As energy prices rise and climate concerns grow, businesses have a golden opportunity to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
Here’s a guide to saving money and energy across your workplace – starting with small changes and moving to bigger investments.
Quick Wins: Changes You Can Make Today
Heating and Cooling
- Lower the thermostat: Reducing the temperature by just 2°C can cut heating bills by 14%.
- Avoid extremes: Don’t set thermostats high to warm rooms faster – it doesn’t work.
- Seal up: Close unused doors, seal draughts, and insulate pipework.
- Efficient cooling: Set air conditioning to 19°C for server rooms, turn off in unused areas, and avoid running AC alongside open windows.
Lighting
- Natural light: Maximize daylight and clean windows and light fixtures for better illumination.
- Adjust controls: Ensure sensors and timers are set correctly to minimize unnecessary use.
Office Equipment
- Power down: Switch off screens, computers, and infrequently used equipment when not needed.
- Optimize appliances: Fully load dishwashers and boil only the water you need.
Production Equipment
- Motor efficiency: Turning a motor off for just one hour a day can save thousands annually. Reduce speeds where possible.
- Compressed air: Regularly check for air leaks, which can cost £2–£7 per day, and ensure compressors are off when idle.
- Refrigeration: Keep seals tight, doors closed, and avoid overfilling units to cut energy use by up to 20%.
Smart Investments for Bigger Savings
Heating and Cooling Upgrades
- Add fans or suspended ceilings to circulate warm air effectively in high-ceiling spaces.
- Upgrade thermostats to smart, programmable models for precise control.
Lighting Enhancements
- Install LED lighting or T5 fittings, which are more efficient and longer-lasting.
- Use daylight and movement sensors to reduce unnecessary lighting.
Office and Production Equipment
- Invest in timers and energy-efficient appliances.
- Upgrade motors to high-efficiency models and consider variable-speed drives to optimize performance.
Refrigeration Systems
- Consider heat reuse systems or relocating units to improve efficiency.
- Use strip curtains and covers for unused refrigeration spaces.
Engaging Your Workforce
Your employees are key to long-term success in energy efficiency.
- Identify champions: Appoint team members to lead energy-saving efforts.
- Communicate effectively: Use reports, signage, and training to keep energy awareness top-of-mind.
- Motivate with incentives: Offer recognition or rewards for innovative energy-saving ideas.
Struggling to engage your workforce? Start by engaging them with an introductory environmental training programme such as Carbon Literacy.
Explore Financial Support
Switching to energy-efficient operations doesn’t have to be financially daunting.
- Talk to suppliers: Shop around or use energy brokers to secure better rates.
- Bank loans: Look into energy efficiency loans or funding from the British Business Bank.
- Tax benefits: Leverage the 130% tax break on renewable energy investments.
- Government grants: Speak to you local authority about whether there are any grant based programmes available in your area.
Develop Your Energy Action Plan
By making thoughtful changes, your business can save thousands annually and significantly reduce its environmental impact. It’s best to start small and build your way up. Here’s how:
- Identify your workplace’s biggest energy costs.
- Choose quick, low-cost changes to implement immediately.
- Make small investments in efficiency upgrades.
- Set a long-term goal for transforming your energy use.
If you need some extra guidance in order to get started, our consultants can undertake an energy efficiency audit and develop an energy action plan alongside your team.
Contact us today for a no obligation conversation.
