Energy Efficiency Tips for SMEs

Using energy more efficiently is the surest way to lower your bills and carbon footprint at the same time. In many businesses, a significant chunk of electricity and gas usage is essentially wasted through outdated tech or simple habits. The upside: there are lots of low-cost or no-cost measures that can trim that waste. Here are some practical tips for small and mid-sized enterprises to save energy:

Upgrade to LED Lighting: Swap out old bulbs and fluorescent tubes for LEDs. Modern LED lights use 50–80% less energy than traditional lamps for the same brightness. They also last far longer. Don’t forget areas like warehouses, storerooms, or exterior security lights – those often have inefficient lamps. Installing motion sensors or timers in less-used areas (storage rooms, bathrooms, overnight shut-off) ensures lights aren’t left on when not needed. LED retrofits typically pay for themselves within a couple of years through energy savings.
Optimize Heating & Cooling: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) can be big energy guzzlers. Simple steps: set reasonable thermostat points (each degree higher on AC or lower on heating can save a few percent of energy). Use programmable thermostats or smart controls to match your schedule – no need to blast heating or cooling when the building is unoccupied. Make sure heaters and AC units are serviced (clean filters, etc.) so they run efficiently. If you have drafty windows or poor insulation, inexpensive fixes like weather-stripping doors or adding window film can reduce heat loss. In winter, let sun in for free warmth; in summer, use blinds to reduce cooling load. Little things add up.
Shut Down Idle Equipment: Computers, printers, coffee machines, fans, signage – many devices sip power even after hours. Establish a shutdown routine or use plug timers/smart plugs for things that don’t need to stay on. Enable power-saving modes on office PCs and turn off monitors at night. A single computer+monitor left on 24/7 can waste £££ per year in electricity. Similarly, unplug chargers or adapters that aren’t in use – they draw trickle power. This “vampire load” is small per device but can be significant across dozens of items. An energy audit often finds surprising always-on devices (vending machines, server that’s no longer used, etc.). Hunt them and switch them off.
Maintain or Upgrade Equipment: Old appliances or machinery often use much more energy than new models. For example, an old fridge or boiler can be a silent culprit. If a critical appliance is over 10-15 years old, consider the savings from a high-efficiency replacement. When buying any new equipment (from HVAC to office appliances), check the energy ratings – an efficient model might cost a bit more upfront but will pay back quickly. Also maintain what you have: lubricate motors, fix compressed air leaks (if you have a compressor, leaks can waste a lot of electricity), and keep condenser coils (on fridges/AC units) clean. A well-tuned machine runs closer to its peak efficiency.
Use Smart Controls & Monitoring: Technology can be your friend in saving energy. Install motion sensors for lighting in intermittently used spaces – lights will automatically turn off when no one’s around. Use timers for signs or equipment that don’t need to be on outside business hours. If you have significant equipment, consider a building management system (BMS) or simpler smart thermostats and plugs to automate and optimize. Another tip: smart meters and sub-meters. If you only have a basic idea of your total energy use, you might be missing patterns. Sub-metering (even temporarily) different areas or processes can reveal, say, that your HVAC or certain machinery is kicking on at odd times. Data is power – once you see where the energy is going, you can target the big wins.
Engage Employees in Saving: Create a culture of energy awareness. Often, simple behavior changes can yield 5-10% savings. Encourage staff to turn off lights and equipment when not in use, perhaps assign an “energy champion” to remind others or suggest ideas. You can even incentivize savings by sharing a portion of cost savings as a reward (or using it for a team treat). Put up stickers or signs near switches (“Last out, lights out”) as gentle prompts. When everyone’s on board, the cumulative effect of small actions – like keeping doors closed when heat/AC is on, reporting if a thermostat seems off, etc. – can be substantial.

Every business environment is different, so not all tips will apply equally. The key is to identify where your energy is going and chip away at the waste. Many SMEs find they can cut energy use by 10-20% or more with diligent efficiency measures – essentially getting the same output for less input. That’s money straight to your bottom line, year after year. Plus, you’ll reduce your carbon emissions, which is a win-win. We’re happy to help pinpoint opportunities specific to your operations; feel free to ask us during an energy review. The cheapest (and greenest) kilowatt-hour is the one you don’t use!