Switching to heat pumps solar or wind power require longer term planning and investment. however, here are some tips and ideas which could help you cut energy costs in the short term.

Stay on top of building and equipment maintenance

Ensuring regular maintenance and servicing of equipment can extend its lifespan as well as improving efficiency, saving you money in the long term. It’s also important for business continuity. Have you thought about how you would manage if something broke down?

This goes for large machinery through to the fridge in the staff area.  Even keeping the coils behind the fridge dust-free can make cooling more energy-efficient and save money on your electricity bill.

Keep a log of servicing dates and, when the time comes to invest in new equipment, make sure you choose wisely, as energy-efficient purchases will save you money in the long run.

2. Check the Energy Technology List before making a purchase

The Energy Technology List provides details of energy-saving products – from lighting to refrigeration equipment – for businesses and the public sector.

The list is updated monthly by the government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and currently has over 10,000 products which could save money for your business.

See the Energy Technology List.

3. laptops over desktops

With more people working from home, many businesses have invested in laptops instead of desktop computers. As well as giving staff flexibility, using laptops can help reduce your business’s energy consumption: the annual cost of running a laptop for eight hours per day can be more than £200 less than the equivalent cost for a desktop.

If you do have desktop computers, make sure they’re switched off when not in use – leaving them on overnight could be costing you about £35 a year for every machine.  

4. Make your lighting more efficient

Replace fluorescent lighting with LED lighting should provide big savings.

BEIS calculates that a 100 metre square shop which replaces its lighting with 25 18 watt LEDs could save £440 a year (see more on this example here).

You may want to consider installing motion sensors or timers, to make sure lights are only on when they’re needed, or simply by asking people to make sure they turn out the lights when they leave a room and at the end of the day.

5. Regulate the temperature

Legally, you’re required to provide your employees with a workplace that’s a ‘reasonable’ temperature (usually a minimum of 16c), which can mean turning the heating up in winter or using fans or air conditioning during the summer.

These are a few ways you can reduce your heating and cooling costs:

Set the thermostat to keep the temperature within an acceptable range

  • Position desks nearby to heaters or radiators
  • Move anything placed in front of radiators, like cabinets
  • Check draught-proofing to see if windows and doors letting heat out
  • Turn radiators off in unused areas
  • Closing windows when the air conditioning is on

If you would like to have a chat about the challenges your business sis facing to see what support could be available for your business get in touch with the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub, One of our team of Business Navigators will be happy to speak with you.