Site Review

Most businesses could use a lot less energy. A recent Opus Energy survey uncovered that 36% of UK workers are more likely to waste energy at work than in the home. For example, 91% of people were careful to ensure lights were switched off at home; however at work only 56% thought to do so.

These figures highlight that there is an opportunity to lower your business’ energy costs and reduce carbon emissions just but changing employee behaviour. These steps can be simple, inexpensive and quick to implement.

How to get started

Before you can start introducing energy efficiency measures it is important to understand your business’ current energy consumption. This will provide a starting measurement to highlight your consumption reduction once the energy efficiency initiatives have been implemented.

Conduct an energy walk around

Take the time to walk around your business to understand how and in what forms energy is being used. Learn where energy is being wasted and focus on the key areas in which savings can be made. It is important to alter the times in which you conduct your walk arounds as energy patterns will differ throughout the day. Remember to:

• Note down how people are being affected by or interacting with appliances and equipment
• Record any wasted energy use or potential for wasted energy use
• Identify areas for energy savings

The Carbon Trust have created sector specific walk around checklists for you to get an idea for what to look for, click here to download.

Review historical energy usage information

Use previous energy invoices or smart meter data to gain an understanding of how energy is being used month by month and if smart meter data is available in more detailed granularity.

To identify trends and seasonal consumption patterns easily, plot annual energy consumption data on a graph. For example, data presented in this way will highlight if there is minimal or no seasonal change in energy consumption, which may mean that equipment is being left on unnecessarily. This would enable you to check the controls and settings on equipment such as heating or air conditioning.

Start providing your own, accurate meter readings to your energy providers each month as this will ensure that your bills are up-to-date and not based on estimated readings.