There are two main components of energy efficiency. The first is total usage – that is, reducing your energy consumption so that you only use what you need to. The second is finding cheaper or more sustainable sources of energy, which will reduce your long-term costs.
Being more efficient about your energy use will lower your business’s costs in the long term. You will be less exposed to changing energy prices and more resilient to inflation. This means getting a competitive edge in a challenging market.
There are lots of free resources published by organisations like the Carbon Trust and the Energy Saving Trust. They can help you understand where you might become more efficient, who to work with on solutions and whether there is funding or incentives available.
Many high street banks offer ‘green loans’ to help you become more energy efficient. The rates and terms will depend on the size of the loan, which is generally large, and the potential savings you might make. You may want to speak to your own bank about the services they can provide.
Additionally, every business in West Yorkshire can ask us to conduct a free energy audit of their operations. The audits examine where your energy comes from, how much it costs and how you might become more efficient.
Energy efficiency audits help businesses save an average of £15,000 on their energy bills. If you are considering investing in becoming more energy efficient, such as by converting your fleet or installing solar panels, it can help you. It gives you detailed costs of different solutions, as well as payback periods – how long it will take before you recoup your investment costs.
Check out a range of free advice, directories of trusted installers and innovative energy efficiency solutions.
We’d love to help. Our dedicated Business Sustainability Managers can advise you on where to start and point you to other resources and organisations that might be right for your business.
