Energy saving tips for small businesses
With winter coming, one thing is for sure…businesses will be turning up their heating and turning on the lights. And according to new research by Smart Energy GB, over 60% of small business owners are concerned about the rise in energy costs and how it will affect their ability to operate this winter. While 30% are considering temporarily closing the workplace if they can and asking staff to work from home.
So to help small businesses navigate what could be a difficult winter, we’ve worked together with the energy experts at Energy Saving Trust and Dragon’s Den star and business advocate Deborah Meaden to offer you some simple ways you can help your businesses be more energy efficient this winter.
Top five energy saving tips for small businesses
Encouragingly, 92% of decision makers in small businesses are trying to be more energy efficient in the workplace. Whether you’ve been working to make your business as energy efficient as possible for months, or are just getting started, these simple tips could help make a difference this winter:
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For some of us, saving our energy bills at home means that we make the most of our electricity at work… well that’s great for employees, but it’s a rising concern for many businesses. I’m here to shine a light on the little things that waste energy at work and show businesses that even the simplest of changes can have a big impact on their bills without them looking like Scrooge.
For many businesses, winter means spending more money on the lighting and heating of their premises, but our experts at the Energy Saving Trust say that thinking a little differently can make a big difference to your energy bills.
…Switch that off when you’re done.
So let’s start simple… you check your energy bills to make sure that you’re paying the right amount for your electricity because if you don’t know what you’re spending you don’t know how much you can save. Many smaller businesses are eligible for a smart meter, which means you get accurate bills, not estimates. Seems like a good choice to me.
Guys, guys, guys, I’ve got a really important announcement.
Engage your staff.
Everyone in your business has a part to play in helping you reduce your energy cost and engaging them from the very start brings them on board and helps you help them to make the changes they need to to reduce your energy costs. And if you bring them on board early, that way they’re going to take it more seriously.
And that is acting!
Find something to switch off.
It sounds really obvious, but every business will have something switched on that they’re simply not using so take a look around with fresh eyes, get it switched off and you can start saving straight away.
Make a plan.
Some energy saving changes are quick and simple, but others take time, planning and money so think ahead and plan what you can afford to do and when so that energy upgrades aren’t a shock to you or your budget.
Tell your customers.
One in four of us buys from businesses that care about sustainability, and if yours doesn’t, I’m out. Talk about the energy saving actions you’ve already taken and show people you really mean what you say.
Smart meters can help with this too, they are an essential part of Britain reaching it’s commitments to net zero and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels like coal and gas.
These are just some of the ways that business can prepare for winter, but for more information visit smartenergygb.org.
Guys, who turned the lights out I’m still here!
1. Check your energy bills and ensure you only pay for what your business uses
If you don’t know what you’re spending, you won’t know what you can save.
Many smaller businesses are eligible for a smart meter, which will give you accurate bills, not estimates. Installations are happening now, so to find out if your business is eligible for a smart meter, contact your energy supplier.
2. Find something you can switch off
It might seem obvious, but whatever your business, there is probably something that’s turned on, even though you’re not using it. Look around you... you could start saving straight away.
3. Engage your staff
Everyone in a business can play a role when reducing energy use. Get your staff involved in energy saving efforts from the start, rather than just telling them what to do when you’ve decided. This way they’ll be more likely to take it seriously.
4. Make a plan
Some energy saving changes are quick and easy, but others will take time, planning and money. Think ahead and work out what you can afford to do and when, so energy upgrades aren’t a shock to you or your budget.
5. Tell your customers
One in four of us are more likely to visit a business that cares about sustainability. So talk about the energy saving actions you’ve already taken and show people you mean what you say.
Smart meters can help with this too! They are an essential part of Britain’s commitment to reaching net zero, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels such as coal and gas.
How can I request a smart meter for my small business?
Many businesses are eligible to get a smart meter installed on their premise. To find out more or request a smart meter of your own, simply enter your energy supplier in the box below. If your small business works with a Third Party Intermediary (TPI) or broker, please contact them directly to request your smart meter.
Energy Saving Trust are an independent organisation working on addressing the climate emergency. They are a respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions.
Want to find out more?
- How to request a smart meter - Find out how you can get a smart meter for your small business.
- The benefits of smart meters for small businesses - We lay out all the potential benefits in getting a smart meter for your small business.
FAQs
Can my business get a smart meter?
Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, or their full time equivalent, may be eligible for a smart meter.
Can I arrange installation outside of working hours?
Energy suppliers will work with you to find a time that’s convenient for you both. Some suppliers offer installations on a Saturday or in the evening to minimise disruption to your small business; please speak to your supplier to find out what is available.