Commercial Energy Audit Cost Per Square Foot (& What is Included)

Knowing what the commercial energy audit cost per square foot is helps businesses plan for energy savings and lighting improvements. The cost depends on the property size, the type of lighting in place, and the level of detail needed for the assessment.

A full audit includes a review of current lighting fixtures, wattage use, energy bills, and parking lot lighting spacing to find areas where upgrades can reduce costs.

With this information, our team creates a customized plan for lighting retrofits, helping businesses improve efficiency while keeping parking lots well-lit and secure.

What is a commercial building energy audit?

A commercial building energy audit is a detailed evaluation of a building’s energy use, identifying ways to improve energy efficiency and lower energy costs.

The audit process examines energy consumption, utility bills, and system performance to help building owners make informed investment decisions that enhance the value of your building.

During an energy audit, specialists assess energy usage, lighting systems, and HVAC performance, using benchmarking to compare against industry standards like ASHRAE guidelines.

The audit includes a consultation to review findings, offering precise recommendations for energy management strategies and sustainable upgrades. Businesses can cut costs by improving sustainability while creating a more efficient, long-lasting infrastructure.

How FES can help after your commercial energy audit

Once your commercial energy audit is complete, FES provides a clear, actionable plan to improve your commercial lighting cost per square foot. We analyze the audit results, identify areas for improvement, and offer LED lighting upgrades at no upfront cost.

Our team ensures you get the best custom lighting solutions to enhance safety, visibility, and long-term savings. With our commercial lighting solutions, businesses can switch to high-efficiency LED fixtures with zero capital investment.

Contact us today to see if you qualify for a free upgrade and start saving immediately. 

What is included in an energy audit?

An energy audit is a structured evaluation that helps property owners understand how their building consumes energy and find ways to reduce energy costs. It includes an in-depth analysis of systems that affect energy efficiency, along with a report outlining costs, savings, and potential upgrades.

The audit will point the way to reduce energy usage and improve long-term sustainability.

• HVAC Systems – Evaluates heating, ventilation, and cooling efficiency to identify energy efficiency measures that can reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort.
• Building Envelope – Examines insulation, windows, and structural components to find cost-effective improvements that enhance temperature control and reduce energy waste.
• Billing Data and Energy Benchmarking – Analyzes historical energy use, floor area, and utility costs to provide a savings baseline and identify improvement areas.
• Lighting – Reviews the use of natural lighting and existing lighting systems and recommends upgrades, such as LED retrofits, to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. Contact FES to see if you qualify for a free lighting upgrade with no upfront investment or a lighting retrofit.

Commercial energy audit cost per square foot

The commercial energy audit cost per square foot typically ranges from $0.10 to $0.50, depending on the building size, audit type, and level of detail required. Basic audits provide general recommendations, while more detailed assessments, such as ASHRAE Level 2 or 3, include in-depth analysis, benchmarking, and predictive energy modeling.

For smaller buildings, a Level 1 energy audit may be sufficient, offering a high-level overview of energy usage, efficiency measures, and cost-saving opportunities.

Larger buildings or those with complex systems often require a detailed building survey, energy benchmarking, and predictive energy simulation to define the most effective upgrades.

A full audit process examines energy use, billing data, HVAC performance, lighting efficiency, and operational systems. The final report outlines potential costs and savings, estimated payback periods, and energy efficiency measures (EEMs) suited to the building’s needs.

Investing in a commercial energy audit helps property owners reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and optimize long-term performance.

Factors that influence commercial energy assessment cost

The cost of a commercial energy assessment depends on multiple factors, including the size of the building, level of detail required, and the complexity of energy systems in place. Different audit levels, such as ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and 3, offer varying depths of analysis, with more comprehensive audits requiring a higher investment.

Knowing these factors can help property owners determine the most suitable assessment for their needs.

• Building Size and Floor Area – Larger buildings require more time and resources, increasing costs per square foot. A 10,000-square-foot facility costs less overall than a 500,000-square-foot complex, but the price per square foot decreases with scale.
• Audit Level and Scope – ASHRAE Level 1 is a basic walkthrough identifying energy-saving opportunities with minimal detail, suitable for small businesses or quick assessments. ASHRAE Level 2 includes benchmarking, utility data analysis, and efficiency recommendations, best for mid-sized properties. ASHRAE Level 3 is a comprehensive investment-grade audit with predictive modeling, on-site testing, and financial projections for large buildings requiring major energy investments.
• Complexity of Energy Systems – Facilities with multiple HVAC units, automation systems, or various types of commercial lighting need more detailed assessments. Older buildings may require extensive checklists to document inefficiencies and potential upgrades.
• Types of Lighting – Different lighting systems impact audit costs. Traditional fluorescent and metal halide fixtures may require in-depth efficiency comparisons, while LED systems need less analysis. The audit assesses lighting levels, placement, and retrofit potential.
• Utility Data Collection and Analysis – A proper audit includes reviewing historical energy bills, peak demand charges, and usage trends. The more detailed the billing data analysis, the more accurate the efficiency recommendations—but also the higher the assessment cost.
• On-Site Inspection Requirements – Some audits require advanced techniques such as thermal imaging, blower door testing, or submetering to measure energy loss and inefficiencies. These methods increase audit accuracy but add to costs.
• Benchmarking and Compliance Requirements – Many commercial audits include benchmarking against industry standards or local regulations. Buildings seeking LEED certification or compliance with energy codes may need additional assessments, increasing the total cost.
• Customized Recommendations and Reports – More detailed audits provide tailored checklists, outlining step-by-step energy efficiency measures, financial payback analysis, and implementation strategies. Customization adds value but can increase costs compared to standard reports.
• Potential Incentives and Rebates – Some utility companies or government energy programs partially subsidize commercial audits, reducing upfront costs and making more detailed audits accessible.

Additional reading: what is retrofit lighting

What is a commercial energy audit likely to uncover?

A commercial energy audit is designed to identify inefficiencies in a building’s energy use and highlight areas where improvements can lead to lower energy costs, better system performance, and increased sustainability.

These audits often uncover issues that, if addressed, can significantly improve a facility’s energy efficiency.

1. Outdated or Inefficient Lighting (Upgrade for Free)

One of the first issues an energy audit uncovers is inefficient lighting, which leads to excessive energy use and higher maintenance costs.

Many businesses still rely on fluorescent, metal halide, or incandescent fixtures, which burn out quickly and require frequent replacements. Upgrading to LED lighting solutions can dramatically reduce energy consumption, improve light quality, and lower operational costs.

Energy as a service companies like FES offer businesses the ability to upgrade their lighting at no upfront cost, providing LED lighting retrofits that improve efficiency while eliminating the financial burden of replacing outdated fixtures.

Contact FES to see if you qualify for a free LED lighting upgrade and start saving immediately.

2. HVAC Inefficiencies and High Energy Consumption

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are major contributors to energy waste in commercial buildings. Energy audits often find outdated equipment, poor maintenance, and inefficient system controls that result in excessive energy use and high utility bills.

Optimizing HVAC scheduling, upgrading to energy-efficient models, and improving system controls can lead to substantial savings.

3. Poor Insulation and Air Leakage

A building envelope that lacks proper insulation or has air leaks can cause major energy loss. Windows, doors, and roofing are often identified as problem areas where heat escapes in the winter and enters in the summer, forcing HVAC systems to work harder.

An energy audit pinpoints these weaknesses and recommends cost-effective sealing and insulation solutions to improve climate control and reduce energy waste.

4. Equipment Operating Outside Peak Efficiency

Many businesses use industrial equipment, motors, and refrigeration units that do not run optimally. Energy audits often reveal unnecessary power draw from outdated machinery, poor maintenance schedules, or equipment running when not needed.

Businesses can reduce energy consumption and extend equipment lifespan by optimizing system operations or upgrading to more efficient models.

5. High Standby Power and Phantom Loads

A surprising amount of energy waste comes from devices left plugged in or on standby mode when not in use. Audits often show that computers, printers, vending machines, and other electronics continue to draw power even when turned off.

Installing smart power management systems or using advanced building automation can significantly reduce unnecessary energy usage.

6. Inefficient Water Heating Systems

Water heating systems in commercial buildings, such as boilers and storage tanks, are often identified as energy drains. Older systems consume far more energy than necessary, while poor insulation or incorrect temperature settings lead to further inefficiencies.

Upgrading to energy-efficient water heating systems and implementing demand-based controls can lower operating costs.

7. Misaligned Energy Management Strategies

Many businesses lack an energy management plan, leading to unnecessary energy expenses. An energy audit provides actionable data to help businesses develop efficiency strategies, optimize scheduling, and integrate renewable energy solutions where possible. 

By identifying these common problems, a commercial energy audit provides businesses with a clear roadmap for reducing energy waste, improving building performance, and lowering operating costs. Many of these issues can be addressed with cost-effective solutions that pay for themselves through energy savings.

Has your commercial energy audit uncovered a lighting issue?

A commercial energy audit often reveals that outdated or inefficient lighting is one of the biggest contributors to high energy costs. Many businesses still rely on older lighting technologies like fluorescent, metal halide, or incandescent fixtures, which consume excessive electricity and require frequent replacements.

Poor lighting layouts, over-illumination, and lack of modern lighting controls can also contribute to unnecessary energy waste.

For business owners wondering how to make a commercial building more energy efficient, upgrading to LED lighting is one of the most impactful changes. LEDs consume significantly less electricity, last much longer, and provide better illumination for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

An audit can pinpoint inefficiencies in lighting placement, wattage use, and fixture type, offering a clear path to reducing operating costs while enhancing visibility and safety.

Incorporating smart lighting controls such as motion sensors, dimmers, and daylight harvesting further maximizes efficiency by ensuring that lights are only in use when necessary.

These upgrades cut energy waste and contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective building operation.

If your energy audit has highlighted a lighting issue, FES can help by providing a full LED lighting upgrade with no upfront cost. Our tailored solutions improve efficiency, lower energy bills, and require minimal maintenance.

Contact us today to see if your business qualifies for a free LED lighting upgrade and start saving immediately.

Key takeaways on energy audits for commercial buildings

Energy audits provide businesses with a clear overview of how their building consumes energy and where improvements can be made to lower costs and improve efficiency. By evaluating lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, and equipment, an audit offers actionable steps to reduce waste and enhance performance.

• Energy audits identify inefficiencies: Common findings include outdated lighting, excessive energy use from HVAC systems, and poor insulation, all of which contribute to high utility bills.
• Lighting upgrades offer significant savings: Replacing inefficient fixtures with LEDs and implementing smart lighting controls is one of the fastest ways to cut costs and improve efficiency.
• Audit recommendations provide a roadmap for improvement: Whether it's installing more efficient HVAC systems, sealing air leaks, or upgrading electrical systems, audits give businesses a clear plan for long-term savings.
• Custom LED solutions maximize efficiency: Tailored LED lighting systems help businesses reduce energy consumption while improving light quality and safety in commercial spaces.
• Investing in energy efficiency leads to long-term benefits: Lower operating costs, reduced maintenance, and a more sustainable business environment make energy audits a smart investment.

For businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency, an energy audit is the first step toward identifying cost-effective solutions. Our custom LED solutions can help your business reduce energy costs with no upfront investment.

Don’t let outdated lighting drain your budget—switch to LEDs with no upfront costs. Contact our team to see how much you can save.