SaveMoneyCutCarbon recently launched an industry-first manifesto for businesses, introducing a six-step plan to achieve lower energy bills and deliver tangible results, as well as a 12-month programme called EcoWise, aimed at encouraging staff to learn and employ practical changes in their home and workplace, the money-saving platform offers crucial relief to businesses in a perilous position.
Following recent UK interest rate hikes Mark Sait, CEO and founder said: “As small businesses continue to tackle the cost pressures of inflation amidst weakening government support for their energy bills, it has become crucial that firms have the resources they need to adequately plan ahead.”
Here are Mark’s tips for businesses:
Invest in renewable energy
“Businesses can reap tons of benefits from renewable energy sources such as solar PV systems. The main advantage is reduced electricity costs, which is pivotal in today’s cost of living crisis. Although it is a big upfront investment, it is guaranteed ROI and you’ll earn your money back in no time.
“Turning away from fossil fuels will also lower your carbon footprint and enhance your business’s reputation with green credentials. More and more consumers are choosing businesses that invest in green practices and businesses must keep up with this change to stay relevant.”
Starting with a free 30-minute Carbon Mentor call, one of our experts can offer guidance on where to start.
Switch to LED
“LEDs have taken over the home and considering businesses operate nearly 24/7 in some way or another, it’s time for businesses to follow suit. LED lights are more energy-efficient than regular lightbulbs: they use 90% less energy to produce the same amount of light. It’s a no-brainer. LEDs are also more reliable and last considerably longer, reducing maintenance time in the workplace.
“Another great thing about LEDs is that they come in a range of colour temperatures, and some are dimmable. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, fatigue and headaches. Adjusting from warm to cool light depending on the time of day or task at hand gives employees the freedom to customise their workspace and create a place to maximise productivity and wellbeing.”
Optimise your heating and cooling systems
“Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems account for almost half of the energy used in commercial buildings. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), those same systems are in the top five contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. And in 24/7 operations such as hotels and hospitals, that number grows exponentially.
“Heating and air conditioning are not something that businesses can get rid of, so we need to find greener alternatives. And energy management is the key. The GEM link solution is a pioneer in cost-saving, sensor-based energy management. It only takes 60 minutes to retrofit into most existing HVAC systems, helping businesses save 30% on energy with fast paybacks.”
Eco hand dryers
“Investing in quality eco-hand dryers is a wise investment for any business. Paper towel dryers are expensive: thousands of pounds are spent purchasing, maintaining and disposing of waste every year. Waste paper can rarely be recycled, ending up in landfill instead. But traditional hand dryers are just as bad. Some of them consume more electricity as they are slow and have a much shorter lifespan.
“Our range of eco-hand dryers maintains the highest level of hygiene standards. The SMCC eco hand dryer has an average running cost of £16 per year compared to a paper towel dryer which can cost businesses up to £1,460 per year.”
Mark added: “As small businesses continue to tackle the cost pressures of inflation amidst weakening government support for their energy bills, it has become crucial that firms have the resources they need to adequately plan ahead. In terms of sustainable practices, the simplest swaps – such as switching to LED lightbulbs – could make a huge difference in the rising prices they are seeing on their energy bills.
“With new laws being drafted to stamp out greenwashing across the board, businesses unsure about sustainable practices that add real change could be at risk of legal action if they continue to make claims that are unfounded. Having accurate advice from professionals in sustainable business practices not only helps companies increase their own value but now will prove to be the norm when incorporating ESG strategies – and it doesn’t have to be expensive. SaveMoneyCutCarbon offers a free 30-minute carbon mentor phone call to businesses that are struggling with where to start their carbon-neutral journey and can help firms change their behaviours to lift their bottom line.
The narrative is changing now that businesses and homes can save money through sustainability. Everyone wants to save money.”