Want to save money on your business energy bills? Dr Paul Swift is an energy consultant at the Carbon Trust who has helped businesses around the world reduce their energy waste. His energy savings checklist provides simple, achievable steps for businesses that want to get their gas and electricity bills under control, whatever their size or budget. These 6 simple steps will help you cut energy waste.
Speak to your energy supplier about getting a smart meter. When communicating correctly, smart meters automatically send consumption readings to your supplier, helping to improve billing accuracy and monitor energy usage. However, smart meters do not guarantee accurate bills, so it's still important to check your invoices and meter readings. Compare your consumption against relevant sector benchmarks (e.g. the Better Buildings Partnership for offices) to identify potential savings.
Note the wattage of all equipment. A smart meter combined with plug-in watt meters (measuring energy use of individual appliances) will help you work out which equipment is causing peaks in consumption, so you can take action to cut costs.
Can you switch-on your high wattage items later or turn-off earlier? Ensure air conditioning and heating are set to the right times for your business hours. Get some plug-in timers; they’ll pay for themselves and are an easy way to make sure everything gets turned off at the right time.
Before shelling out, ask yourself: How long will I be in this property? How long am I prepared to wait till this kit has paid for itself? Prioritise the things you use a lot, like fridges and lights. When comparing new equipment, check its energy efficiency rating and estimated running costs. Many appliances now use the rescaled A–G energy label, with A being the most efficient, although labelling varies by product category. For commercial equipment, you can also consult the government's Energy Technology List to identify independently verified energy-efficient products.
Grants, loans and other financial support may be available to businesses investing in energy efficiency, depending on their location, size and the improvements being considered. Check the government's Find a Grant service or Business Finance and Support directory for current opportunities. Your local council may also offer funding or advice.
Reward good behaviour. Find an incentive for staff – it doesn’t have to be financial. Focus on the changes that will save the most money. Worry less about smaller things (like phone chargers). Don’t be scared of tackling issues e.g. workplace temperature. Make staff feel part of something good but try not to preach. Posters and emails should be light-hearted.
Check your property for drafts. Borrow an infrared camera, if possible, so you can see where heat loss is occurring. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Loft roll for attics, and insulating board for holes. Cheap tweaks like foam strips on doors/windows, and brush fixings in letterboxes can stop energy pouring through the cracks. Foam strips need to be replaced every so often.
