Warehouse energy costs depend on the building, operating pattern and tariff. Before leasing, request heating and electricity consumption data, preferably for a full year. Find out what temperature was maintained and how the space was used during that period.
How to compare offers
Compare the same area and operating pattern. Review heating consumption alongside temperature, door opening frequency and the heating season. Separate lighting and building systems from your equipment’s electricity use. Check whether charges follow an individual meter or are shared among tenants.
Worked example for a 1,000 m² warehouse
These are comparison assumptions, not readings from particular buildings or a current tariff quotation.
Option A: rent of €3.00/m² per month, or €36,000 a year. Heating: 150 kWh/m² a year × 1,000 m² × €0.11/kWh = €16,500. Electricity: 80 kWh/m² a year × 1,000 m² × €0.15/kWh = €12,000. Rent and energy together: €64,500 a year.
Option B: rent of €5.30/m² per month, or €63,600 a year. Heating: 40 kWh/m² a year × 1,000 m² × €0.11/kWh = €4,400. Electricity: 50 kWh/m² a year × 1,000 m² × €0.15/kWh = €7,500. Rent and energy together: €75,500 a year.
In this example, Option B spends €16,600 less on energy, but rent and energy together cost €11,000 more a year. Both options still need service charges and other contractual costs added for a full budget.
Equipment and certificates
Check LED lighting, heating controls and insulation in the actual building. A certificate is useful documentation, but it does not replace consumption data and a calculation for your operation. For planned improvements, establish the work schedule and who pays.
Solar panels
If the park has solar panels, ask whether the electricity is available to your unit, at what tariff and how it is metered. If panels are only planned, request a specific technical and financial proposal.