This autumn, many businesses throughout the UK are facing a cost-of-operations crisis as the majority of UK companies are set to renegotiate their electricity and gas rates in the coming months. According to energy brokers, many companies have expiring contracts this year, with estimates from Cornwall insight estimating those looking for a new contract will be forced to pay more than four times what they paid in 2020 on energy bills. The UK’s leading corporate sustainability advisory firm, SaveMoneyCutCarbon, believe that the “bill-shock” experienced by consumers, is now set to be felt by businesses across the UK.
For context, the Federation of Small Businesses estimated that a typical company in London with 30kWh annual consumption would see the cost of its annual electricity bill to raise from £4,700 to a whopping £21,200, with their gas bill jumping from £1,350 to £7,050. According to the latest official data, about 1,800 companies throughout England and Wales have registered for insolvency in July, forcing many to have to close their doors as their bills increase to the point where they can no longer function.
Across the board, the energy crisis is already eating into a majority of businesses’ profit margins, with SMEs across the country facing an average bill increase of over 250% in the last year alone, according to Cornwall Insight. In addition, a report by the Federation of Small Business found that 53% of small businesses will stagnate, decline or fold in the next 12 months. This is even more concerning when you consider that 53% of SMEs in the UK are not doing anything to monitor their energy efficiency, and are likely spending far more than they may need to on energy costs. Britain’s leading sustainability experts, explain that shopping around and switching tariffs to reduce energy bills has become obsolete.
In a pivotal moment for businesses across the nation, the experts at SaveMoneyCutCarbon have compiled a list of the top green upgrades and strategies that could help stem the tide of rising costs for businesses, all from within the workplace.
Conduct an Energy and Water Efficiency Audit:
Reducing expenditure is a key concern for any business – and minimising energy and water consumption can dramatically reduce costs. An energy and water audit from SaveMoneyCutCarbon shows you where you can save – and how long the payback will take. An energy and water audit can deliver a full report covering all areas of water and energy consumption, assessment of generation and renewables across the building, identification of opportunities that offer the quickest paybacks, investment-ready proposals of retrofit solutions, indicative savings and costs for larger projects, driving a further detailed investigation.
LED Lighting:
Converting to LED lighting is simply the most efficient and best light-quality solution for the office, and could help save up to 90% on energy as well as reduce your maintenance costs. It provides flicker free, natural lighting that has flexible controls with motion sensing and daylight dimming.
Infrared Panel Heaters:
Infrared panel heaters are maintenance-free and simple to install – and up to 60% more energy efficient than conventional convection heating. No plumbing is needed – just a power source – and they can even be fitted in the bathroom and other damp environments.
Smart Plugs:
With a Smart Plug, it is possible to regulate when your electricity is running and which areas use it most. You can set routines for your electronics to turn on only when they’re needed, and some even turn your devices off and on depending on whether you’re in the office or not. You can adjust the timings so it is only on for specific time periods – and is all controllable through your smartphone, or with your voice.
Eco Hand Dryers:
Replacing paper towels with eco hand dryers in the bathroom is an effective way to save thousands on what is normally spent in purchase, cleaning, maintenance and disposal. Paper towels are rarely recycled so replacing them could cut carbon emissions by up to 79%.
Electronic Basin Taps:
Currently, 4% of the UK’s energy usage is used pumping and processing water used every day across businesses. Electronic Basin Taps can reduce water consumption by up to 70%. They have a temperate control sensor that detects hand movement, so water only runs when it’s needed.
Carbon Mentor Scheme:
SaveMoneyCutCarbon, offers a unique ‘Carbon Mentor’ scheme, with hopes to help businesses take the first step in truly making a difference amidst the climate crisis. This service includes a tailored strategy created specifically for carbon reduction and reducing energy bills.
