Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword. With sustainability increasingly becoming a priority for governments and consumers alike, it’s now a necessary part of the way businesses operate.
As a small business, you’ve got tighter budgets and fewer resources available to dedicate to this priority, which can make it challenging to make a real difference. However, being more energy-efficient doesn’t have to mean hefty upfront costs or a complete overhaul of your business. Small adjustments can have a significant impact on reducing your energy bills and lowering your carbon footprint.
Conduct an Energy Audit
To understand how to reduce your energy consumption, you must first clarify how much you’re using and on what. Performing an energy audit gives you a detailed picture and highlights areas where you could save. You could hire a professional to conduct the audit or use free online tools to assess your business’s energy usage.
Look at your heating and cooling, lighting and office equipment or machinery across all areas of your business. Remember to factor in transport if applicable.
Optimise Heating Systems
Heating can be one of the largest expenses in a small business, particularly in the winter months. Ensuring your heating system is working efficiently is an easy win. Consider installing a new boiler that uses less energy to fire up and updating your radiators to newer models, which heat up faster and distribute warmth more effectively. At the very least, get your boiler serviced and bleed all your radiators.
Ensure radiators are kept free of dust or obstructions so they can heat your space properly. You should also consider lowering your thermostat slightly and setting up timers to adjust the heating when your office is unoccupied.
Adjust Your Lighting
Lighting accounts for a substantial portion of your energy bills. If your business still uses incandescent bulbs, it’s time to make the switch to LED bulbs. They use up to 85% less energy and last much longer. You can also install motion sensors in less frequently used areas, such as bathrooms or corridors, so lights automatically turn off when no one is around, saving energy.
Another quick fix is to take advantage of natural light. Open your blinds or arrange workspaces near windows to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting during the day. These small changes can help cut down your energy use without sacrificing productivity or comfort.
Utilise Schemes and Incentives
It’s worth conducting some research, as you may be eligible for grants and subsidies, or tax relief, aimed at encouraging businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices. The UK government has committed nearly £5 billion to support businesses in their journey to net zero.
You can use the Find a Scheme service to see what options are available for you, such as funding for upgrading heating systems or installing solar panels.
Make Small Changes
Simple behavioural changes can reduce energy consumption across your business significantly. Upgrade outdated appliances with the newer, more efficient models, where possible.
Set up and connect devices to a smart system to enable precise control even at a distance. Encourage staff to turn off equipment when not in use and set up a plan to regularly maintain/update your equipment in order to optimise performance. Switching to paperless processes and minimising packaging as far as possible will help to reduce your overall company waste.
