How to improve energy efficiency in your business
In the midst of the climate crisis, it’s important to make your business as eco-friendly as possible. As technological development becomes more advanced, the systems you’ve relied on for the past few years might not be able to future-proof your business.
But by adopting the right strategies and embracing change where necessary, you’ll be able to vouch for your commitment to being green. No matter whether you’re only just planning to set up a new business or you’ve been in your trade for decades, it’s always worth knowing the best ways to lower you carbon footprint – and your energy bills, too.
Why does energy efficiency matter for businesses?
Even though there has been a decrease of over 43% in total business sector emissions since 1990, the UK business sector still generated around 18.7% of all CO2 emissions in 2022.
Energy efficiency is more than just a talking point for your stakeholders. When your business can seriously commit to efficiency strategies that work, you can benefit from reduced operational costs, lower carbon emissions, and a company that can adapt to any demands in the future.
By incorporating efficient technologies into your business and its strategies, you can benefit from:
- Lower energy bills
- Increased monitoring of energy use
- Reduced emissions
- Enhanced operational efficiency
- Streamlined daily operations
How can I improve the efficiency of my business?
- Eliminate draughts
In an uninsulated building, a significant proportion of heat is lost through the roof and any gaps in the walls or flooring too. Losing heat is effectively wasting energy, and it also forces your heating system to work harder to replace the heat lost.
Luckily, installing your own draughtproofing measures is simple and easy – so you won’t need to call in the professionals or face a hefty repair bill. You can simply close any vulnerabilities and draughtproof the space using sealant like that from RS around windows and doors, which will significantly help to prevent heat loss.
- Install a smart meter
Smart meters make keeping track of your energy use easier than ever before. Replacing traditional meters, they provide you with a digital and often interactive screen from which to read and monitor your live energy use.
A smart meter allows you to gain an insight into your current and historical energy use, along with planning future resource allocation for extra efficiency. When you pair a smart meter with an overall smart hub for your business, you could even control your systems remotely.
- Reduce everyday consumption
Some of the devices and systems used by your team on a daily basis might be responsible for a significant portion of your overall energy use. It’s a good idea to switch on only what you need and turn off any appliances as soon as they’re no longer required.
A single monitor and computer left on all the time could cost your business tens of pounds a year, and this figure would only multiply for a larger office floor. Keep an eye on larger devices like photocopiers and printers too.
- Upgrade appliances
Switching to more energy efficient devices might feel like a huge investment upfront, but you’ll feel the benefits for years to come. For example, if your premises still relies on an inefficient system, switching to a modern combi boiler or even an air-source heat pump could reflect your green commitments.
You might be eligible for a grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help get started. If you can’t replace your heating system, try to focus on buying energy-efficient gadgets and choosing LED lightbulbs for lower running costs too.
Overview
Even if you can’t produce your own power, there are still several habits and changes you can adopt to ensure that your business becomes more efficient than ever before. With genuine eco-friendly commitments and credentials, you’ll be more likely to steer your business to future success.
