Oxford Energy Services
Energy Efficiency Myth Busters
Clear, practical answers to common assumptions about building energy use, energy waste and what to fix first.
Energy efficiency is often surrounded by quick assumptions: install new technology, start with solar panels, trust the data, commission a report, or assume the problem is already obvious.
This series challenges those assumptions and explains how better energy decisions usually start with a practical diagnosis of how the building is actually operating.
Why this series exists
Building energy decisions are easier when the assumptions are tested first
Many organisations want to reduce energy waste, lower costs and improve building performance, but it is not always clear where to start.
The obvious answer is not always the right first answer. A major retrofit may be useful, but only after the building has been understood. Solar panels may be worthwhile, but only after the demand profile has been reviewed. Smart meter data may be valuable, but only when it is interpreted properly.
The Oxford Energy Services myth-buster series is designed to make those decisions clearer, more practical and more evidence-led.
Read the series
12 building energy myths worth questioning
The first six articles are available now. Further myth busters will be added as the series develops.
Available now
Myth: Energy waste is obvious
Why the biggest waste is often hidden in schedules, night-load, controls and out-of-hours operation.
Read myth buster 1Available now
Myth: You need a major retrofit to reduce energy costs
Why practical diagnosis, optimisation and better controls may need to come before major capital spend.
Read myth buster 2Available now
Myth: Solar panels should be the first energy-saving step
Why demand, waste and operating patterns should be understood before investing in solar PV.
Read myth buster 3Available now
Myth: A smart meter tells you everything you need to know
Why energy data is a useful starting point, but still needs practical interpretation.
Read myth buster 4Available now
Myth: Energy audits are just long reports
Why a useful audit should provide practical diagnosis, clear priorities and next steps.
Read myth buster 5Available now
Myth: If the BMS says it is scheduled correctly, it must be fine
Why control settings, overrides, sensors and real plant behaviour still need checking.
Read myth buster 6Coming soon
Myth: Energy management is a one-off project
Why audits, data review, contractor proposals and action plans need follow-through.
Coming soon
Myth: Contractor savings estimates are always reliable
Why savings assumptions should be checked before committing to larger energy projects.
Coming soon
Myth: Out-of-hours energy use does not matter much
Why night-load, weekends and low-occupancy periods can reveal avoidable waste.
Coming soon
Myth: Facilities teams should already know where the waste is
Why building energy waste often sits between facilities, finance, operations and contractors.
Coming soon
Myth: Reducing energy use means making the building uncomfortable
Why good energy management is about better control, not colder or less usable buildings.
Coming soon
Myth: Carbon reduction starts with a carbon plan
Why effective carbon reduction should be grounded in what the building is actually doing.
Practical next step
Need to know what is really happening in your building?
Oxford Energy Services provides practical building energy audits, energy management support and training for organisations that want to reduce waste, lower costs and make better energy decisions.
The Building Energy Audit is a fixed-fee review for one building, designed to identify where energy is being wasted, what it is costing and what should be fixed first.
The 10-Point Building Energy Review can look at:
- electricity and gas use
- half-hourly electricity data, where available
- night-load and out-of-hours consumption
- heating, lighting and controls
- plant and operational issues
- quick wins and capital measures worth investigating
- clear next steps for action
Free 30-minute discussion
Talk through your building energy questions
If one of these myths feels familiar, start with a practical conversation. Oxford Energy Services can help you understand whether a fixed-fee Building Energy Audit, ongoing energy management support or a training session is the right next step.
Contact Russell
Email:
russ@oxfordenergyservices.co.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)7803 397 549