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Adam Bernstein explains the importance of energy efficiency and how it can help cut your business costs

With energy costs rising and public awareness of sustainability growing, energy efficiency is no longer optional - it is a necessity. So, whether running a single pharmacy or managing a larger group, improving energy efficiency should be a top strategic priority.

Heating and ventilation

One of the most effective starting points is the efficient use of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These are typically the largest consumers of energy in retail settings due to the need to maintain consistent, comfortable conditions – regardless of season – as customers continually open doors.

It follows that pharmacies should consider installing programmable or smart thermostats that automatically adjust temperatures based on room occupancy, time of day, and season. Creating HVAC zones will help prevent unnecessary heating or cooling in areas with lower usage.

But as with any mechanical system, regular maintenance is essential. Replacing filters, cleaning ducts and scheduling routine servicing ensures systems operate efficiently and consume less energy.

However, efficient HVAC systems only work well when heat – cold air in summer - is retained. Proper insulation of walls, roofs and windows helps minimise heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Radiators should also be modern, balanced and flushed when older, with thermostatic radiator valves.

Lighting

Lighting presents another significant opportunity for energy savings. Modern LED lighting uses 75–90 per cent less energy than traditional bulbs.

The approach here is straightforward. Wherever possible, existing lighting should be replaced with LED alternatives. Motion sensors should be installed in low-occupancy areas such as storage rooms, offices and toilets, and task-based lighting considered so that work areas are illuminated without lighting entire rooms.

Natural light should also be maximised by opening blinds during the day and, where feasible, skylights or larger windows incorporated while remaining mindful of privacy needs.

Energy-efficient equipment

Given the range of equipment used in retail - IT, security systems, and HVAC for example - choosing energy-efficient models can reduce overall consumption.

While upfront costs can be higher, replacements should be selected using the EU energy rating label (A–G, with A being the most efficient). For higher-performance equipment such as boilers, motors and refrigeration units, the government’s Energy Technology List (ETL) provides a useful reference. See gov.uk/guidance/energy-technology-list.

Smart power strips can also be introduced to cut power to equipment when not in use, eliminating “phantom” energy consumption from devices left plugged in overnight.

Refrigeration systems

Refrigeration is essential for storing medication, vaccines and biological samples as well as staff food, but can be a major energy drain if poorly managed.

Units should be sized for demand, as oversized refrigerators and freezers waste energy. Accurate temperature monitoring using thermometers or digital data loggers helps maintain efficiency and compliance. Routine maintenance – such as cleaning coils, checking door seals and defrosting regularly – ensures systems operate effectively and avoids unnecessary energy use caused by ice buildup or poor insulation.

New builds

When building or refurbishing, energy efficiency should be incorporated at the design stage. Measures such as solar panels, double or triple glazing, reflective roofing materials, and building orientation can significantly reduce long-term energy demands.

Positioning windows and walls to maximise natural light and minimise heating and cooling requirements can deliver ongoing benefits, while still respecting the specific needs and sensitivities of residents.

Water use and cleaning

With water bills rising, installing low-flow taps and toilets can reduce water consumption by 30–50 per cent, while hands-free taps help prevent unnecessary water. Leaks should be repaired immediately, as even a slow drip can waste significant volumes.

Electric vehicles 

Pharmacies that run vehicles ought to consider using electric vehicles (EVs). It is true that the European Union has effectively pushed back the 2035 ban on petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles and the UK may be forced to do the same.

Grants and assistance

There is little in the way of help from central government other than a Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Anything else on gov.uk appears out of date or about to end.

The grant landscape is changing however; pharmacies need to spend a little time researching what is currently and locally available.

RPS Greener Pharmacy Guide

In 2023, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) launched a set of Greener Pharmacy Guides along with toolkits.The guides detail three levels - bronze, silver, and gold - of actions to make a pharmacy more sustainable. The RPS says that the guides were primarily developed and commissioned for hospital and community pharmacy services in England, but that they are adaptable for use elsewhere.

The guides look at what staff can do, how clinicians can help reduce waste and increase sustainability; why management needs to lead in environmental sustainability; the steps that can be taken to reduce utility bills and reduce waste, and how to lower carbon emissions. See www.rpharms.com/greenerpharmacy