Coles
in annual energy savings
average reduction in total electricity use across the portfolio
HVAC-specific energy savings at selected sites
year payback including client costs
// case study
In this case study
// Challenge
Project Overview
A leading national supermarket chain rolled out a demand-based HVAC optimisation program across more than 500 live stores nationwide. The goal was to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance in-store conditions, all while ensuring business-as-usual operation.
The program focused exclusively on HVAC systems and was delivered through a collaborative model. Energy strategy, performance tuning, and outcomes management were led by a dedicated energy services provider, with control system delivery supported by a BMS technology partner. All savings were independently verified by an external contractor in line with a formal Energy Performance Guarantee (EPG).
// Solutions
Scope of Work
The energy team was responsible for:
- Designing HVAC control strategies tailored to store type, plant condition, and climate zone
- Modelling projected savings and aligning them with engineering standards
- Managing a 12-month optimisation and tuning process to ensure results were achieved under real conditions
- Overseeing a nationwide rollout of energy measures across diverse infrastructure
- Facilitating third-party Measurement & Verification (M&V) to validate savings
This work was enabled by the installation of a programmable BMS platform, allowing strategy deployment, interfacing with refrigeration systems, and remote access via an enterprise dashboard.
// Challenge
Challenges
- 500+ locations in a range of geographic and climatic conditions
- Aging HVAC infrastructure and proprietary control limitations
- Delivery in live trading environments, requiring zero disruption
- Accountability under a formal guaranteed savings model
- Compressed delivery windows across four national rollout phases
// Services
Outcomes
The project delivered strong, verified performance results:
- Enhanced thermal comfort and reduced customer complaints
- Centralized system visibility via enterprise access tools
Savings were reviewed and verified by an external M&V contractor, ensuring transparency and confidence in outcomes.
// Challenge
Conclusion
This project highlights how targeted HVAC optimisation, when executed with the right strategy and delivery model, can drive scalable results across a complex national portfolio. The program balanced technical design, real-world tuning, and independent validation delivering energy and operational benefits that exceeded expectations without disrupting daily operations.
It serves as a strong example of how well structured energy programs can reduce cost, improve asset performance, and support sustainability goals in high volume retail environments.
