Practical ways to cut power on the job in construction and trades

What is a small or medium construction and trades business

Smaller contractors and workshops that use more energy than a typical office due to machinery, tools, and longer operating hours, but do not need complex procurement.

Common examples

• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building trades with tool charging and site equipment.

• Joinery and fabrication shops with saws, CNC, dust extraction, and compressors.

• Auto and machinery workshops with hoists, welders, and air tools.

• Small precast and materials labs with mixers, pumps, and curing rooms.

Typical profile

Quarterly bills, time‑of‑use tariffs, and a focus on quick savings that do not disrupt jobs or safety.

‍

What is a commercial and large construction operator

Larger contractors and manufacturers that manage multiple sites or high‑duty plant. These operators benefit from structured procurement and a portfolio energy strategy.

Common examples

• Multi‑site construction groups with depots, warehouses, and rotating site sheds.

• Large fabrication, precast, and panel plants with continuous machinery and cranes.

• Equipment hire and service fleets with charging bays and workshops.

• Head offices and design hubs with high HVAC and IT loads.

Typical profile

Monthly billing, interval metering, demand charges across sites, and procurement via tender to secure competitive rates over 1 to 5‑year terms aligned to risk appetite and contract goals.

Challenges for small and medium businesses

• Tool charging, compressors, and welders driving peak usage

• Lighting and HVAC costs in workshops and site sheds

• Bills that swing with seasons and project timelines

• Limited time to review plans and understand fees

• Ageing equipment that wastes energy

How Zembl helps

Fast bill comparison, simple plan structures, and practical fixes like timer controls, LED upgrades, and setpoint discipline to trim usage without slowing jobs.

Challenges for commercial and large operators

• Managing energy across multiple sites, depots, and temporary supplies

• Aligning contract end dates and network charges across a portfolio

• Balancing staff comfort and safety with cost control in high‑load areas

• Limited visibility of usage by site or process, leading to demand spikes

• Limited internal resources to run tenders and manage rollovers

How Zembl helps

Obligation‑free tenders across our retailer panel, data‑led offer analysis, and clear recommendations that fit load and risk. We coordinate onboarding and keep contracts on track.

Two recent success stories

C&N Fitouts saves $2,200 on energy costs

Commercial fit‑out specialists reduced annual energy costs through a clear comparison and a move to a competitive plan.

How Wisdom Homes saved $1,300 a year with green energy solutions

Home builder improved costs with practical efficiency steps and a better‑fit plan.

FAQs for construction and trades

How is energy used in construction and trade businesses?

Energy is used for workshop lighting, power tools, equipment charging and temporary site power. Larger construction sites also rely on HVAC systems for site offices, cranes, lifts and machinery that draw higher loads.

Why do energy costs vary across construction projects?

Costs change as projects move through different stages. Early phases require basic site power, while later stages need higher loads for machinery, HVAC, tools and lighting. Seasonal temperature changes also increase heating or cooling needs on site.

How can small trade businesses reduce their energy bills?

Small trade businesses can reduce costs by comparing plans regularly, managing workshop equipment usage, upgrading lighting, organising off-peak charging for batteries and reviewing contract terms before expiry.

What drives high energy usage on large construction sites?

High consumption is usually caused by temporary HVAC in site sheds, cranes, lifts, large machinery, compressors and extensive lighting. Running multiple high-load items at the same time can increase peak demand charges.

How can construction firms improve energy efficiency across multiple sites?

Firms can reduce costs by aligning contract end dates, reviewing tariffs, tracking site-by-site usage, staggering equipment operation and using energy insights to identify peak periods. Upgrading temporary lighting and managing HVAC also improves efficiency.

Talk to a Zembl energy expert

Whether you run a local workshop or a national construction group, we align pricing, advice, and next steps to your operations and goals. Share your latest bill or interval data to get started.