How can you make changes to your business’ energy efficiency? (Guest blog)

Becoming an energy efficient business allows you to cut costs and become environmentally friendly. While most companies understand these benefits and have steps in place to reduce their energy usage, many are still failing to take full advantage of all the opportunities that are available to help them become greener.

Use our guide to find out about some of the bolder energy saving tactics and how to implement them within your workplace, so that you can become even more energy efficient.

The most impactful changes can mean big money, but help is at hand...

Improving your energy efficiency may be costly to begin with, but it can in fact save your business a serious amount of money in the long term.

While many smaller companies may understandably not be able to afford the initial costs of updates and upgrades, it’s important to know that this hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Free and friendly advice concerning how to make your business more energy efficient is readily available from a number of companies, including the Carbon Trust, Envirowise and Project Lower.

There are also many schemes in place - such as those from the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme and the Energy Saving Trust - which can help your business to kick start its energy saving, offering support so that the process remains completely manageable and affordable.

But to be bold, you need to be brave...

It’s all well and good to think about and plan how your business can be more energy efficient. However, in order to be successful, you need to make sure that all your workplace is on board too. This is not always easy, so you may need to use bold tactics to get them interested and start seeing results.

How can you engage your employees with your energy efficiency plans?

Changing employee attitudes towards energy consumption is crucial if you want greater results.

Many businesses fall victim to high energy costs simply because of their employees’ laziness. For example, every computer or monitor left on overnight can cost a business £50 a year, so it’s important to make sure your employees are fully aware of how their actions impact on the business.

Educate your team

Inform your workers of the effect energy consumption has on your business, what you expect from them going forward and most importantly, the consequences of them failing to make adjustments.

Smaller changes can be easier to integrate first. So why not begin by making sure teams make teas and coffees in rounds, rather than individually, so the kettle is boiled as little as possible? After starting with the simplest of changes, start slowly adding in the bigger alterations.

Reward them when they improve their attitude

Staff incentives can be an effective way of engaging your workforce, as employees appreciate it when their efforts are rewarded. Once you have introduced your aims and objectives to your team, analyse the impact they have had on the energy consumed and reward those who have made a real effort. This will make sure that these staff members continue in the same direction, and that others follow.

Consider adapting your business to reduce costs

The likes of flexible hours and remote working are becoming increasingly popular amongst businesses, and the latter can help to lower your energy costs. Consider trialling remote working by allowing team members to work from home, maybe once a week or once a month, and observe its effectiveness. If your employees maintain their productivity levels and your energy consumption costs are reduced, it could be a beneficial move to make within your business.

When beginning to implement more energy saving techniques into your business, it can be difficult to engage your workforce. But as time goes on, positive changes in attitude and action can result in significant financial savings for your business, so it is always worth remaining dedicated to the cause.

Author Bio

Rachel Campbell is a content writer for Project Lower, a specialist company who can help you and your business save money on energy, by finding the best deal for you.