How to cut carbon emissions from energy use

Reducing energy use is one of the simplest ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

All businesses can reduce their energy use, benefiting the environment and their bottom line. Saving energy can also have other benefits, including boosting employees' morale and an improved business reputation.

One first step to take is to monitor your business’s energy use; then, look into your systems and processes to see where energy savings can be made.

Carbon Trust: Energy management self-assessment tool

There are many changes your business can make to cut carbon emissions from energy use. Depending on your type of business there might be energy efficiency savings to be made in lighting, heating systems, refrigeration systems, industrial processes, etc. For information on reducing energy use in your business, read our guideline: Energy efficiency 

The changes you make can be as small as turning electrical equipment off overnight or changing your light bulbs to energy-efficient ones. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimates that traditional light bulbs waste 95 per cent of the energy they use as heat. Energy-efficient bulbs are up to 80 per cent more efficient than traditional bulbs and each bulb could save you up to £40 over its lifetime.

Energy Saving Trust: Energy Efficient Lighting

Buildings can be a major contributor to carbon emissions, often through inefficient energy use. See, in this guideline, How to cut carbon emissions from business buildings.

You may want to consider larger measures where the financial benefits are more long term, such as investing in new energy-saving plant or machinery. See: Carbon Trust: An SME guide to financing energy efficiency projects

You may also be eligible for tax breaks, if you invest in certain energy-saving equipment. See, in this guideline, Tax breaks to encourage energy efficiency.

Further information

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