While working habits have changed since the Covid pandemic with hybrid and remote arrangements more common than before, the UK’s net zero target for 2050 hasn’t disappeared.
If anything, the conversation around sustainability has grown stronger. That means energy saving tips for businesses still matter. They help reduce overheads, strengthen resilience, and lower your business carbon footprint at the same time.
United Gas & Power is proud to serve as an energy supplier to businesses across the UK. As such, we believe meaningful change has to happen at legislative, corporate and individual level. The energy choices we all make have a direct impact on the world we live in.
That’s why in this post, we explore practical energy saving tips for businesses both on site and working remotely, helping your organisation move toward a lower carbon future:
1. Switch to a renewable electricity supplier
One of the most effective energy saving tips for businesses is reviewing where your electricity comes from. Switching to a supplier that provides renewable energy as an option can improve your business carbon footprint.
Many organisations assume renewable electricity comes at a premium. That will depend on current market conditions, but even if the price is higher, it’s rarely exorbitantly so.
At UGP, our electricity mix is sourced from renewable generation including wind, hydro and solar. Our rates remain competitive across the market, so businesses don’t have to choose between cost control and sustainability.
Reducing emissions and improving your procurement stability can sit comfortably together.
2. Upgrade equipment for greater energy efficiency
Upgrading equipment is one of the most straightforward energy saving tips for businesses because most organisations already operate on a replacement cycle.
When investing in new machinery, IT equipment or office technology, prioritise the highest available energy efficiency rating. Over time, more efficient equipment reduces consumption and lowers your business carbon footprint.
Smart systems and automation can also help:
- Zoned temperature controls allow you to heat or cool only the spaces in use.
- Timers on lighting and systems prevent unnecessary energy draw outside working hours.
- Occupancy sensors default to off and activate when someone enters the room.
Across a year, that reduction in waste adds up.
3. Upgrade your business premises
Energy saving tips for businesses extend beyond suppliers and equipment. The physical building itself can reduce consumption levels.
Replacing outdated lighting with LED alternatives is a low disruption improvement with long term benefit. LEDs cost more upfront, yet they consume less energy and last longer.
Heating systems also deserve attention. Modern energy efficient boilers use much less energy than older models. If your heating system is inefficient, no tariff in the world will compensate for that waste.
Consider conducting a full review of your premises including:
- Air conditioning units
- Refrigeration equipment
- Water heating systems
- General appliances
A structured audit will tell you where energy is being lost and where investment will reduce both bills and your business carbon footprint.
4. Reduce heat loss across your building
Even with efficient equipment, poorly insulated buildings undermine your efforts. Addressing insulation is one of the more impactful energy saving tips for businesses looking to cut long term expenditure.
Effective insulation includes:
- Cavity wall and loft insulation
- Pipe and hot water tank insulation
- Double glazing
- Draught proofing for doors and windows
Automatic door closers can also help prevent warm air escaping unnecessarily.
Reducing heat loss strengthens overall energy efficiency and supports measurable reductions in your business carbon footprint.
5. Strengthen internal energy policies and employee engagement
Energy saving tips for businesses only work when your team is involved.
Clear internal policies provide structure and accountability. They also reinforce that reducing energy use is part of company culture, not a passing initiative.
Encourage your team to:
- Turn off IT equipment when not in use
- Avoid leaving devices on standby
- Switch off lights in unused rooms
- Activate energy saving settings on laptops and computers
- Follow an agreed system for shutting down equipment overnight
- Reduce printing and move toward a paperless office
- Choose suppliers who operate with strong environmental standards
- Report equipment faults that may affect efficiency
You might introduce incentives or internal challenges to keep these practices adhered to. A light reminder can also work if applied consistently.
6. Energy saving tips for businesses with remote teams
Remote working has changed how energy is consumed. While office demand may fall, household consumption usually rises to match.
Supporting staff with guidance on working from home energy helps your energy saving strategy. It also helps employees save money on their own energy bills.
Encourage employees to:
- Lower the thermostat slightly and dress comfortably
- Turn equipment off at the wall instead of leaving it on standby
- Block draughts around doors and windows
- Close curtains at dusk to retain heat
- Wash clothes in full loads
- Fix leaking taps and avoid running hot water unnecessarily
You can even make it collaborative for families. Children respond well to reward charts tied to switching off electronics or lights.
When remote teams understand how their habits influence overall energy use, your business carbon footprint becomes a shared responsibility.
Our energy saving approach at United Gas & Power
These energy saving tips aren’t short term fixes, but rather strategic decisions that influence cost stability, resilience and environmental impact.
From choosing a renewable electricity supplier to improving insulation and engaging your workforce, each action contributes to lower bills and a reduced business carbon footprint.
If you’re reviewing your current energy contract or want to understand how your supply aligns with your sustainability goals, speak to our team. We’re here to help you find a solution that supports both commercial performance and environmental responsibility.
Call 0800 669 6697 or or reach out using our online form to start the conversation.
