Energy saving strategies for your business
Research shows small or medium size enterprises (SMEs) could make energy savings of up to 30% by making changes to their business.
Try implementing these actionable steps to reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs.
Carry out an energy audit
Begin by assessing your business’ energy usage through an audit. This will help you to identify areas of high consumption and highlight opportunities for cost-effective improvements.
Check your equipment usage
Power saving
Encourage employees to turn off computer monitors and other equipment when it’s not in use. Make sure that power-saving modes are activated on all devices and IT equipment is shut down at the end of the day.
Efficient heating
Avoid using extra electric heaters when it’s cold as these are one of the most expensive ways to keep rooms warm. Instead, maintain and improve existing heating systems.
Embrace flexible working
Consider remote working options where possible. With fewer staff on your site, you can reduce energy costs on lighting, heating and cooling because you may be using fewer rooms.
Create a green team
Appoint a sustainability champion or create a green team to lead energy efficiency initiatives. This group can promote best practices and share tips.
Collaborate with the building’s owner
If you rent your business premises, speak with the building owner to explore energy saving measures.
Green leases
Negotiate agreements that outline a shared responsibility for improving the building’s environmental performance.
Regular monitoring
Take regular meter readings and review smart meter data to track energy consumption patterns and identify areas for improvements.
Check your heating controls
Make sure that your heating system is programmed to operate only when necessary and in areas of your building that are being used. Regularly check in with employees to discuss the thermostat settings for comfort and efficiency too.
Upgrade lighting systems
Install energy efficient light solutions such as LED bulbs. These can offer immediate savings of up to 75%.
You could also include controls like motion and daylight sensors to make sure lights are used only when needed.
Get support with energy efficiency
There are various support schemes to help small and medium businesses to improve their energy efficiency.
England
The UK Government’s SME guide to energy efficiency provides low-cost measures and steps to saving energy and money on bills.
If you have a fossil fuel heating system, then the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may be able to offer you a grant to cover part of the replacement cost.
Wales
Utilise services from Business Wales and consider the Green Business Loan Scheme for consultancy and financing options.
Another option is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which provides grants to cover part of the cost of heat pumps or biomass boilers.
Scotland
Explore impartial advice and zero-interest loans from Business Energy Scotland.
Northern Ireland
Discover InvestNI to get advice, energy assessments and financial support to save you money and cut your emissions.
Interested in making your business more sustainable?
Zellar have a tool to help you reduce your impact and tell your sustainability story.
Find out how Zellar can support your business.
Energy Saving Trust
Find more on reducing your business’ carbon footprint on the Energy Saving Trust’s carbon accounting guide for businesses article.