The C.L.E.A.R. Method: A Proven Way to Reduce Energy Costs — Sustainably
I’m writing this week’s edition in shorts and shades – feeling pretty relaxed! The UK is experiencing a mini heatwave (dare I say it), and the energy market seems to be soaking up the sun too — looking a little more chilled out than usual.
I’ve just wrapped up my inaugural webinar (I’ll be running one on the 30th of each month), and my goal is simple: to share as much useful knowledge as I can with my network. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it boldly now — everyone is paying more than they need to. Even in organisations that have undergone multi-million-pound refits, I regularly see decisions being made that increase energy consumption. Sure, the end result might look impressive — but at what cost?
Why is this happening?
Because people don’t fully understand energy use and the real cost implications. And that’s okay — it’s a complex area. But it’s why I’m determined to keep sharing what I know. A little insight at the right moment might make you or your stakeholders pause before signing off on a 35-watt LED… when the same result could be achieved with half the wattage.
And why does this matter?
Because in this climate, no one has money to burn. (If you do — fantastic! Send over my party invite, please!)
But seriously — I’ve led large organisations and carried the responsibility of thousands of employees. I know firsthand that when financial pressure hits, staff are often the first to feel it. And that’s no surprise: alongside utilities, staffing is one of the biggest cost lines.
So if I can help you sweat those cost lines harder — with solutions that improve your KPIs and reduce risk — that’s a far better outcome than seeing good people suffer due to avoidable waste.
I’ve had to make difficult decisions, including disposing of businesses. In large organisations, that can sometimes be absorbed — people can be redeployed. But for smaller organisations, that luxury doesn’t exist. The right decisions today really can make the difference tomorrow.
The C.L.E.A.R. Method
As regular readers will know, I always let the data lead every project. If the numbers don’t stack up, I won’t start — because what’s the point?
That’s why I’ve developed a model that works. It’s proven, practical, and built from real results across schools, hospices, hotels, churches, and care organisations.
C.L.E.A.R. stands for:
C – Collect real data
L – Locate inefficiencies
E – Establish a goal
A – Act with a phased plan
R – Review and improve
Let’s break it down:
C – Collect real data
Start by gathering the facts:
Energy bills
Usage patterns
Supply contracts
Site information
Why it works:
You can’t control what you can’t measure. With real numbers, you can spot trends, billing errors, and opportunities — and base your decisions on facts, not assumptions.
L – Locate inefficiencies
Once the data’s in, investigate:
Walk the site
Look for obvious waste
Check timers, settings, and controls
Talk to staff
Why it works:
This often reveals quick wins you can fix straight away — without big investments. It’s the fastest way to start saving.
I’ve even created a free energy audit tool to help you scoop up these “low-hanging fruit” — download it here.
E – Establish a goal
Set a specific, measurable target — not just a vague “go green” aim. Examples might be:
Cut energy use by 30% over three years
Shift 50% of power to renewables
Reduce gas reliance across five sites
Why it works:
Clarity drives action. With a clear goal, your team can get behind it and make it happen.
Make sure the goal is achievable, with a realistic plan behind it. Anyone can make a wish list — we’re after results.
A – Act with a phased plan
Don’t try to do everything at once. Prioritise:
Quick wins: Adjustments, behaviours, smart scheduling
Mid-level changes: LEDs, insulation, control systems
Long-term investments: Solar, heat pumps, EV infrastructure
Why it works:
It keeps things practical. Focus your effort (and budget) where it makes the biggest impact first.
Yes, sustainability matters — but it has to make commercial sense. You can’t go green if you go bust.
R – Review and improve
The final — and most important — step. Keep tracking and adapting:
Monitor usage monthly
Compare performance to your goals
Adjust your plan as you go
Why it works:
Because not every solution works perfectly the first time. This is your Kaizen moment — continuous, incremental improvement. If you stop tracking, you drift. If you review and refine, you succeed.
Why the C.L.E.A.R. Method Works
Because it’s not theory — it’s tested, used, and trusted. For example:
A hospice saved over 35k in a single year
A school trust optimised procurement across 30+ sites
A care organisation has a phased renewable plan, reducing forward risk from volatile markets
The C.L.E.A.R. Method provides structure, clarity, and confidence — for both operational teams and leadership. It’s built to support these organisations, and others like them, in achieving their goals over the next 5, 10, even 15 years.
How to Get Started
Here’s what you can do now:
Pull your energy data — latest bill, contracts, and site info
Walk your site — look for obvious inefficiencies (use my audit)
Set a realistic goal
Build a roadmap — quick wins first
Review monthly — track your results and adapt
Need help with any of this? Come and join my monthly Webinar or drop me a message [email protected]
Final Thought
You don’t need more jargon or complexity. What you need is a clear, evidence-based strategy that delivers real results.
That’s exactly what the C.L.E.A.R. Method provides — structure, insight, and practical action that supports your financial goals while helping to protect the future.
The model is designed for the long term. Consistent change doesn’t happen overnight — and it certainly doesn’t happen just because someone handed you an audit or switched your energy supplier.
Until next week, just remember this:
“Success is a system, not a secret. Build it, own it—and never wait for permission to improve it.” www.vitalisenergy.uk
Ready to Start?
• Download your free energy audit tool
• Register for the May webinar
• Or just email me: [email protected]
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have a clear savings strategy.
