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What is net zero and zero carbon? | National Energy System Operator

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We hear a lot about net zero and zero carbon but what are they exactly and what’s the difference between the two?

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Small business owners are coming up with increasingly creative ways to reduce their energy usage - such as ditching hand driers, and installing air fryers. A study of 500 SMEs, with between five and 50 employees, found 78 percent have adopted more cost-saving working practices over the last 12 months, to reduce their energy usage.

And 24 percent of those taking these steps have put at least six new measures in place. Other energy efficiencies include limiting the time the heating is turned on (33 percent), and removing printers or trying to be completely paper-free (21 percent).

It also emerged four in 10 are turning down the flow temperature on their boiler by four degrees, while 43 percent turn off and unplug office equipment on a daily basis.

The research, commissioned by British Gas, found others have installed motion sensor lightbulbs (23 percent), replaced traditional lighting with LEDs (45 percent), and use different types of heaters and heating systems (20 percent).

These measures have led to the average small business owner saving £450 on energy bills over the last 12 months.

Matt Wood, enterprise director at British Gas Business, said: "Small changes can make a big difference to energy consumption in the workplace, and it's encouraging to know a lot of SMEs are actively doing things to keep costs down.

"Although prices have come down slightly, we know many small businesses are struggling with their energy costs, and we're continuing to help them find ways to be more energy efficient, and save on their bills."

The study also found 35 percent of office energy-savers have found their measures to be "very effective" since first starting them.

As many as 78 percent have encouraged employees to make suggestions, as one in four believe their staff enjoy these new measures just as much as they do.

And 74 percent have never paid more attention to finding ways of cutting their energy costs, than they have over the last 12 months.

More than four in 10 (45 percent) say they don't plan to relax any of the measures they have implemented so far - although 18 percent claim the opposite. And when it comes to the year ahead, 36 percent claim they are likely to introduce yet further energy-saving steps.

It also emerged 34 percent have very much enjoyed implementing energy-cutting methods, and 66 percent find it easy trying to come up with new ways to save energy within the workplace.

Aside from the energy cost-saving aspect, nine in 10 also feel it is good that a lot of their methods are simultaneously having a positive effect on the environment.

In fact, 21 percent of all those polled, via OnePoll, claim that reducing their company's carbon footprint is more important to them than reducing costs.

Matt Wood added: "By implementing small, energy-saving hacks into their day-to-day operations, businesses can start to reduce their overall environmental impact, too.

"While saving on bills might be their primary motivation right now, rather than becoming more sustainable, businesses can feel reassured that the changes they are implementing are helping to drive down costs and carbon at the same time."

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Eight in 10 small businesses have introduced energy-saving methods in past year

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Some of the top creative ways they are cutting costs - and carbon - include motion-sensor lightbulbs, and even air fryers in the office kitchen.

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‘Net zero’ refers to the UK Government’s legal commitment to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. This would be achieved by a combination of reducing emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere.

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Research shows that such measures can significantly save companies on their overheads. For example:

switching to EVs can not only cut running costs but also lower servicing and maintenance costs by around 40% compared to petrol or diesel cars

with up to half of companies’ overall electricity bill coming from lighting, making changes such as switching to LED bulbs can help shave up to 40% off bills

giving drivers fuel efficiency training can help save companies an average of 15% on fuel use and carbon emissions in transporting goods

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Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

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One-stop-shop to help businesses save money and go green

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British businesses will be able to access new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions from the UK Business Climate Hub.

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https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shutterstock.com%2Fsearch%2Fnet-zero-2050&psig=AOvVaw0P22bit2O3EUnQZ89nPgq3&ust=1737124201118000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCJCDjIu6-ooDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAd

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1. Carry out a pre-shutdown walkaround

2. Get a head start on essential maintenance

3. Review your energy use and consumption

4. Budget plan and forecast

5. Set energy goals

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5 tips to maximise Business Energy Efficiency in 2024 | British Gas business blog

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From shut down essentials to setting achievable goals for the new year – get recommendations on how to get started on business energy efficiency in 2024.

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gives a good explanation of what net zero and also Shows emission Targets, legal developments and progress as of 2024

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What is net zero and how are the UK and other countries working to achieve it by 2050 

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What is net zero and how are the UK and other countries working to achieve it by 2050 

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Gives information on what net zero is and what the UK and other countries are doing in order to meet it.

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However, this figure only includes emissions generated within the UK, and not those produced from goods manufactured overseas which the UK imports. This means it doesn't capture the UK's full carbon footprint.

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What is net zero and how are the UK and other countries doing?

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Carbon emissions need to be cut to "net zero" by 2050 to avoid the most dangerous climate impacts.

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62 tips to reduce energy consumption for businesses  

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62 tips to reduce energy consumption for businesses  

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a large website with a lot of information on energy saving

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Every year, businesses in the UK lose over £60 million in wasted energy. Even without this added waste, running commercial premises' electric, heating, and water systems represent one of the greatest overhead costs for businesses of all sizes. These reasons alone should be enough to encourage businesses to take measures to reduce their energy consumption. However, as the Earth Overshoot Day happens earlier every year and the climate crisis becomes more severe, as well as an energy pricing crisis that the UK is facing, these measures need to be implemented without delay. Start with these easy tips to reduce your energy consumption and costs by up to 30%.

Click to expand the infographic

Building & Systems

1. Invest in high-quality insulation

No matter how good your systems are, if you have leaks and drafts in your building, your premises won't be energy efficient. Invest in insulation and double-glazed windows to cut down your energy consumption by 10%.

Don't forget about ceiling insulation. It is an essential part that helps keep the warmth in during winter and can cool the property in summer. Loft insulation can keep indoors up to 10c cooler during the summer.

2. Roofing solutions

Certain roof tiles are better at reflecting the sun's rays, or you can paint a roof with heat reflective paint. This reduces the amount of heat absorbed during the summer months and puts less pressure on cooling devices.

3. Consider installing solar panels

Solar panels are a smart long-term strategy to save on energy costs and ensure that the energy used in your business is clean and renewable. Solar panels may have an expensive upfront cost but will recover that over several years. Once installed there are few maintenance issues and they will start to bring down your monthly energy bill.

4. Invest in cogeneration systems

In large facilities, cogeneration energy systems - also known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems - recover waste heat from on-site generators and transform it into water and space heating.

5. Consider smart design elements

If you are building a custom commercial property, you should consider energy-smart design elements such as reflective outside mirrors and rooftop green areas.

6. Plant trees

Planting trees outside of your office building can provide shade and keep the building cool during summer. Trees can also purify the air and create a much healthier home environment for your employees.

7. Install blinds

Depending on where your business's premises are located, you should consider covering up the windows with blinds. This stops direct sunlight from entering and heating the building. These can be particularly helpful on south-facing windows.

8. Shut off unused areas of the premises

If your business premises are extensive, consider shutting down a whole area and carrying out the work in just a portion of the building. This won't just reduce running costs, it can also optimise operations.

9. Always upgrade to better systems

Every time your equipment, machinery, or system breaks down, see it as an opportunity to invest in better, more energy-efficient alternatives. This might seem an unnecessary cost at first, but you will be able to count on more efficient tools that will last longer.

10. Use the lean manufacturing approach

Through lean manufacturing, you can optimise your framework and labour, while also reducing the costs associated with the production chain.

11. Use production chain control systems to minimise waste

An automated system or inventory software can help you cut down on the waste and overproduction your business might be producing. By doing so, you can not only reduce your production cost but also streamline your operations.

12. Adjust automatic doors' closing delay

If your business premises benefit from automatic doors, set up their closing delay time so that they don't remain open for too long, letting the cold or hot air escape.

Finding Clean Energy

13. Find The Right Supplier

It is important to find the right energy supplier that will guarantee the right services and customer service you expect. If there is a leak or an issue with your billing, you will want to resolve it immediately!

14. Find a good balance between quality and price

Energy prices are always fluctuating, but they have been on the rise. Make sure you find a supplier that guarantees fixed rates and provides clean, renewable energy.

15.Consider joining a Demand-Side Response program

Dem and-Side Response programs have gained popularity since early 2000. By signing up for this program, you can get rewards by limiting your electricity and power usage in moments of high demand.

16. Leverage incentives

It is always worth checking for tax breaks and incentives made available by the government to upgrade your systems. You might consider using them to install solar panels.

17. Partner with other businesses

Connect with other business owners in the area to help each other and share energy-saving tips. Make sure to check your industry's standards!

Monitoring Energy Usage

18. Carry out audits

Some energy companies might carry out free energy audits to ensure you are using energy efficiently. If not, hire a professional who can help you evaluate your energy and water usage and identify areas to reduce your energy needs and help you monitor your energy consumption.

19. Have clear sustainability goals

Have a CSR policy in place that determines your business goals in terms of energy-saving and sustainability.

20. Use data analytics

Through data analytics, you can pinpoint energy inefficiencies and identify target focus areas that need attention.

Evaluating the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) System

21. Keep up with maintenance

Your business's HVAC system is one of the elements that consume the most energy. In most cases, you can cut down between 5% and 40% of the energy used by keeping up with cleaning and maintenance tasks, including:

Carry out preventive maintenance and inspections

Keep air filters clean, ideally once a month

Clean all the heat-exchanging surfaces, water and refrigerants coils, condensers and evaporators.

Replace malfunctioning insulation systems.

22. Leverage fans

Using fans instead of aircon can help you maintain a healthy work environment by regulating temperature, humidity levels, and air movement.

23. Address leaks

If you have noticed leaks in your HVAC system, make sure you address them immediately. Aside from helping you save on energy costs, quick intervention can prevent costly structural issues such as rotting and mould.

24. Invest in a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats are must-haves for all businesses. Thanks to innovative mobile and web applications, motion sensors, and usage monitoring features, a smart thermostat can help you regulate the temperature with minimal effort or errors. Some are programmable and can automatically adjust temperature settings based on the time of the day and day of the week.

25. Control the temperature

Keep your thermostat at around 25c in summer and 18c in winter. In the summer months, even adjusting your thermostat setting up one degree can typically save 2-3% on cooling costs. Program the temperature with your smart thermostat so that when the building is unoccupied (e.g., weekend and non-working hours) you can adjust the temperature accordingly. Locking the thermostat so it cannot be changed by multiple personal is never a bad idea to help control the temperature as well.

26. Increase the temperature of the server room

It is important to keep your IT equipment cool so it functions properly. The common guidance was to keep it 18c at all times and when you walk into a server room you will notice the drop in temperature from the rest of the building which takes up a lot of electricity.

IT equipment is always improving and recommendations from ASHRAE give a range of temperatures and humidity which range from 18c to 27c, therefore a central set-point of 25.5c with a range of +/- 1.5c would be appropriate if you wanted to reduce the energy cost as much as possible. However, in reality, this may not be sensible as you do not want to risk your servers and IT equipment overheating, therefore maybe consider reducing this by a degree or two to get a cost-saving.

27. Use natural airflow

Open the windows to naturally improve air movement, humidity levels, and air quality - at no cost, when the weather permits of course!

28. Efficient Air Conditioning Units

When the time comes to replace an air conditioning unit of five tons or more, make sure you buy a unit with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.5 or more which will reduce the operating costs for the life of the unit. You will need to perform a "Manual N" calculation to select the right sized system based on your building and occupancy needs.

29. Replace old aircon and fan motors

There are motors for aircon and fans which are may be more energy-efficient than your original motor and will reduce your consumption annually, make sure any replacement motor is applicable with your existing unit.

30. Variable speed drives (VSDs)

Install variable speed drives (VSDs) on large motor loads, a small reduction on airflows or pumping speeds (for heating etc) can significantly reduce your energy usage.

31. Chillers/Refrigerator units

In larger commercial refrigerating units (not household kitchen refrigerators), consider the use of modern energy-efficient units that operate at or below .60 kilowatts per ton.

32. Water side-economizers

Water side-economizers are a great solution that offers "free cooling" and can reduce your carbon footprint if you are able to integrate these into your HVAC. A water-side economizer uses the evaporative cooling capacity of a cooling tower to produce chilled water that can be used instead of your chillers/refrigerator units during cold periods, typical during winter.

Reconsidering Lighting

33. Leverage natural light

Studies have found that natural light improves productivity and concentration, regulates mood and morale, and reduces stress and fatigue - while also illuminating for free! Take advantage of this natural daylight and simply don't have your lights on, or even dim electric lighting, when even natural light is available.

Use lighting occupancy sensors

Installing lighting occupancy sensors can help you regulate your light usage, without having to constantly remind your employees to switch the lights off. These sensors are a good idea for rooms that are not always in use such as conference rooms, break rooms or individual offices/hot desks that are not often used.

35. Switch to more efficient EXIT signs

EXIT and emergency signs have to be on round-the-clock, but don't have to cost the earth! Switch to energy-saving bulbs or LED lights which use about a tenth of the wattage and last 50 times longer than a traditional incandescent lamp sign.

36. Reduce the number of fixtures

If you are replacing older fixtures, shop for newer, more efficient lighting options, this will improve the efficiency of your existing fittings, but may also provide more illimitation and allow you to reduce the number of fixtures needed across your permissive.

37. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs

Switch to one of the following:

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)

When possible, replace incandescent lamps with CFLs. Make sure you install compatible dimming technology if there is already a dimming system in place.

T8 (if your office lights use fluorescent T12)

When fluorescent T-12 lamps need replacing you have the option to switch to T-8 lamps and change from magnetic ballast to electronic.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

LED lights are your best choice - they use up to 75% less energy and they last 25 years longer than standard bulbs.

38. Switch off lights, not in use

Remind your employees to keep lights off in the areas that are not in use to save energy - or invest in occupancy sensors! Don't forget about any outdoor lights too which aren't needed during the day. By having lights on less, especially fluorescent lights, it extends the lamp's life before encouraging a replacement cost too. Ignore the myth that turning lights on and off uses more electricity than leaving them on.

Investing in Office Equipment

39. Consider using a power strip

Devices that are not in use will continue to draw power if they are plugged in. so, consider investing in a power strip to switch them all off when they are not in use.

If laptops are connected, make sure the power strip is off as the AC adaptor will continue to draw in power unless unplugged. If you have these per desk/cubicle you can ensure individual equipment is off for each desk that is unoccupied at the time.

40. Use hibernation feature on devices

During brief moments of inactivity, put your laptop in sleep or hibernation mode to reduce the power it is drawing. Your work will be saved and you can still continue from the same point when you return.

41. Switch off what you don't use

Make sure that you switch off all equipment when not in use, for example, all printers, scanners, microwaves, lights, air conditioners, vending machines during weekends or holidays. These items still continue to draw power even if when plugged in. Turning them off after working hours will reduce your consumption. When the office isn't closed during weekends and holidays but during out of office hours, turn off computers, monitors, printers and copiers.

42. Screen savers

Make sure of screen savers and ensure they are compatible with the computer's power management features, and that power saver mode is turned on.

43. Use laptops instead of desktops

Statistics report that laptops use up to 80% less power than desktops - encourage your employees to bring their laptops or supply them with one to reduce energy.

44. Switch to rechargeable batteries.

Invest in rechargeable batteries for those devices that are still battery-powered.

45. Go paperless

Print only when you must, not only does it save costs on paper and help the environment, it reduces consumption as less energy is used by the printer when ideal compared to being active and printing paper. To help cut down on paper keep your paperwork and compliance online. A cloud system can streamline your operations, give authorized workers access to the right documents, and help you reduce your energy bills.

Rethinking Kitchen and Bathroom

46. Upgrade your foodservice equipment

If you operate in the foodservice industry, don't skimp on equipment's quality. It might look like you are saving, but you will end up spending more on energy bills.

47. Invest in professional display fridges

If you need display fridges and cabinets, use retrofitted, high-quality models. Ask your seller for the energy-saving features it boasts before purchasing a certain model.

48. Look at how full your freezer or fridge is

It is possible to have an appliance under filed or filled and this leads to inefficiencies in the amount of energy used to run the appliance. Also, take care of restocking large fridge/freezer units during the hottest part of the day.

Consider Water Efficiency

49. Upgrade and insulate your water heater

Your water heater needs insulation to be energy-efficient. While newer models will come with integrated insulation, older models will need to be insulated.

50. Set water temperature

Set up the maximum water temperature that is needed in your business to avoid unnecessarily heating water. Not only will it avoid any potential burns or scalding, but it will also reduce your energy bill.

51. Adopt gardening sustainable practices

If your commercial premises have a garden or outside area, make sure to use sustainable business practices when watering, irrigating, or lighting.

52. Use timed, water-saving taps

If you have several bathrooms, make sure to install automatic water-saving taps, urinals, and showerheads to prevent high water bills.

Reconsidering Transportation and Commutes

53. Embrace remote working

During the pandemic, remote working doubled as we were left with very little choice. ONS data showed 25.9% or 8,4 million people in the UK were home working in 2020, up from 12.4% in 2019. Today the UK government is looking at ensuring employers have the right to flexible working as the pandemic has demonstrated that businesses can still operate just as well with greater flexibility.

Embrace remote working to cut down on expenses and physical office space to maintain. Make sure to invest in security systems and VPN technologies to streamline your operations.

54. Hold your meetings virtually

We've all got used to virtual meetings while working from home during the pandemic, try to keep this habit in place because these technologies allow us to carry on as business as usual without even going to the office or your client's office. Face-to-face meetings have their merits, but just remember how much your consumption reduced during lockdowns (and how you should consider a take and pay clause in your energy contract!) and the money you can save on travel.

55. Incentivise sustainable commuting practices

Encourage your employees to use greener transport options such as carpooling, biking, or using public transport. Reward them for their efforts and consider company benefits like a cycle to work scheme.

56. Switch to a greener fleet

If your business requires a fleet, make sure your vehicles run on greener fuels. CNG fuels can reduce emissions and running costs, but don't forget to consider investing in an all-electric fleet!

Adding The Human Touch

57. Involve your employees

Don't look at energy-saving as a top-down project, but rather as a communal goal to achieve. Create an open dialogue with your employees, make incentives available, and promise rewards for their efforts. After all, you just won't be able to control your business's energy usage without their help!

58. Train your employees

Make sure your employees know how to save energy at work and know what are the best practices to uphold.

59. Select the right suppliers

If you wish to make your business more sustainable, you will need to start by choosing the right suppliers. Even if you try to save energy, if you pick a company that does not uphold sustainability as a value you will be greatly harming the environment!

60. Rethink your policies

Sustainability and energy-saving are important to create the right business image and save money. So, you should designate a responsible party or department in charge of introducing new policies, working with your employees, and monitoring the energy usage in the business.

61. Give back to the community

If you have unused spaces that need to be kept running, you should consider making them available for the community so the energy usage isn't going to waste. Depending on the kind of business you have, you could open your premises to meetings or classes.

62. Go casual

Drop the uniform and business attire if you can - allow your employees to wear for the weather and cut down on heating or cooling.

Bonus tip: Consult an expert, find a tailored solution

Each business is unique, and, depending on the size, industry, and location of your organisation, there might be some tips that are more effective for your needs. Get in touch to book your energy efficiency audit and turn your commercial premises into an even more sustainable work environment.

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62 Tips to Reduce Energy Consumption in your Business

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Looking to reduce your business's energy consumption? Implement these energy saving tips at work to cut down your energy consumption by 30%

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a government webpage on how businesses can save energy

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Improving your energy efficiency could increase the profitability of your business by saving money, protecting against potential future energy price increases and even enhancing productivity.

Follow our advice to increase the energy efficiency of your business, from actions that cost very little or nothing at all to longer-term investments that will save your business money in the long run.

Read about some of the businesses that have successfully implemented our energy efficiency advice to lower their energy bills.

Gennaro Organic Hair & Beauty in Bedfordshire upgraded their salon, building in energy-saving measures and putting sustainability at the heart of their business.

Read their full case study

Corby-based wind turbine manufacturers, Marlec Engineering, made their business premises more energy efficient and reduced their energy costs by adapting a range of measures.

Read their full case study

The Wellbeing Farm, Lancashire-based events venue, made reviewing energy use a priority for their business and created a 10% energy reduction target for 2023.

Read their full case study

Quick and easy, no-cost actions

Don't use what you don't need

Turn off lights in unoccupied areas

Turn lights off in unoccupied areas of your business and when you are not in the premises. Nearly half of business electricity usage occurs outside of standard operating hours. Reducing out-of-hours energy use could save your business significant amounts of money.

A longer-term investment is lighting timers, which reduce non-essential lighting when employees are not in the area.

Turn off unused appliances at the socket

As well as lighting, turn off other sources of energy when you leave the office, such as monitors, vending machines, and kitchen equipment where safe to do so.

Adjust your heating

Set the heating in offices to 19°C and cooling at 24°C or higher to ensure a comfortable but low-cost temperature on your premises.

Take note of when staff and customers are in your business premises, and time your heating and air conditioning around this. Consider switching off office heating at weekends and bank holidays and adjust as the clocks change for Daylight Savings Time.

As a longer-term investment, consider upgrading to smart thermostats, which offer greater flexibility and control over your energy use.

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Low-cost energy saving actions

Review your energy tariff

Make sure you're on the best energy tariff for your business. Get in touch with your energy supplier to understand what tariffs they provide and compare what they offer with other providers before agreeing a contract.

You can also use a comparison website or phone different energy suppliers to check rates. Consider using a specialist energy broker to negotiate a better long-term rate.

The Ofgem website provides further expert advice for businesses looking to switch their energy tariff or having difficulties switching.

Conduct an energy usage assessment

Assess how your business currently uses energy and identify how savings can be made. You may wish to nominate a person within your business to have responsibility for conducting the assessment to ensure it is thoroughly carried out.

The Carbon Trust has created an energy saving guide that can help you to identify measures where energy and cost savings can be easily made with little or no cost. The guide is aimed at businesses who are new to energy saving.

Install a smart meter

Smart meters are being rolled out to small businesses across Great Britain. They provide you with accurate data about your business' energy usage and send automatic readings to your supplier, putting an end to estimated bills and giving you more control over your business' energy spend.

Smart meters are generally installed at no additional cost. If you rent your business premises, you may wish to talk to your landlord about having one installed. Contact your energy supplier, who can arrange to install a smart meter at a time and date that suits you.

For more information, visit Smart Energy GB's Small Business Hub.

Stop draughts and insulate doors and windows

Draught-proofing is one of the most effective actions you can take to stop or prevent heat escaping and reduce your energy bills. Block unwanted gaps around windows, doors and floors that let the cold air in and warm air out.

Window film is a form of temporary secondary glazing which helps stop heat escaping through glass. It can be bought at hardware shops and online and installed yourself or with the help of a professional.

Upgrade your lightbulbs

Lightbulbs can be responsible for a significant percentage of a building's electricity use.

Compared to halogen bulbs, LED bulbs use very little energy and are long-lasting. Upgrading to LED bulbs could deliver significant cost savings, on average in under 3 years.

Check your office for any fluorescent lamps that can be replaced. T12 fluorescent lamps can be cheaply replaced with T8 energy-saving lamps, and further significant energy savings can be made with LED tubes for further savings.

Ensure your boiler is properly operated and maintained

Well-maintained boilers are significantly more efficient to run, so maintaining the boiler can save you money in the long run. Some boilers also require a yearly service in order to remain under warranty.

Turn down your boiler flow temperature

Flow temperature is the temperature of the water that your boiler sends to radiators. Reducing flow temperature isn't the same as lowering your thermostat and won't noticeably reduce the temperature of your premises but may increase the time it takes to reach the target temperature on your thermostat.

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Long-term investments

Greater energy efficiency investments can be made to reduce the energy demands on your business in the long term. Before embarking on a longer-term investment, make sure that you have considered the risks and length of return. You may also wish to consider financial advice or an energy audit before making a decision. Review available Government financial support for businesses that can help you fund your investment.

Replace your boiler with a heat pump with the help of a government grant

Heat pumps use cleaner electricity and are significantly more efficient than traditional boilers so can reduce your business' energy usage. The government is offering grants of up to £7,500 off the cost of a heat pump to properties across England and Wales.
Check if you're eligible for a heat pump grant on GOV.UK

Energy efficient products

The Energy Technology List provides businesses with a list of government-approved energy efficient products to save your business energy and money. The list of over 8,000 products ranges from heating, lighting and buildings insulation to energy-efficient machinery for specific sectors.

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More information

Read our page on Government financial support for businesses for an overview of schemes, grants and loans available to help increase your energy efficiency.

SME guide to energy efficiency sets out low-cost steps you can take to start saving energy and money on bills, including across heating, lighting, office and production equipment.

Carbon Trust better business guide to energy saving introduces the key energy saving opportunities for small businesses.

The UK Business Climate Hub has advice, courses and resources for small- and medium- sized businesses for developing sustainable practices in a profitable way and offers a wide array of articles about energy efficiency that expand upon the advice in this guide, and a great breakdown of regional support.

Want to find out how to save money on your energy bills at home? Visit www.gov.uk/saveenergy

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UK Government energy efficiency advice for businesses to save money from low cost tips to longer-term investments.

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Made by Chaylek on vecteezy and free to use

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Understanding the Role of a Business Energy Broker

If you are new to business energy contracts you might be wondering, “what is a business energy broker?” Well, a business energy broker, such as Resolve Energy, acts as an interim between businesses and energy suppliers.

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Achieving energy-saving resolutions in 2025... | Resolve Energy

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Energy costs are a huge part of company expenses, and reducing these costs is a priority for all businesses across the UK.

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7 ways businesses can reduce carbon emissions. 

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7 ways businesses can reduce carbon emissions. 

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A blog about how some ways businesses can reduce carbon emissions

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Businesses today are becoming more conscious of how they affect the environment. Many companies are searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Not only do they reduce their own carbon emissions, but they also become an excellent example for clients and partners too.

No matter the size of a business, the changes they make to reduce greenhouse gas emissions help the environment. However, the process of reducing carbon emissions doesn't happen overnight. Instead, it takes a concerted effort to study how each part of the company can become more eco-friendly. The process may mean changing providers, rethinking processes, and more.

What Does the Term "Carbon Footprint" Mean?

Carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air through certain activities. For instance, when you drive a car fuelled by carbon-based fuel, the vehicle releases carbon dioxide into the air. Another example is the production and use of a plastic bottle of water. Carbon dioxide is released through production, transportation, sourcing the water, and more. Each of the activities used to create the bottle of water creates greenhouse emissions.

That's a simplified example; however, it illustrates the carbon footprint concept. Each company in the world uses energy to run processes, provide services, and create products. These days, the goal is for a company to reduce its greenhouse emissions to help the environment.

We've put together a list of ways your company can reduce its carbon footprint.

Ways Your Business Can Reduce Its Greenhouse Emissions

1. Measure Your Company's Carbon Footprint

The first step is to measure your company's carbon footprint. This data provides a baseline of current activities and how large your carbon footprint is right now. This information can then be used to find ways to reduce greenhouse emissions, allowing your business to become more sustainable over time.

2. Use Renewable Energy

One of the first places to start is to use renewable energy to run the company. There are more green energy providers offering renewables than ever before. The first place to start searching for renewable energy services is with your current provider. It's possible they may have renewable energy plans available.

If your current provider doesn't offer renewable energy, then it may be time to consider choosing a new provider who can guarantee that their power comes only from renewable sources. If the energy provider doesn't offer this guarantee, then your energy will come from a variety of sources, which may not all be renewable.

When searching for a green energy provider, check their fuel mix and see if they guarantee that all their power comes from green sources. It's possible some providers may only be offsetting your usage. Avoid these providers and instead look for those that use only renewable energy sources, which are guaranteed.

3. Choose Sustainable Web Hosting

Even your website may be using too much energy. However, it's possible to reduce your site's carbon emissions, too. First, check to see if your current servers are hosted externally. If so, your site could be using a lot of energy to keep the servers running.

If you'd like to reduce your website's carbon footprint, look for these eco-friendly options:

Hosting companies that use renewable energy sources

Carbon offsetting

Technology that improves energy efficiency

Energy-saving equipment

4. Use the Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle

Using the three r's (reduce, reuse, & recycle) is another way your business can become more eco-friendly. It's essential to think creatively about how to apply the three Rs to each part of your business. They can be applied to all areas of your business, including office supplies, processes, packaging, and more.

For instance, do your employees drink soda from aluminium cans? Then why not consider creating an aluminium can recycling bin? You may be able to make a deal with a local aluminium recycling company to come and empty the container on a regular basis. This way, the aluminium cans don't end up in the landfill. Instead, the cans are recycled, lowering your company's carbon footprint.

What about shredding old documents? Rather than tossing documents into the garbage, why not shred them and take them to a paper recycling company?

Rather than buying new office furniture, why not consider buying used office furniture? Not only can your company save money, but you also help reduce your company's carbon emissions by using furniture that's used rather than new.

These are just a couple of the ways your company might apply the three Rs. Again, using this method may take some creative thinking. However, the three R's can dramatically lower your carbon emissions.

5. Choose Sustainable Suppliers

Another way to lower your company's carbon footprint is to only use sustainable suppliers. Consider that your current suppliers may not be using eco-friendly methods. While you're not involved in their operations, as a customer, buying their services or products works to increase your own carbon footprint. Changing to greener suppliers can thus lower your own company's carbon emissions.

Look for suppliers that have ISO 14001 certification. This certification offers proof that the company uses green methods for its Quality Management Systems and that the supplier is actively working to lower waste reduction and improve resource efficiency. Choose suppliers who are CarbonNeutral® certified whenever possible.

6. Use Online Meetings and Events

Today, many companies use a hybrid work model, with some employees in the office and others working remotely. In addition, the hybrid work model has led many businesses to move to online meetings and events.

Online meetings and events are more eco-friendly. For one thing, no one has to travel long distances for the meeting/event. Consider that travel accounts for about 1/5 th of total global emissions. By changing over to online events and meetings, your company can lower its carbon footprint and save money on travel costs at the same time.

7. Invest in Green Office Equipment

Another place to lower your company's carbon footprint is to invest in green office equipment. Here are some ideas to consider when opting for greener office equipment:

Change to LED lighting and turn off the lights at the end of the day. Try to rely more on natural light during the day.

Use only kitchen appliances that have a high energy rating.

Enable energy-saving/battery-saving modes on all PC & mobile devices.

Lower the office thermostat; lowering it by 1°C can reduce energy for heating by about 13%.

These changes may seem small; however, when combined across the entire company, you may be surprised at how much energy you save. Not only that, but your business may also save money on energy costs.

Concluding Thoughts

We've mentioned a few ways your business can lower its carbon footprint; however, there are many more you may want to consider.

Before making a move to become more sustainable, it's a good idea to start with an audit of your company's carbon emissions. Then use this data as a baseline as you make greener choices. You'll have a benchmark to measure progress and see where to effectively make changes within or organisation.

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7 Ways Businesses Can Reduce Carbon Emissions | Planet Mark

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Discover 7 ways to ways your business can reduce its greenhouse emissions