ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVICE HOMEBUSINESS ENERGY ENERGY EFFICIENCY FIND NEW WAYS TO LOWER COSTS AND REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT Your first steps towards a brighter, greener future Becoming more energy efficient is a simple way to help your business lower costs, reduce your carbon footprint and attract new, eco-conscious customers. You can reduce your energy bills by making some simple changes. And when your efficiency strategy enhances working conditions, it can boost staff well-being and increase productivity. So where should you begin? Getting a smart meter can help you identify the parts of your business that use the most energy. Once you understand that, you can work out how to use less energy, lower your energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. You may also find the Green Business Directory helpful in sourcing accredited Carbon Trust suppliers and installers. To get you started, we’ve assembled tips and advice tailored by sector. Can’t see your sector? Not to worry – some of the tips you’ll find in the other sections could still help you lower your energy consumption. SECTOR SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES WITH SMART METERS Catering Hospitality Housing associations Manufacturing Offices Public sector Retail Energy efficiency in catering and food preparation In the catering industry, energy typically accounts for 4-6% of operating costs. And in a sector with high overheads and narrow margins, any energy savings made can have a big impact on your bottom line. Some kitchens waste up to 60% of their energy, but without a smart meter, you won’t know where to direct your attention. So here are some tips on improving energy efficiency in catering and preparation to help you achieve some potentially large efficiency savings. Cooking equipment Keep it simple – easy ways to save energy and money include turning off equipment straight after use and using lids to retain heat. Energy efficient equipment like induction hobs can be 15-50% more efficient than conventional appliances. Automatic switches that turn gas and electric hobs down or off when not in use typically save 5% of your kitchen’s cooking energy. Refrigeration equipment Place your refrigeration equipment in the coolest part of your kitchen, away from cookers and ovens, to ensure it runs efficiently. Defrost your fridges and freezers regularly and avoid overfilling your appliances as they’ll have to work harder to maintain a low temperature. Minimise heat loss by installing self-closing devices on the doors of fridges, freezers and cool rooms. Heating and hot water Don’t use ovens or hobs to warm the kitchen at the start of a shift – if your heating isn’t up to the job, fix it. Don’t heat your hot water excessively – the optimum temperature for stored hot water is 60°C or just above. Thermostatic radiator valves control the heat output of individual radiators automatically, lowering their heat output as the kitchen heats up during the shift. Information sourced from the Carbon Trust – an independent body which helps organisations contribute to and benefit from a more sustainable future through carbon reduction, resource efficiency strategies and commercialising low carbon technologies. WHAT IS NET ZERO? Climate change and the UK’s net zero target mean we all need to cut our carbon emissions. But what is net zero? And how can your small business get there? For ways to save energy and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, read our guide to net zero and watch tips from our customer advisers. Find out more about going net zero Business Energy Our renewable energy Gas and electricity plans Smart meters for your business Electric vehicles Energy efficiency Distributed Energy Infrastructure Decarbonising heat Decarbonising transport Decarbonising power Digital services Our solutions Sectors News and insights About our campaign Customer help centre About Contact us Account Copyright SSE Energy Solutions 2021 © Accessibility StatementPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseAcceptable use policyCookie NoticeModern Slavery Statement Your privacy preferences -By clicking “Allow all”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Notice Customise Settings Disable All Allow all