The thermometer shows no sign of going down! This past September, many European countries recorded temperatures up to 3/4°C above seasonal normals, and the heatwave has no intention of stopping there, at least until the beginning of October.
In France, the weather was no exception. According to the experts at Météo-France, September was set to end with an average temperature of 21.5°C, i.e. “between 3.5 and 3.6°C” above the 1991-2020 reference period.
However, beyond the discomfort caused by the sweltering heat, there’s a less visible but just as burning aspect: the financial impact. At Eficia, we’ve carried out an in-depth investigation by analyzing the energy consumption data of our 3,000 managed buildings, and the direct consequences of these scorching temperatures are obvious.
Rising temperatures and the heatwave
In this long-awaited autumn, the thermometer broke all records. Abnormally high temperatures in September took many Europeans by surprise, leaving the population prey to high heat waves. The climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, jeopardizing our seasonal habits.
Météo-France climatologist Jean Dupont points out that these excessive temperatures are no mere climatic accident. They are the tangible manifestation of climate change, which is accelerating at an alarming rate. Heatwaves are no longer an exceptional phenomenon, but a reality to which we must become accustomed. In fact, according to the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, the last five years have been the hottest since 1850.
The impact on energy consumption
The problem doesn’t stop at thermal discomfort. The impact of the heatwave is also being felt on our energy bills. Eficia, a specialist in energy management, has sounded the alarm by analyzing energy consumption data for thousands of buildings in France.
The figures are significant: Eficia has analyzed the energy consumption data of over 3,000 managed buildings, and the direct consequences of these scorching temperatures are obvious. On average, the overloading of air-conditioning systems led to a 10% increase in energy consumption compared with September 2022.
The financial cost of climate change
The financial impact of climate change should not be underestimated. For businesses, it means higher operating costs, jeopardizing the profitability of many companies. Energy costs are soaring, squeezing profit margins and complicating budget management.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Companies and individuals can take action. Rethinking energy efficiency, investing in more energy-efficient technologies and adopting eco-responsible practices are all solutions that can help mitigate the financial impact of climate change.
What’s more, efficient energy management will not only reduce operating costs for professionals, but also enable them to meet the expectations of the BACS and Tertiary Decrees more quickly. For example, an energy management solution can generate average energy savings of 20% on a building stock of supermarkets, by avoiding waste on HVAC and lighting equipment.
Today, only 6% of commercial buildings over 1,000m2 are equipped with BMS. This leaves enormous room for improvement in France, as well as huge potential for energy savings on a national scale. What are we waiting for?
Eficia, your partner for an efficient and responsible energy transition
At Eficia, we’re more determined than ever to support you in your transition to a more efficient and responsible use of energy.
Our innovative energy management solutions will enable you to meet your energy challenges by reducing your operating costs and carbon footprint, facilitating the maintenance of your facilities and improving the comfort of your occupants.
