Cold Storage

Utility costs for cold storage facilities can run from 9% to 18% of revenues, second only to labor costs, with an average of over 11% based on studies, with an average energy consumption of 1.54 kWh/cubic foot. It has been suggested that energy consumption in an energy-efficient cold storage facility should be as low as 0.6 kWh/cubic foot. Electricity costs are typically 70% of the total energy bill. One other study found that the annual energy intensity of cold storage facilities was some 101,000 BTU/sq foot, almost three times that for non-refrigerated warehouses. And saving $1 in energy equates to a top line revenue of over $10.

Star Energy is dedicated to helping cold storage facility owners increase profits through reducing their energy consumption. Our comprehensive energy audits examine all aspects of a cold storage facility’s energy consumption. We examine utility bills, inspect refrigeration equipment, review maintenance procedures and systems, and analyze building envelopes to accurately gauge your overall energy consumption and measure the environmental impact of your operation.

Armed with this information, we work with you to develop clear-cut, actionable energy and maintenance strategies. We not only identify various energy conservation measures but also provide you with tools such as project management and comprehensive incentive management to assist you in implementing various identified energy cost reduction opportunities.

Solutions for increasing the energy efficiency of your operation include utilizing new technologies, replacing outdated and oversized equipment with properly sized, high efficiency models, utilizing alternative fuel sources and developing no-cost and low-cost strategies to reduce the amount of energy you use and lower your carbon footprint.

Increasing the energy efficiency of your operation is one of the most effective ways to reduce your overall operating costs. Examples of areas in which we have seen substantial energy savings include reduction of humidity loads, improving evaporator performance and re-piping in certain circumstances.

A comprehensive energy management plan that includes ongoing monitoring and tracking ensures continued efficiency and savings for the long term. Equally important is making energy conservation a team effort. We help educate staff and management teams in best practices for conservation to ensure that the improvements you make are sustainable well into the future.