20%
Energy Reduction
AED 180k
Annual Savings (Flagship)
3.2 years
Payback Period
8+
Stores Retrofit
Challenge
A UAE-based café and bakery operator was experiencing escalating energy costs across their 12-store portfolio, with particularly inefficient consumption at their flagship location. High cooling loads from open pastry cases, aged HVAC systems, and traditional lighting infrastructure were driving operating margins down. The client needed a proven, scalable approach to reducing energy intensity that could be replicated across expansion plans for 12 additional stores whilst maintaining product quality and customer experience.
Approach
Aston FM conducted a comprehensive energy audit of the flagship location, profiling all major consumption points. Our engineers designed and implemented a multi-phased retrofit programme: LED replacement across all customer-facing and back-of-house areas with motion sensors in low-traffic zones; HVAC system recommissioning with variable frequency drives (VFDs) to match compressor load to ambient conditions; smart metering infrastructure to enable real-time consumption monitoring and operator alerts; and optimised refrigeration case management with night blinds and temperature stratification. We worked closely with the operations team to establish energy-conscious practices without compromising food safety or display standards.
Results
The flagship location achieved 20% energy consumption reduction within six months, representing AED 180,000 annual savings. Payback period on the retrofit investment was 3.2 years. The client has since commissioned the same programme across eight additional stores, all achieving comparable savings. Smart metering data revealed unexpected consumption patterns in back-of-house areas, leading to additional operator-driven savings of 4% through scheduling optimisation. The client now has a clear roadmap for energy efficiency across their expansion programme, with energy intensity factored into new location profitability models.
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