My accountHow to save business energy (and money)
Quick energy saving tips for SMEs
Whatever the nature of your business, reducing your energy usage will minimise your bills, increase your profits and benefit the environment.
Incredibly, one small action that takes only a second could cut your heating bills by as much as ten percent.
We’ve included this in our list of tips to help you start saving immediately:
Simple ways to help you start saving energy:
- Turn your heating down by one degree
This tiny action, which is unlikely to even be noticed, could reduce your heating bills by up to ten percent
- Set your heating to reflect weather conditions and occupancy
A surprising number of businesses are paying to heat empty rooms in their premises or unoccupied buildings at night. And how many times have you found yourself opening a window because a heated room is too hot? To save energy, make sure thermostats are working and adjusted to the weather conditions.
- Switch appliances off
Many people don’t realise that even leaving appliances on standby means they are still using electricity. If it doesn’t need to be left on, switch it off!
- Set hot water to 60°C
This is the optimum temperature for hot water. Any hotter could be dangerous as well as waste energy.
- Install a Smart Meter
The government plans for all households in England, Scotland and Wales to have a Smart Meter installed by 2020. A smart meter will give you greater control over your bills and enable you to see what the energy you use is costing. If you don’t yet have a smart meter installed, speak to your energy provider.
- Turn off lights when not in use or fit light sensors
An easy way to save energy is to switch lights off when you leave a room. Fitting light sensors or timers in low-traffic areas like storerooms and toilets is another way to ensure lights aren’t left on unnecessarily.
- Draught-proof your premises
Draught-proofing doors and windows is another cheap but extremely effective way to cut energy bills.
- Request an energy audit
Many energy suppliers offer energy audits to help your business identify where you can save energy. Contact your supplier to find out more.
- Encourage all staff to be energy aware
The Carbon Trust found that although 92 percent of employees think about saving energy at home, only 47 percent do the same at work. Engaging employees in energy saving initiatives in the workplace is crucial to making them a success. Incentives and rewards, even just some words of encouragement, can go a long way.
Switch energy provider
- Ok, so it might not save you energy but it could definitely save you money.
Contact Make It Cheaper on 0800 035 1833 to save on average £970* on your next business energy contract.
