Business energy for warehouses and logistics
Business energy for warehouses and logistics
Warehouses spend most of their energy on lighting, with heating, forklift charging and, in cold stores, refrigeration making up the rest. The Carbon Trust says lighting can be 65 to 95 per cent of energy use in an ambient warehouse, so LED upgrades and controls usually come first. Choose a contract that reflects when you operate, especially if you run night shifts or charge vehicles overnight.
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How much energy do warehouses and logistics use?
| Benchmark | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical electricity use per m², storage warehouse or depot (CIBSE TM46) | 35 kWh/m²/year | GOV.UK |
| Typical heating fuel use per m², storage warehouse or depot (CIBSE TM46) | 160 kWh/m²/year | GOV.UK |
| Typical electricity use per m², refrigerated warehouse (CIBSE TM46) | 145 kWh/m²/year | GOV.UK |
| Typical electricity use per m², warehouses of 500 to 1,000 m² (DECC ND-NEED data, cited by the Carbon Trust) | 33 kWh/m²/year | Carbon Trust |
| Typical gas use per m², warehouses of 500 to 1,000 m² (DECC ND-NEED data, cited by the Carbon Trust) | 47 kWh/m²/year | Carbon Trust |
Benchmarks describe typical buildings. Your own use depends on floor area, opening hours, equipment and how efficient your building is.
What do warehouses and logistics pay per kWh?
There are no official prices by business type, but the government publishes what businesses pay by size of energy use. In Q2 2026, the smallest UK business electricity users (up to 20,000 kWh a year) paid an average of 38.36p per kWh, and those using 20,000 to 499,999 kWh paid 28.59p. The smallest gas users paid 9.31p per kWh. These government averages include standing charges and the Climate Change Levy, but not VAT. Your bill shows a unit rate plus a daily standing charge, so it won't match these all-in figures directly. See business electricity prices and business gas prices for every size band.
Choosing an energy contract for warehouses and logistics
- Night shifts and overnight charging of forklifts or electric vans make time-of-use pricing relevant. The Carbon Trust notes that charging electric forklifts on night-time tariffs can lower costs.
- If your site is half-hourly metered, check what runs when the building is empty before you compare prices. Lighting left on in unused aisles shows up clearly in the data.
- Planning rooftop solar? The Carbon Trust says large warehouse roofs often suit solar PV. Tell suppliers about planned generation when you get quotes, as it changes how much you import.
- BEES found renting is common in the storage sector. Check your lease to confirm whether you or the landlord is responsible for the energy contract.
- Logistics firms with several depots can line up renewal dates, but compare each site on its own usage, especially where some are chilled.
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How warehouses and logistics use energy
BEES found electricity was 57 per cent of energy use across the storage sector. A heated warehouse can still use more gas than electricity: the CIBSE TM46 storage benchmark is 35 kWh/m² of electricity against 160 kWh/m² of heating fuel a year.
High-bay lighting runs across large floor areas for long hours. The Carbon Trust found most warehouses were lit by 250W or 400W discharge lamps, which LEDs now outperform. Carbon Trust
Depending on the goods stored and the building fabric, many warehouses can run without heating for much of the year. Offices, welfare areas and toilets still need permanent heating. Carbon Trust
Electric forklifts need regular recharging; diesel and LPG trucks use fuel instead. Cranes and automated systems add motor loads. Carbon Trust
Chilled and frozen warehouses use far more electricity: the CIBSE TM46 refrigerated warehouse benchmark is about four times the electricity of an ambient store per square metre. GOV.UK
Loading doors let warm air escape, and warm air rises to the roof while cold air sits at floor level, so heating has to work harder. Carbon Trust
Operating hours, lighting type and whether you heat or chill the space are the big factors. A 24-hour distribution centre with old discharge lighting uses far more than a single-shift store with LEDs and sensors, and a cold store uses several times the electricity of either.
Ways warehouses and logistics can cut energy use
The Carbon Trust says non-refrigerated warehouses with legacy lighting can typically cut electricity costs by 70% by moving to LED. LEDs also avoid the long restrike times of discharge lamps. Carbon Trust
Modern sensors work with forklift traffic and can be zoned by aisle. The Carbon Trust says they can save 30% or more on lighting costs, even after an LED upgrade. Carbon Trust
Separate storage temperature needs from staff comfort. HSE says a reasonable workplace temperature is usually at least 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work, and the storage area itself may only need frost protection. GOV.UK
Fans push warm air trapped at roof level back down to the floor, so the heating system can reduce its output. Carbon Trust
Many warehouses already have rooflights. Cleaning or replacing old or damaged ones lets in more daylight, which daylight sensors can then use to dim or switch off lights. Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust says low and no-cost savings come easily from better controls and night-time and weekend shutdown routines. Carbon Trust
FAQs
How much energy does a warehouse use?
The CIBSE TM46 benchmark for a storage warehouse or depot is 35 kWh of electricity and 160 kWh of heating fuel per square metre a year. Government data for 500 to 1,000 m² warehouses, cited by the Carbon Trust, shows typical use of 33 kWh/m² electricity and 47 kWh/m² gas.
What's the biggest energy saving in a warehouse?
Usually lighting. The Carbon Trust says ambient warehouses with legacy lighting can typically cut electricity costs by 70% by switching to LED, and sensors add further savings.
Do warehouses have to be heated?
Not always. HSE says workplace temperatures should usually be at least 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work, but the Carbon Trust notes many warehouses can operate satisfactorily without heating for much of the year, depending on the goods stored.
Is it cheaper to charge electric forklifts at night?
It can be, if your tariff has a cheaper night rate. The Carbon Trust notes that taking advantage of night-time tariffs for recharging can lower the cost of running electric forklifts.
How much more electricity does a cold store use?
The CIBSE TM46 benchmark for a refrigerated warehouse is 145 kWh of electricity per square metre a year, compared with 35 kWh for an ambient storage warehouse.
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