You might not be going for B Corp-certification just yet, but with consumers increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their choices and energy bills continuing to rise, making sustainable swaps is a good idea for any business. Explore some straightforward upgrades you can make to your premises and operations that could nevertheless have a significant impact.
Switch to LED lighting
One of the easiest steps to take when going green is switching to LED lighting. LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs without compromising on brightness and actually have a longer lifespan to boot.
For you this means lower energy usage for a better premises EPC rating and reduced bills and maintenance costs.
Implement energy management systems
Another simple way to reduce your energy use is to introduce energy management systems. As the name suggests, these monitor things like your lights and heating and give you greater control over the flow of energy to them.
They often have an ‘intelligent’ aspect to allow for absolute precision. An example is smart thermometers which accurately read room temperature and automatically turn on/shut off heating to maintain this level.
On a more basic level, automatic lights with motion sensors ensure you have power when you need it and save energy when no one is there, perfect for office environments where the responsibility of turning them off lies with ‘the last one out’ – and is often forgotten.
Install renewable heating systems
Traditional boilers are being phased out of UK buildings. This is because there is a need to move away from gas-powered heating and towards greener alternatives as part of the government’s drive to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Getting ahead of the game and installing renewable heating systems like heat pumps now means you could benefit from government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as well as drastically cutting your spend on heating your business. Renewable energy systems use infinite resources such as sunlight to ensure constant power without negatively impacting the environment.
Enhance building insulation
As part of the overhaul of your heating system, look into improving your building insulation to get the most benefit, especially if you’re starting with something like an electric boiler rather than the latest renewable energy technology. UK buildings are notoriously leaky, with heat escape around windows and doors and through walls. Upgrading your insultation will help to keep the heat in for longer.
Begin by investigating the insultation in the roof, adding to or improving existing materials, and seeing if you have the option of improving internal wall insulation. More straightforward methods include upgrading your windows to double- or triple-glazing and installing sweeps or weatherstrips around doors to block the airflow.
