5 Top Energy-Saving Tips for Your Business

Inspired Energy plc is the leading utilities Third Party Intermediary (TPI) in the UK, helping businesses to optimise the value of every pound spent on utilities. Utility bills form a large part of a company’s overall costs, and as energy prices continue to rise and new legislation is introduced, it’s important to look for ways to become more efficient. Inspired Energy share their top energy-saving tips, to help bolster your business’ green credentials and save you money.

1. Create a Utility Plan
Having a clear picture of your utility consumption is the first step to efficiency. A comprehensive utility plan, which includes information on consumption and contract renewal dates, can help you pinpoint your efficiency goals, and prevent you from falling foul of default rates, which are often poor value.

We understand that time is precious for business owners and many don’t have time to focus on their utility usage. In fact, a 2018 report from Ofgem showed that 53% of businesses hadn’t engaged in the energy market during the past 12 months. Working with a credible intermediary gives you access to energy experts who understand the complexity of the utility market, so you don’t have to. We track electricity, gas and water prices on a daily basis and will search the marketplace to find the right contract to suit your business’s needs.

2. Switch on to Smart Lighting
Lighting makes up a large proportion of a building’s electricity use, so a few small changes can make a world of difference. Consider switching to energy-saving LED lights, which use up to 90% less energy than traditional lighting. Of course, in an ideal world, everyone would switch lights off when a room is not in use, but by installing motion sensors, you can make sure that unoccupied areas aren’t being lit unnecessarily.

3. Get Smart Meter Savvy
Using a smart meter gives you control over your utilities by allowing you real-time access to your usage in pounds and pence. A smart meter will take meter readings, so you don’t have to, and you’ll only be billed for the energy you use – no more estimated bills! We work with suppliers that offer free smart meters and can arrange installation for you.

4. Get Staff on Board
Getting the workforce engaged is crucial to an energy efficient workplace. It might sound simple but encouraging behavioural changes can make a big impact. Try creating promotional posters to get staff involved with energy saving measures like switching off equipment. For example, turning your printer from standby to off overnight for a year could reduce your CO2 by as much as would be produced by a driving from Cambridge to Paris and back again.

It’s also important to educate staff on the scale of the issue. Staff who are aware of the importance of sustainability and the role they can play are more likely to take a responsible approach to consumption.

5. Go Green with Renewables
Economic and legislative pressure has led to more and more businesses investing in renewable energy products, with 80% of businesses planning to generate a quarter of their electricity on site by 2025.

On-site generation brings many benefits but is not practical for all businesses. As independent industry experts, we can guide you through the process, checking what is feasible within your organisation and finding the best solution for your business.

To find out how Inspired Energy plc, the Chamber’s patron partners for energy, can help your business become more efficient, get in touch… call 01772 689 250, email partnerships@inspiredenergy.co.uk or visit inspired-referral.co.uk