Energy costs are one of the biggest overheads for UK businesses. From powering equipment to heating workspaces, energy is essential – but if used inefficiently, it can drain cash flow and reduce profitability. 

Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average small and medium sizes business (SME) could reduce their energy bills by 18-25% by installing energy efficient measures and implementing behavioural changes. So, improving energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment, it’s smart business!  

Here are four practical ways to make your business more energy-efficient: 

Review and compare energy deals

According to Ofgem’s 2024 Small Business Energy Market Review, 52% of UK small businesses have never switched energy supplier. This means they are stuck on expensive default tariffs, possibly paying more than necessary. 

Regularly reviewing your energy contract and shopping around for competitive rates can lead to energy savings. Business energy is a competitive market, and the right contract can provide huge benefits when it comes to how much you pay and ensuring your energy supply is both efficient and sustainable. 

 As well as switching energy contracts, all business owners should be wary of rollover contracts. These contracts often come with inflated prices and limited benefits. 

Optimise equipment use 

 Office devices such as routers, computers, tablets, photocopiers, and printers are just some of the many that can contribute to your office’s energy consumption. This is even before considering the specialist equipment used in industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. 

. These everyday office devices are often referred to as ‘energy vampires’ as they quietly consume even when idle. This equipment can account for up to 30% of an office’s electricity use, according to Energy Saving Trust (2024). 

Easy fixes include: 

• Turning off devices overnight when not in use 

• Using built-in energy-saving modes 

• Encouraging paperless practices to avoid printing 

These small behavioural changes like these can lead to big, noticeable changes over time. 

Improve your building’s efficiency 

As well as making changes to your devices, you can also make small changes within your workplace to ensure that the building itself is as energy efficient as possible. Basic adjustments like the blow all help to retain heat and lower bills: 

• Setting thermostats correcting 

• Unblocking radiators 

• Closing internal doors 

• Turing off lights in disused areas 

You can take this further by investing ineffective insulation, such as cavity walls. While this can result in a significant cost in the short term, investments are typically recouped within five years. 

A Energy Audit can also be an effective way to tackle energy efficiency. Energy Audit’s help can you to identify where you can save money in the long term, and how you can work to reach your goals. 

Implement an energy strategy

It’s important to make sure that everyone within your organisation is on the same page when it comes to energy efficiency – this means implementing an energy strategy.  An energy strategy should address key areas of energy management, including the procurement of equipment, services, and property. It should also cover compliance with sustainability goals and energy regulations, company roles and responsibilities, and energy efficiency considerations for new investments. 

Do you need help executing an energy strategy? Reach out today and a member of our energy team can guide you through creating an effective energy strategy in line with your business needs.