Last week, a £150bn package aimed at shielding Britain’s households from soaring energy prices was announced by the UK Government to be in place by October 1. However, UK businesses have been warned by government officials that they will have to wait longer than households for their energy package to be put in place, with some business-owners fearing that financial help won’t be available until November. In light of this, the government has pledged to backdate financial support for businesses, though there’s concern from business leaders concerning the lack of detail the government is providing, afraid that their companies won’t be able to make concrete plans this autumn. With brewing concerns over when the government’s assistance will come into action, Britain’s leading sustainability and energy-saving consultants, SaveMoneyCutCarbon, have outlined the varied ways that businesses can exercise agency over controlling their company’s energy bills outside of governmental regulations.
Many business leaders across the UK are already facing weeks of delays for any help from the government, causing increased concern for thousands of companies reaching the end of their fixed-price energy contracts at the beginning of October. With the Federation of Small Business predicting that 53% of SMEs will either stagnate, decline, or fold within the next year, business leaders are urging the government to act quickly, as many feel left out in the cold.
In a pivotal moment for businesses across the nation, the experts at SaveMoneyCutCarbon have compiled a list of the top green upgrades and strategies that could stem the tide of rising costs for businesses, all from within the workplace.
Conduct an Energy and Water Efficiency Audit:
Reducing expenditure is a key concern for any business – and minimising energy and water consumption can dramatically reduce costs. An energy and water audit from SaveMoneyCutCarbon shows you where you can save, and how long the payback will take. An audit can deliver a full report covering all areas of consumption, assessment of generation and renewables across the building, identification of opportunities that offer the quickest paybacks, investment-ready proposals of retrofit solutions, indicative savings and costs for larger projects, driving a further detailed investigation.
LED Lighting:
Converting to LED lighting is simply the most efficient and sustainable solution for the office, and could help save up to 90% on energy as well as reduce your maintenance costs. It provides flicker free, natural lighting that has flexible controls with motion sensing and daylight dimming.
Infrared Panel Heaters:
Infrared panel heaters are maintenance-free and simple to install – and up to 60% more energy efficient than conventional convection heating. No plumbing is needed – just a power source – and they can even be fitted in the bathroom and other damp environments.
Smart Plugs:
With a Smart Plug, it is possible to regulate when your electricity is running and which areas use it most. You can set routines for your electronics to turn on only when they’re needed, and some even turn your devices off and on depending on whether you’re in the office or not. You can adjust the timings so it is only on for specific time periods – and is all controllable through your smartphone, or with your voice.
Eco Hand Dryers:
Replacing paper towels with eco hand dryers in the bathroom is an effective way to save thousands on what is normally spent in purchase, cleaning, maintenance and disposal. Paper towels are rarely recycled so replacing them could cut carbon emissions by up to 79%.
Electronic Basin Taps:
Currently, 4% of the UK’s energy usage is used pumping and processing water used every day across businesses. Electronic Basin Taps can reduce water consumption by up to 70%. They have a temperate control sensor that detects hand movement, so water only runs when it’s needed.
