How To Make Your Business More Energy Efficient

Businesses often overlook the importance of their energy usage – paying their bills without much consideration. However, with the steady increase in energy costs over recent years, now is the perfect time to consider strategies for reducing business energy expenses.

One of the most effective approaches is maximising energy efficiency and minimising energy consumption. Not exploring energy-efficient options could mean your business missing out on valuable opportunities to save money.

Thankfully, there are several quick and affordable methods to make your business more energy efficient.

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11 Energy-Efficient Business Strategies

1. Conduct an energy audit

To start reducing your energy costs, you first need to know where you’re losing money. An energy audit will help pinpoint the areas where you consume the most energy and identify potential energy and cost wastage.

Energy audits usually take around 4-6 hours, depending on your building’s size. You have the option to either conduct one yourself or have your energy supplier do it for you – many of which offer free audits as part of their services.

2. Switch business electricity suppliers

Did you know that switching to a new energy supplier can be done in just a few weeks with minimal hassle? It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce business electricity and gas costs.

Surprisingly, around 1.3 million businesses might be missing out on a better business electricity deal by sticking with their current supplier.

If you’re currently bound by a business energy contract, you’ll typically have to wait until the contract’s end and provide notice. On the other hand, if you’re not tied to a contract, such as being on a deemed or default tariff, you have the flexibility to switch whenever you prefer.

For this reason, it’s worth comparing different suppliers to find the right one for your business. Business Energy Comparison helps with exactly that. Our business energy brokers and consultants help you compare competitive business electricity rates, keeping in mind suppliers that offer additional perks and services.

3. Use energy-efficient office equipment

It’s no surprise that office equipment is one of the main contributors to electricity usage in the business world. Computers, photocopiers, and printers are essential for most businesses, but there are ways to reduce their energy consumption.

Opting for office equipment with high energy ratings can significantly reduce business electricity bills, as higher ratings indicate better efficiency and lower energy consumption.

Although more energy-efficient appliances may come with a slightly higher price stage, the energy savings they provide will result in a faster return on investment.

4. Invest in high-quality insulation

Well-insulated buildings retain more warmth during winter and prevent cool air from escaping during summer. Even though you might not think much of a cool breeze in your office, it’s essential energy (and money) being wasted.

Your office works harder to keep the air warm or cool when you have poorly sealed windows or doors. The solution? Investing in high-quality insulation.

Proper insulation minimises the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in your workplace. One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways is weatherstripping; it’s easy to apply and can reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 30%.

Even simple actions like ensuring windows and doors are closed when the heating or cooling is active can make a noticeable difference.

5. Consider installing solar panels

An increasing number of businesses are embracing renewable energy by adopting solar panels. By generating your own electricity supply, you not only lower the operational costs of running essential equipment but also contribute to reducing reliance on unsustainable energy production.

Although there is an initial investment with this energy-saving strategy, the savings are well worth it. Solar panels typically require little maintenance and can provide energy for your building for up to 25 years. Plus, the installation process causes no disruptions to your business operations.

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6. Switch to LED light bulbs

Much like office equipment and appliances, lighting is a significant contributor to your business energy prices, accounting for up to 40% of the total cost.

As a result, many businesses have already made the switch to energy-efficient LEDs. By replacing traditional incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs, you can make a significant impact on your energy bills.

LEDs consume over 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and have a much longer lifespan. With an average daily usage of 6-8 hours, LED bulbs can last up to 15 years! So, not only do they save you money on energy costs but they also reduce the expenses associated with frequently replacing bulbs.

Besides LEDs, you could also consider switching to fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to replace incandescent lamps or to T8 lamps to replace fluorescent T12 office lights.

7. Switch on what you need, turn off what you don’t

Appliances like computers consume energy even when they’re in standby mode. Leaving your laptop or desktop computer on overnight without using it results in unnecessary business electricity waste.

Similarly, devices such as printers, TV monitors, and even appliances like microwaves in your work kitchen can continue to use energy when they’re switched on but not actively used. To save money, simply turn them off at the electric socket once you’ve finished using them.

The same principle applies if your operations are based in a warehouse rather than an office. It’s important to turn off tools and equipment when they’re not in use to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

To make it even easier, consider using 7-day timers that automatically power down equipment like printers and monitors during out-of-office hours.

8. Invest in a smart meter

Smart meters are not just for residential energy customers. SMEs can also benefit from using smart meters to monitor their energy consumption and provide accurate readings to their supplier.

With a smart meter, you can ensure that you’re billed correctly for the energy you actually use.

Additionally, smart meters come with a display that shows you the amount of energy you have used during a specific period. This visual feedback serves as a helpful reminder to stay mindful of your energy usage.

To find out if you qualify for a smart meter for your business, you can reach out to your energy provider or inquire with your landlord if you rent your business premises. Many small businesses may be eligible to receive a free smart meter, although some energy providers may apply additional charges.

9. Get your employees involved

Energy saving shouldn’t be approached as a top-down initiative but rather as a collective goal for everyone to work towards.

One of the main challenges in business energy management is that you’re not the only occupant of the building. Even if you act responsibly, the impact will be limited if others aren’t educated and involved.

So, foster open communication with your employees, provide incentives, and offer rewards for their contributions. You’ll need cooperation and support in order to effectively manage your business’s energy usage.

10. Invest in greener energy

Ofgem provides a comprehensive list of schemes and grants aimed at helping businesses improve their energy efficiency without incurring excessive costs.

For instance, government assistance may be available to cover the expenses of acquiring energy-efficient office equipment. Additionally, your business electricity supplier might offer grants specifically designed to support small businesses in managing similar expenses.

It’s worth exploring the various funding options available from different sources. You may discover that adopting eco-friendly practices is easier and more cost-effective than you think.

11. Mind your water use

When it comes to managing your business utilities, don’t overlook the importance of water efficiency.

Ensure your water heater is energy-efficient by upgrading to newer models that come with integrated insulation. For older models, consider adding insulation to maximise efficiency.

Additionally, set the water temperature to the necessary level for your business operations. Avoiding unnecessary heating can help significantly in reducing your energy bill.

Get The Best Business Energy Deals With Business Energy Comparison

Don’t let rising energy prices drain your profits. Managing your business energy costs is crucial, and we’re here to make it easier than ever.

At Business Energy Comparison, we understand the challenges you face, but we also know that there are simple solutions to help you save.

Switching suppliers is one of the simplest ways to slash your energy expenses, and we’re experts in business electricity comparison, including business gas.

Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, we’ll help you compare the best business electricity tariffs from leading suppliers, securing a deal that works for your business.

Why settle for high energy costs when you can compare business electricity prices with competitive rates and start saving? Invest in a business electricity supply that doesn’t break the bank and compare with Business Energy Comparison today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any government schemes or grants available to help businesses become more energy efficient?

Yes, there are various government schemes and grants available that offer financial support for implementing energy-saving measures, adopting sustainable practices, and covering the upfront costs of energy-efficient equipment.

You can search for these schemes using the GOV.UK business finance and support finder. Additionally, check with your local council for potential energy efficiency funding or sustainable business growth grants.

What are the energy-efficient benefits of switching energy suppliers?

There are a multitude of benefits that come with switching to a new business electricity supply. For one, it allows you to compare and choose the most competitive and cost-effective option for your business. So, you can quickly find a deal that works best for your business. Additionally, you may also have access to more renewable energy options.