How do I measure the energy saved by changing a cold store's temperature set point?
Change the set point only within the product's quality limit, then compare the sub-metered kWh with a period of similar load and weather, and convert the difference at 0.710 kg CO2 per kWh. Report the measured figure with dates, not a rule-of-thumb percentage.
Quality first
Frozen and chilled products have temperature limits set by food safety and buyer specifications. Any change must stay within them, with records.
Comparing fairly
- Similar ambient temperature and season.
- Similar throughput and door openings.
- The same defrost settings.
What else to check
Defrost frequency, condenser cleaning and door seals also affect use. Measure each change separately where you can.
Worked example: two comparable months (illustrative inputs)
- At -20 C (May): 42,000 kWh x 0.710 = 29,820 kg CO2
- At -18 C (June, similar load): 39,500 kWh x 0.710 = 28,045 kg CO2
- Measured difference: 1,775 kg CO2 a month
- Check product quality limits before any change
Readings are illustrative; use your sub-meter and temperature logs.
What Senseible does here
Senseible reads electricity bills (CEA grid factor 0.710 kg CO2 per kWh, CO2 Baseline Database version 21.0) and diesel, LPG and gas invoices (IPCC 2006 defaults) into a dated, fingerprinted Scope 1 and 2 record for each site. Intensity per unit uses the activity count you enter, and estimates are labelled as estimates.
Sources: GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, CEA CO2 Baseline Database, version 21.0
Last reviewed 2026-10-21.