy bills but also the need to maintain a comfortable environment for players, staff, and spectators during major matches. The ground's large floodlights, extensive catering facilities, and hospitality suites created a complex energy profile. Our investment grade audit identified that the lighting system was outdated and that the HVAC controls were not optimised for event-based usage patterns.
We recommended a phased retrofit of the floodlights to LED, which not only reduced energy consumption by over 40% but also improved light quality for broadcast purposes. Additionally, we installed smart controls that adjusted heating and cooling based on occupancy and external weather conditions. These measures, combined with a revised procurement strategy, led to the 35% cost reduction mentioned earlier. The sponsorship we helped secure was a bonus that demonstrated how energy efficiency can enhance a venue's appeal to commercial partners.
This project also highlighted the importance of timing. By scheduling major works during the off-season, we minimised disruption to Edgbaston's busy calendar. The club's management appreciated our proactive communication and the detailed reporting we provided at each stage, which kept all stakeholders informed and engaged.
Case study spotlight: Bone Daddies
When Bone Daddies approached us, they were planning to open several new branches in quick succession. Their existing energy contracts were fragmented, with different suppliers and tariffs for each location, making it difficult to track overall spend. We consolidated their energy procurement under a single framework, negotiating better rates and simplifying their billing process.
For their new sites, we worked with their design team to ensure that energy efficiency was built into the fit-out from day one. This included specifying high-efficiency extraction systems, induction hobs, and refrigeration with advanced insulation. For existing sites, we conducted retro-commissioning to ensure that equipment was operating as intended. One notable success was optimising the ramen broth simmering process, which reduced gas usage without affecting flavour.
Our ongoing monitoring revealed that some sites had higher than expected energy use during late-night cleaning. We introduced a checklist and simple timer controls for cleaning equipment, which cut overnight consumption by 15%. These small wins added up, and Bone Daddies now enjoys energy costs per square foot that are among the lowest in their sector.
Case study spotlight: Loungers Cafe & Bars
Loungers' rapid expansion from 14 to over 100 sites presented a unique challenge: maintaining consistent energy management across a diverse portfolio. Each new site had different building characteristics, from new builds to converted heritage properties. We developed a standardised energy specification that could be adapted to each location, ensuring that all new sites met a minimum efficiency standard.
For existing sites, we implemented a rolling programme of energy audits and upgrades. This included replacing old refrigeration units with A-rated models, installing presence-detection lighting in storage areas, and upgrading to energy-efficient coffee machines. We also negotiated a group energy contract that leveraged their total purchasing power, resulting in significant unit cost reductions.
Loungers' management team particularly valued our reporting suite, which provided monthly summaries of energy performance across all sites. This allowed them to benchmark sites against each other and identify best practices. For example, one site's innovative use of natural ventilation during summer months was replicated across the chain, reducing air conditioning load by 20% in similar buildings.
Lessons learned and best practices
Across all our case studies, several common themes emerge. First, a thorough audit is essential; you cannot manage what you do not measure. Second, engaging staff at all levels is critical; energy management is a team effort. Third, technology alone is not enough; it must be paired with operational changes and ongoing support. Finally, energy procurement should be integrated with efficiency measures to maximise savings.
We also see that businesses benefit from a long-term partnership rather than a one-off project. Energy prices, regulations, and technologies change, and having a dedicated energy manager who understands your business can help you adapt. Our clients appreciate that we are proactive in suggesting improvements and in keeping them informed about market trends and government incentives.
If you are considering an energy management programme, we encourage you to read our Energy Industry News & Blog for insights and updates. You may also find our article on 5 opportunities helping UK businesses get to net zero useful for understanding the broader context. And for practical tips, see 5 Insider Tips to Keep Utility Costs Low.
What our clients say
"amber energy® transformed our approach to energy. The audit was eye-opening, and the savings have been substantial. They are a true partner, not just a supplier." — Operations Director, Loungers Cafe & Bars
"The team at amber energy® understood our growth plans and provided a scalable solution. Our new sites are more efficient from day one, and the central reporting is invaluable." — Founder, Bone Daddies
These testimonials reflect the trust and results we strive to deliver. Our case studies are not just about numbers; they are about building relationships that support our clients' success.
Get started with your own energy management journey
Every business can benefit from better energy management. Whether you operate a single site or a national chain, our team can help you identify savings and improve sustainability. We invite you to explore more of our Blogs for additional insights, or contact us to discuss your specific needs. Together, we can create a case study that showcases your success.