Apr 23, 2026

Energy Auditing of GP Surgeries

In recent months here at SHIFT, we have been conducting energy audit reports on GP surgeries in the Gloucestershire area. In total, 68 practices were visited and audited on their energy usage, and our trusted assessors identified energy saving opportunities at each practice, whether the surgery was a purpose-built new build, or an older, repurposed building.  A mixture of full and reduced energy audits were conducted.

Here is a brief outline of what we’ve found during the process, including a wide array of opportunities from everyday behavioural changes, to implementing and investing in green energy infrastructure. Hopefully this can give you an idea of the sometimes simple, yet effective changes we here at SHIFT can highlight through our reporting.

Our energy auditing process

Our auditing process is exactly the same as when we do energy audits for ESOS compliance assessments.  Here are the steps:

    1. Collect 12 months of energy usage data (for full audits only) – this is normally electricity and/or gas usage but we have seen steam, biomass and even charcoal in some of our audits
    2. Arrange a convenient time for our visit – we want to make sure our visit is as meaningful as possible whilst being at a mutually convenient time
    3. Carry out a structured tour of the building – this normally takes around 2 hours where we visit all rooms and make key observations. Ideally, we like to be accompanied by someone familiar with the building and we would like access to boiler rooms and roofs.
    4. Combine our data and physical observations into a report that clearly shows:
          • Where energy is being used
          • The energy savings opportunities that have an excellent return on investment
          • Other energy saving opportunities that are small or typically have a longer payback period
          • Pathway to net zero for the building

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations Lead to Recommendations

Below is a list of some of the energy savings opportunities we have identified on our visits.  The list is by no means exhaustive, and each building is very different:

  • Installation of secondary or double glazing – reduces heat loss through windows
  • Rework room layouts and furniture to improve heat flow from radiators
  • Installing aerators on hot water taps to reduce flow rates and hence save energy on hot water
  • Insulate hot water pipes – sometimes this insulation is missing
  • Fill any gaps in insulation – there are still a surprising amount of uninsulated ceilings
  • Replace older light bulbs with energy efficient, LED light bulbs
  • Installation of Solar PV set-up where possible

This is just a fraction of the opportunities that our assessors were able to identify in the case of some of these GP surgeries. In general, our reports return savings of over 3 times the amount of our assessment charge.  If you’re interested in finding out where you can improve your energy use and save money as a result, get in touch today:  [email protected]

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