Why is my gym’s electricity bill so high compared to other businesses?

Gyms often run long hours, have high ceilings, and carry heavy humidity loads from showers and workouts—forcing HVAC and ventilation to run harder than most businesses.

How much can LED lighting actually save a fitness center?

Lighting can be a major slice of a gym’s energy use. LEDs cut lighting consumption significantly and reduce heat, which can also lower air-conditioning demand.

Can I upgrade my gym’s HVAC without a huge upfront payment?

Yes—some models (like Energy-as-a-Service) fund high-efficiency HVAC replacements upfront and are paid back through measured energy savings instead of CapEx.

How do swimming pools impact energy costs?

Pools can drive energy costs due to constant filtration and heating. Variable-speed drives plus smart monitoring can reduce pump and heating energy without sacrificing comfort.

What are "Peak Demand" charges and how do gyms avoid them?

Peak demand charges are based on your highest usage spike in a billing cycle. Monitoring and load management can help smooth spikes and reduce demand-related costs.

Case Study · Casual Dining · Franchise

Building the Energy Blueprint for Fuddruckers' Unique "Eatertainment" Franchise Model

Tennessee success story proves what a smart, brand-aligned energy strategy looks like for Fuddruckers.

Budderfly partnership est.

invested in the location

$ 0

energy savings in less than a year

0 kWh

The Challenge

A high-traffic restaurant and entertainment space with high, variable energy demands.

The Fuddruckers in Pigeon Forge, TN has a full‑service restaurant, an on‑site bar, and an arcade. This multi-purpose setup places significantly higher and more variable demands on energy systems than a typical restaurant footprint.

Owner Richie Cannon faced recurring challenges that affected operational efficiency and guest comfort: shifting occupancy loads that strained older HVAC units, inconsistent dining and arcade temperature zones, high‑intensity lighting needs, and refrigeration equipment working around the clock.

1

Shifting occupancy loads
2

Variable energy demands
3

Inconsistent temperature zones

4

Energy waste
5

Limited capital

The Solution

An integrated energy system, with an implementation strategy designed for speed.

Cannon needed a partner that could modernize the facility quickly, reduce energy waste without interrupting business, and cover the significant upfront cost of the upgrades.

Recognizing the significant disruption that outdated, inefficient energy equipment was causing to the business, the Budderfly team focused on speed, prioritizing critical improvements, and establishing a model other Fuddruckers operators could follow.

Budderfly designed an integrated energy system capable of responding dynamically to fluctuating occupancy and operating demands. Within the first several months, Budderfly completed 15 energy efficiency installations:

Refrigeration enhancements

Complete LED lighting upgrade

HVAC replacement

Smart thermostat and metering

Water pressure valves

The Results

Measurable results, CapEx savings, and a successful strategy that can scale.

Budderfly’s quick installation turnaround and tailored approach delivered immediate, measurable improvements to temperature, lighting quality, and overall energy performance. Cannon received these upgrades at no upfront cost, allowing him to preserve capital for other operational needs and boost sustainability at his restaurant.

As a result of the partnership, Cannon and Fuddruckers improved the guest experience, reduced energy waste in operations, and gained a comprehensive energy strategy that will be sustained and improved throughout the 10-year contract.

Reduced Energy Usage

KwH saved in less than a year

“

Cannon's success proves that our energy-as-a-service model can meet Fuddruckers’ unique needs.

Budderfly Engineering Team

the equivalent of 36,196 miles driven by a gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.

The Future

Implementing energy-efficient management across the brand

Fuddruckers requires a partner capable of deploying capital, engineering customized solutions, and managing performance at scale. Budderfly’s energy-as-a-service model is uniquely built to deliver all three.

Budderfly's energy management meets the needs of the Fuddruckers franchise model, which allows for variation in size, layout, and amenities—and makes it scalable across the portfolio.