Summer may only just be over but winter is fast approaching. With it comes the threat of low temperatures – and high energy bills. Finding ways to make business energy savings will help to cut your outgoings while still maintaining a comfortable working environment for your team.
Here we’re going to look at 7 easy (and relatively affordable) things you can do to make business energy savings this winter. But first, let’s start by looking at the benefits of energy efficiency in business.
The benefits of energy efficiency in business
There are a few very good reasons why energy efficiency should be a business priority.
It keeps costs down
The cost of living crisis is hitting individuals and businesses alike. Energy prices are coming down but you need to factor in reduced government support.
Non-domestic energy users can still access energy bill support via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme but these allowances are less generous than last year.
The upshot? Anything you can do to create a more energy efficient business now will help you to save money this winter.
You build a better environmental record
When you use less energy, you reduce your carbon footprint. This benefits the planet – but it benefits your business too.
You help to reduce the business risks associated with climate change. You enhance your reputation as a brand. Thanks to the fact that consumers are prepared to pay more when shopping with sustainable brands, you may even outpace your competition.
Compliance
The UK government wants to meet its net zero target by 2050. To do that, the way we do business needs to change.
We know that 18% of carbon emissions in the UK are produced by companies. Larger businesses already face carbon reduction regulations. And eventually, we’ll all have to play our part.
Companies that take action to improve their energy efficiency now will find it much easier to comply with future regulations.
7 ways to make business energy savings this winter
So that’s why it’s worth trying to make business energy savings. Now, let’s take a look at what you can do to make your buildings more energy efficient.
Invest in insulated doors
A building loses 25% of its heat from doors and windows. So these parts of your premises are a great place to start when you’re trying to make business energy savings.
Insulated roller shutters are suited to a wide variety of settings and provide excellent heat retention properties. And if you’re operating a high-traffic warehouse or factory space, high speed doors help to reduce energy loss by opening and closing quickly.
Upgrade glazing
Working in an older shop, office or warehouse space? Then outdated glazing may be increasing your energy bills. Single glazed windows offer very poor insulation. So upgrade to double or (even better) triple glazed windows if possible.
If your budget won’t stretch to new windows this year, try to keep out bigger draughts with the help of sealant and draught excluder tape. Use these materials on any cracks or holes around windows and you’ll help to prevent heat from escaping.
Insulate walls and ceilings
Buildings lose a lot of heat from walls and ceilings too. But the right insulation will help you to retain heat and maintain buildings at a comfortable temperature.
Consider spray foam, fibreglass or cavity wall insulation. Aerogel is suited to cold storage warehouses. You could also look at external rendering options that can help to insulate your premises from the outside.
Want to make a long-term investment in business energy efficiency? Then take a look at the government’s Energy Technology List. Here you’ll find approved energy saving equipment suited to a variety of businesses and industries.
Use energy efficient lighting
Another way to make business energy savings? Reduce the amount of electricity you use by making changes to lighting.
With the help of motion sensors or timers, lights turn off automatically when people leave a room. LED light bulbs are another great way to reduce the amount of energy your business uses without compromising on the brightness of a room.
Install an energy monitoring system
Like a smart meter, an energy monitoring system provides data on your energy usage. However, unlike a smart meter, this system provides much more detailed information.
This data isn’t passed on to energy companies. Instead, it’s for you to use and it can help you find ways to improve energy efficiency in your business.
By monitoring the data across different rooms and different times of day, you can see where the most energy is being used. You can then direct your energy reduction and conservation efforts to the places they’re needed most.
Service heating systems
When your heating system works as efficiently as possible, it uses less energy. This translates into cost savings for your company. So before winter arrives, make sure your systems are in good working order.
A smaller business may benefit from a boiler service, conducted by a Gas Safe engineer. A larger business with a bigger heating system may need to replace air filters.
Train employees
The way in which employees use machinery, office equipment, lighting, doors and windows all affects energy efficiency in your business. So a simple way to make business energy savings is by training staff on energy usage.
Teach your teams about the importance of energy efficiency – and the role they can play – to make energy go further.
Get insulated commercial and industrial doors from SDS
Keep your business secure – and warm – this winter, with the help of Secure Door Systems.
We fit a wide range of off-the-shelf and bespoke door solutions for commercial and industrial buildings. And we have plenty of products that provide exceptional insulation.
Just get in touch with our friendly team to talk about your commercial or industrial door requirements.
