An energy audit helps medical, dental and vet practices understand their energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and find cost-effective ways to reduce energy use, without impacting infection control standards. Don't stress, small businesses regularly conduct basic audits internally or, you can hire a professional for a more in-depth assessment.

Step 1: Review energy bills

  • Collect electricity, gas, and water bills for the past 12 months.
  • Look for trends in consumption and identify any spikes or seasonal variations.
  • Compare your energy usage to industry benchmarks (if available).

Step 2: Identify major energy-consuming equipment

  • List all energy-consuming appliances and systems, including:
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
  • Lighting (fluorescent, LED, halogen, etc.)
  • Medical, dental, or veterinary equipment
  • Computers, printers, and office electronics
  • Kitchen appliances (fridges, microwaves, dishwashers)
  • Water heating systems
  • Air compressors and suction systems (for dental and vet clinics)
  • Check the age, efficiency rating, and maintenance records of each item.

Step 3: Conduct a walk-through inspection

  • Lighting: Are lights left on when not needed? Are there areas where LED lights could replace inefficient bulbs?
  • Heating & cooling: Are there gaps in windows/doors causing heat loss? Are thermostats set efficiently?
  • Standby power: Are unused devices left plugged in, drawing phantom energy?
  • Water usage: Are taps, toilets, or sterilisation systems wasting water?
  • Building insulation: Is the clinic well insulated, or does it lose heat/cool air quickly?

We recommend you take photos or notes of any inefficiencies observed.

Step 4: Measure energy consumption

  • Use an energy monitoring system or smart meters to track real-time power usage. These can be purchased from companies like Reduction Revolution
  • Identify peak hours when energy use is highest.
  • Compare weekday vs. weekend consumption to see if equipment is left running unnecessarily.

Step 5: Identify quick wins

  • Install solar panels or an energy storage system.
  • Upgrade to an energy-efficient HVAC system.
  • Improve building insulation and install double-glazed windows.
  • Replace old office appliances with energy-efficient models.
  • Implement an EV charging station for staff or clients.

Step 7: Review Government Incentives

  • Check for rebates, tax deductions, or grants available through:

    • Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – Instant asset write-offs for energy-efficient equipment.
    • State government programs – Energy efficiency grants for small businesses.
  • Consider green loan solutions – Financing options for businesses adopting renewable energy.

Step 8: Monitor & Adjust

  • Track energy consumption monthly and compare it to previous bills.
  • Train staff on best practices for energy savings.
  • Conduct a mini energy audit every 6–12 months to ensure continuous improvement.