energy
save your energy and your £££s
The energy used to heat offices and power equipment releases a staggering amount of C02. Follow our two key steps to cut unnecessary energy use and help save CO2 emissions and your organisation’s money.
step 1: cut energy use and consume energy more efficiently
Organisations typically waste up to 20% of the energy they buy (gulp!).
easy wins:
• Switch off monitors, lights and other equipment not being used. Leaving appliances on standby wastes a significant amount of energy and money. Lighting an office overnight wastes enough energy to heat water for 1000 cups of tea!
• Follow recommended guidance on workplace temperatures. Installing thermostats will enable you to monitor temperatures and avoid overheating and wasting energy. Decreasing the temperature by 1 degree typically saves 8-10% on heating bills.
• Choose energy efficient appliances:
o Simply replace conventional with energy efficient light bulbs, they last longer and save money.
o When replacing an appliance, choose ‘A rated‘ equipment for the highest energy efficiency savings.
free resources:
Download free posters available from the Carbon Trust to encourage staff to adopt simple energy efficiency actions in the workplace
making a longer term commitment
• Undertake an energy audit. Identifying your exact energy use will help you assess where key savings can be made.
• Ask your staff. Get them involved in carbon cutting activity, they may have some great ideas on reducing energy use. See the Fair Shares, Fair Choice ideas for engaging staff in 'be a workplace champion'.
• Insulate! Better insulation can save a significant amount on your energy bills.
• Install motion-sensitive lights to reduce lighting costs by up to 40%.
further energy efficiency advice?
Contact the Carbon Trust for focused energy efficiency advice including site visits, interest free loans and best practice guidance. Call the Carbon Trust's national Helpline on 0800 085 2005.
step 2: switch to renewable sources of energy
Energy from fossil fuels is polluting and is becoming increasing scarce and expensive.
easy win:
• Choose a local ‘green' energy source for security of supply and price for the longterm. Visit uSwitch.com for a free, impartial comparison and switching service to compare prices on a range of services including gas and electricity.
making a longer term commitment
• Generate your own renewable energy! Micro-renewables (including solar, wind and biomass) are increasingly easy to install and offer long-term security of supply and financial savings. You can even generate income from these by selling excess energy back to the grid! Click here for an example from Woking Borough Council.
further help and support?
The BERR Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides grants for microgeneration technologies to householders, community organisations, schools, the public and not for profit sector and private businesses.
Visit Regen SW (the South West’s renewable energy agency) for a directory of Renewable Energy companies in the South West.
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