Energy Reduction

If you are a hotel, check out HES e-Toolkit, a free online tool that helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the accommodation sector to assess their current energy use and carbon footprint against similar businesses, as well as providing possible solutions. You can also use the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) from the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance which is freely available for large and small hotels.

UKHospitality has collaborated with Zero Carbon Forum to launch a hospitality calculator for businesses in the hospitality industry.

ClimateHero is a free online tool designed specifically for service businesses to calculate your carbon footprint in five minutes.

For a more general small and medium enterprise (SME) carbon calculator, check out the Carbon Trust’s carbon footprint calculator.

Start by looking at your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to see how efficient your building currently is. Improving the energy efficiency of your buildings can cut the cost of heating. Adding insulation to lofts, floors and walls will save energy costs in the long term, as will double or triple glazed windows. Increasing the thickness of existing insulation is a cheaper option. Fitting draught-proofing around windows and doors is also cost effective and is easy enough to do yourself. Other ‘quick wins’ include thermal lined curtains and blinds, and be sure to close these once the evening draws in, to help keep heat in.

If you haven’t already, sign up for a smart meter. This useful website helps small business owners find out if they are eligible to request a smart meter. You and your employees will find it easier to become more consciously aware of energy use if you can instantly see the live data, via a smart meter. Having a meter also makes the billing process quicker, simpler and more accurate too. You may also consider investing in submeters which allow you to see energy use in specific areas of the business e.g. kitchens, bedrooms.

Timers, sensors, thermostats, heat controllers and standby savers can all help save energy and money. They also mean you don’t have to compromise on customers’ comfort as you can maintain adequate heating and lighting levels when and where needed, avoiding wasted energy use. If you haven’t already done so, swap light bulbs for energy efficient bulbs too. For those businesses wanting to go even further, a Building Energy Management System can help track and control heating, air conditioning and ventilation - with live information - allowing you to make necessary adjustments to settings at any time.

It sounds simple but turning off appliances when they are not in use, really can make a difference. This also means not leaving equipment on standby. The average household wastes £65 a year powering appliances left on standby. Computers, televisions, lights, broadband modems and routers all use low levels of electricity when not being used. Use signage and messages to try and encourage guests and employees to turn off electric appliances.

Be aware of high consuming appliances – energy guzzlers – vending machines, electric heaters and tumble dryers for example. Next time you need to purchase a new electric appliance, be sure to check and make sure you are buying the most energy efficient model you can. These will be marked with a Class A rating. Find out more about energy labels here.

An energy company or green tariff that uses 100% renewable energy is highly recommended and is one of the easiest ways to reduce your emissions. It also helps send a clear message to energy companies and governments that the demand for renewables is growing. You need to choose an option that is right for you and your business. Have a look at Good Energy, GEUK and Ecotricity. You can also use Big Clean Switch, an energy comparison website, specialising in renewable energy that helps you find the best deal, for your business and the planet.

Installing solar panels, a heat pump or a wind turbine is the ultimate dream in self-sufficiency and renewable energy. If the initial cost outlay puts you off, could you talk to your neighbouring businesses about collaborating and sharing the energy? Battery storage is more expensive to purchase initially but it would allow you to store the energy and use it later, improving the financial returns in the long run. You may also be eligible for tax breaks.

See the Energy Saving Trust and Zero Carbon Business for further advice.