Business energy efficiency: how to save energy at your business

Shopping around for a better deal on business energy is a great way to lower your bills. But there are ways to cut costs even further – improving the energy efficiency of your business. 

Going green will also help the environment and might even improve the image of your business. What’s not to like? 

What does it mean to be more energy efficient? 

Energy efficiency involves using less energy to perform the same tasks. This can help your business save money in the long run.  

Whether you run a shop, restaurant, office, warehouse, manufacturing facility, or anything in between, making your business more energy-efficient helps cut energy usage. This can lower your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact. 

As well as saving on business energy bills, improving energy efficiency can boost your reputation and attract customers who value sustainability too.  

So, how can you go about improving business energy efficiency? Let's take a look at some simple, yet effective, strategies. 

How to identify where business energy savings can be made 

To work out where to save energy, you should start by evaluating how your business uses gas and electricity. This means taking a walk through your premises and focusing on key areas such as: 

• Lighting 
• Heating and cooling 
• Office equipment 
• Factory and warehouse equipment (if applicable) 

During this energy audit, you need to identify areas where energy is being wasted or could be used more efficiently. This can include inefficient lighting, faulty heating systems, or equipment that's running when it's not needed. 

If you have a smart meter, one of the best ways to pinpoint energy waste is by looking at its data. This will give you a clear understanding of your peak usage times and identify patterns of energy consumption throughout the day. 

Here are some actions you can take: 

• Conduct multiple walk-rounds at different times of day: Try observing energy usage during different periods, such as when the cleaners are on duty, during lunch breaks, or after hours. Doing so will give you a clearer picture of when energy is being used unnecessarily. 
• Involve key staff members: Getting employees involved in the process can help increase awareness and make them feel more accountable for energy-saving practices. 
• Use data to set priorities: Once you've identified potential savings, rank them according to their impact and ease of implementation. For example, reducing heating costs by fixing draughts could be a quick win, while switching to LED lighting might take longer but provide larger savings. 

How to make your business more energy-efficient 

Once you've identified areas for improvement, you can take several steps to make your business more energy-efficient and reduce overall consumption. Here are some practical measures to get started: 

• Get your staff involved: Educating staff about energy-saving habits is key. Encourage simple actions, such as turning off lights when not in use, unplugging equipment when it's not needed, and using energy-efficient office equipment. These small changes can add up over time. 
• Shut down equipment properly: Don't leave computers, monitors, or other office equipment on standby overnight or over the weekend. Equipment on standby uses around 70% of the energy it would use if fully powered on. Encourage employees to power off equipment when it's not in use. 
• Maintain comfortable temperatures: The ideal office temperature is between 16°C and 19°C. You can further optimise energy use by setting heating and cooling systems on timers so that they only operate when needed. Don't forget to turn off the heating over weekends and holidays if your business doesn't operate during those times. 
• Get regular boiler services: Boilers and heating systems should be serviced annually to ensure they are operating efficiently. This helps avoid unnecessary energy consumption and the risk of breakdowns, which could lead to costly repairs. 

Reduce heat loss and save on business energy 

Space heating is one of the largest energy costs for businesses. In fact, heating typically accounts for nearly half of a business's total energy consumption. By reducing heat loss, you can significantly cut your energy bills. Here are some ways to reduce heat loss in your premises: 

• Seal draughts: Identify areas where air is leaking, such as gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Draught-proofing can help keep warm air inside during the colder months. 
• Insulate your property: Insulating your building's walls, roof, and floors can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduce the need for excessive heating. 
• Maintain heating systems: Regular maintenance of your heating systems ensures they're operating at peak efficiency. This includes checking the radiators, servicing boilers, and inspecting air conditioning units. 

Use heating controls and save energy for businesses 

Heating your business space efficiently can have a big impact on your energy costs. By using heating controls effectively, you can avoid wasting energy on unnecessary heating. Here are some tips to help you use heating controls wisely: 

• Set heating and cooling systems according to the season: Ensure that you adjust your heating and cooling settings for seasonal changes. For example, in the winter months, set your office temperature to 19°C, and in summer, adjust it to 24°C or higher to avoid overcooling. 
• Use timers and thermostats: Installing programmable thermostats allows you to control when your heating is switched on or off. You can also use timers to ensure heating and air conditioning only run when needed. 
• Check air conditioning settings: Air conditioning can be one of the highest energy consumers in commercial spaces. Ensure that it is turned off in meeting rooms or storage areas when not in use. Also, ensure that air conditioning in server rooms is set to the manufacturer's recommended settings. 

Install lighting sensors and reduce unnecessary lighting costs 

Businesses often waste energy by leaving lights on in areas that don't need constant illumination, such as corridors, storage rooms, or bathrooms. Installing lighting sensors or motion detectors can automatically switch lights off when a room is unoccupied, ensuring energy isn't wasted. 

Another simple tip is to encourage staff to switch off lights before leaving a room or area. This can help reduce lighting costs in your business. 

Replace lighting with LED bulbs 

Switching to LED bulbs is one of the most effective and affordable ways to reduce electricity consumption. LED lighting uses less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, lasts longer, and produces less heat, making it a great option for businesses looking to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint. 

Switching suppliers can also help you secure better commercial energy deals that offer tailored pricing plans, helping you optimize your energy consumption and costs. 

Renewable energy technology for businesses 

Incorporating renewable energy sources into your business operations is another way to reduce energy costs while contributing to a greener environment. Consider implementing the following renewable energy solutions: 

• Solar panels: Investing in solar power can provide a long-term solution to reducing energy bills. Although there’s an initial outlay to buy and fit solar panels, the energy produced is free and renewable, and once installed, it requires minimal maintenance. Many businesses also qualify for tax incentives and grants to help with the installation cost. You might even be able to make money back through the Smart Export Guarantee. 
• Air source heat pumps (ASHPs): These systems use the heat from the air outside to provide heating and hot water for your business. They are ideal for off-grid businesses or buildings with low energy efficiency ratings. 
• Ground source heat pumps: These systems absorb heat from the ground to provide energy-efficient heating for larger buildings. They’re particularly useful for businesses located in rural areas. 
• Biomass boilers: Biomass systems use renewable organic materials like wood pellets to generate heat for your business. These systems can be a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution. 

By investing in energy-efficient technologies and adopting sustainable energy practices, you can make significant strides toward improving your business’s energy performance and lowering your energy costs.  

For more information, check out our guides on microgeneration and renewable energy for business. 

Compare commercial energy deals for better business energy savings 

By focusing on business energy efficiency, implementing energy-saving practices, and comparing commercial energy deals, you can significantly reduce your energy costs and improve your bottom line.  

Don't forget that small changes—like switching to LED lighting, managing heating systems, and upgrading office equipment—can all add up over time. With the right strategies and tools, your business can achieve substantial commercial energy savings and help contribute to a greener future. 

In addition to implementing energy-saving measures, one of the best ways to reduce your business energy costs is to shop around for the best energy deals.  

A commercial energy comparison service can help you identify the best rates from multiple suppliers, ensuring you’re not paying more than necessary. By comparing quotes from a range of business energy suppliers, you can find deals that match your usage patterns and budget, potentially saving your business hundreds of pounds each year. 

To get started, chat to an energy expert who can help you compare business energy deals and find the best rates available. Consider investing in renewable energy and smart meters for business to track energy consumption more accurately and make further improvements. 

To compare energy for businesses or explore energy-saving solutions, call our energy experts today on 0800 140 4667 and see how much you can save.